'I flew the new ultra-budget route to Las Vegas - it's great but you make some sacrifices'

Flying Norse Atlantic Airways to Las Vegas meant I had more bucks to blow in casinos, on shows and in the mind-blowing hotels but you'll have to make the odd compromise - so is it worth the gamble?

What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right? But that rule does not have to extend to how one 'goes to Vegas and stays in Vegas'.

Because there's a new sheriff in town - Norse Atlantic Airways - when it comes to flying to Sin City. And they're aiming to give the main carriers from the UK - British Airways and Virgin Atlantic - a run for your stake money.

Plus the Norwegian headquartered airline is doing it at a price which gives your Vegas budget a whopping boost so you can blow more on the tables, slap up meals and extravagant cocktails. If you want to start the party early, then the flight attendants even offer an $8 drink Happy Hour on board for paying customers.

Norse Atlantic's CEO Bjorn Tore Larsen launched the airline after seeing the opportunity for lower cost airline when "aircraft prices were at an historic low" in the midst of the pandemic. He said he got the "deal of the century" on his jets and can now pass on the savings to his passengers.

Bjorn - who is qualified to fly Boeing 747s - was clear what he'll offer passengers over rivals. He told me: "You'll travel in safety and comfort but you'll do it at a better price".

All the saved cash should also help you bag the latest tickets to see superstars on stage such as Adele, 50 Cent and Barry Manilow this autumn. Our crew were excitedly set for a night out seeing singer Pink while many of the passengers were heading to see a huge UFC bout. It was just one of the increasing number of mega sporting events in Nevada's biggest city.

So if you're tempted to see America's adult playground, is Norse worth a gamble?

Well, here's some major numbers.

British Airways Vegas-bound flights for a four night trip in mid November can start at £829 Economy Basic (hand baggage only) to £932 Economy Standard (checked-in bag with 31in legroom and complimentary drinks)

With Virgin Atlantic, you're looking at around £742 Economy Light (hand baggage only) to Economy Classic (checked-in bag) £852. Economy Delight with extra legroom is £1,002.

So here's Norse huge advantage - £362 Economy Light (10kg carry on bag and small bag) while Economy Classic is £486 with a checked-in bag and a meal with a non boozy drink. Some pretty big savings then - while there's a premium option too at £931 with 43in legroom, deep reclining seats that I was able to sleep in and complimentary food and drinks.

Boss Bjorn explained how he is managing to undercut the big name rivals. He said: "We are a very simple business model, only fly long haul with a lean management team. Our service is second to none, our service is comparable (with our rivals) but our price is better because our costs are lower".

But 'what's the catch', I hear you say?

Well, there are significantly big ones on a 10-hour long haul flight if you choose the Light and Classic options. You'll have to pay extra for dinner and drinks. Or bring your own packed lunch and maybe dinner too which isn't the end of the world for flight savings.

While the onboard entertainment feels limited with fewer new movies than you'd expect but some old classics from the 90s and noughties do keep you entertained. But you check the menus and movies lists online, so you know what you get.

It's without doubt that there are sacrifices you'll have to make for the best prices, but Norse says it is 'all about choice'. If you choose to order meals, you won't be disappointed as chicken green curry or mushroom pasta were as good as the suppers I've had on Virgin Atlantic recently. However, it'll set you back $13 unless you are in Economy Classic.

Meanwhile the leg room in economy was no worse than you'd get on its main rivals as Norse operate Boeing Dreamliners too.

All the while the flight crew were incredibly attentive and happy to engage you in a natter if you wanted to tell them about your plans in the US state that has everything from casinos, to top food to glorious landscapes and mountains.

So if you're happy to make clever decisions on choosing tickets, exercising your options on the flight and packing lightly - then you're on the winner already with Norse. And if you win big, you can always upgrade on the way back!