Maybe you’ve heard the news that the Icelandic company WOW Air is once again offering $99 one-way flights to Europe beginning in 2018. I think it’s a wonderful idea to make international travel affordable — similar to what IKEA has done with furniture — but like IKEA, you should understand exactly what you are getting yourself into with a WOW Air flight.
I tried to book a flight on WOW Air’s website with the approach that I am a New York City resident who wants to go on a one-week European trip next spring. I have flexible dates and a flexible destination. I found a $99 one-way ticket to London next April (pretty wow!), but that does not include a return flight, fees or even a carry-on bag.
I found a return flight one week later for $189. If I want to bring a carry-on bag, that’s another $39 each way. If I want flight protection, it’s another $25 each way. To reserve a seat (and you have to reserve at least a basic seat), it costs another $10-$124 depending on leg room. I go with the basic seat. My tab stands at $516.
Once you board a WOW Air flight, nothing is free either. A water costs $2, a bag of chips is $3.25. The airline offers a variety of other snacks: yogurt, sandwiches and something called “flatcake.” The only thing that appears to be free is a bite-sized Icelandic licorice candy. WOW also offers an in-flight magazine and puzzles, but no movie.
When I researched flying from NYC to London in the same time period I found a $570 flight on British Airways. It is $54 more than WOW Air’s flight, but that price includes a checked bag, meals and drinks (including wine or beer) and movies galore. Also, the British Airways flight is non-stop while WOW Air’s stops in Iceland.
The bottom line: WOW Air is worth a look, especially if you can fit everything in a purse, are bringing your own lunch and enjoy black licorice. It’s a great option if your final destination is Iceland. Otherwise, I would recommend searching all airlines using an aggregator such as Kayak. (Or you can always hire me to do the legwork for you!)
Photo courtesy of WOW Air
Bakersfield Blonde 
Named Correctly. WOW. What a scam! Thanks
Well, you can get a pretty good deal if you are willing to forgo all creature comforts, baggage, insurance, etc. I think I’m too old to start doing that now 🙂 Oh, and it costs $75 to bring a stroller each way on WOW, whereas most airlines check it for free.
My coworker did it two winters ago and packed everything into a hiking backpack. She saved a lot of money. Oh, and she was 22 — much easier to forego certain creature comforts and embrace the boho lifestyle at that age. I agree that fees and charges REALLY add up on these budget airlines. Important to do your research!