5 Tips to Decide Whether You Should Fly Wow Airlines to Europe
Those who know me, know I’m always looking for clever headlines to my blogs. But, just like Wow Airlines is bare bones travel, this blog is going to be plain and simple. Just the facts.
We flew Wow from Miami to Tel Aviv with the stopover in Reykjavik. There are pros and cons. Here are 5 tips to consider before booking with Wow!
1) Remember the Add-Ons Before You Are Wowed By The Price
Yes, Derek was able to find a one way Miami to Tel Aviv ticket for $320 each. But then, the add-ons begin.
Luggage fees will differ based on your destination. Using our Miami to Tel Aviv as an example, here’s the lowdown:
Carry ons (like your 22” roll aboard) paid for at time of booking are $43.99. Price at check in ticket counter will be $69.99. (The ticket counter staff were eagle eyed, and not so friendly in Miami. Their job is to make money for their airline. You are allowed a personal item, like a back pack, for free. And who travels to Europe with only that?)
Checked bags, up to 44 pounds are $63.99 at time of booking, and $79.99 at the ticket counter.
Your boarding pass clearly states that you paid for a carry on, though for us, it didn’t seem like the gate agents looked at your luggage while boarding. So add up all this stuff before you decide to fly with them versus a competitor. Also, no food or drinks are included, although you can buy them at fairly reasonable prices (a sandwich is like 10 bucks.) So the total cost of our flight to Tel Aviv on Wow was $400 each, one way. If you’re flying one way, as we needed to do on a complicated trip, you can’t beat the price. If you’re flying round trip, the difference is potentially minimal – or not. Check by major competitors, and then decide whether the trade-offs are worth it.
2) A Pleasant Surprise Once On Board
The planes are new and clean, the flight attendants friendly. On our first leg, the plane was an A340. There was a welcome amount of leg room. I found the thinnish seats uncomfortable after several hours. The seats did recline…a bit. Our second leg was an A320. I found those seats much more padded, but with less legroom. The seats did recline…a bit. The best part: the flight attendants let us all know to look out the windows to see an incredible display of the Northern Lights… a first for me!
3) The More Prepared You Are, The Happier Your Journey
We knew you have to buy all your food and drinks, so we packed a picnic for dinner and mid morning snack. The only thing I bought was morning coffee, at 3.29. Check the attached photos for food and drink prices.
Don’t expect any pillows or blankets. Bring your own, if you use them.
There are no “screens” for you: no in-flight entertainment. Bring your own laptop, a good book…or maybe you’ll be treated to a show of the Northern Lights.
4) Reykjavik Stopover Was Fine
Reykjavik is a comfortable airport. We found some benches to lay down and stretch out.
5) Checked Luggage Arrived Fine
No problems or complaints.
So, should you fly Wow? We’d fly them again, but do your homework. Compare the prices of traditional airlines that allow baggage and offer food, movies, etc. Add it up, and see if it makes sense for you.
