Hi Travellers

On January 14 2016 social media accounts all across the northern hemisphere went into over-drive; and (for a change) it had nothing to do with Kardashians, Donald Trump, or people falling off hoverboards (resist clicking if you can!).

It was, in fact, thanks to an Icelandic low cost airline called “WOW Air” who announced that they would be offering fares from the USA to Iceland and Europe from as little as $99; via their website of course. As you'd expect, the internet went crazy.

“Who needs a travel agent when you can book fares like this online!” cried thousands of Americans, and then reality – and a whole bunch of “****” set in. Let’s run through them, and the implications... Click below to read the full story.

So this offer isn’t quite so good if you’re living on the west coast. Californians, for example, will have to fork out $199… But that’s still a great deal isn’t it? Nothing to worry about yet.

YET… It turns out that getting there is the cheap part, but getting home less so. Now you’re asked to spend $400 for the return leg, of which very few dates are available. Even so, $600 for a return ticket is great value right? Maybe. But don’t think for a second you can change that flight once it’s locked in; six months in advance…

This certainly isn’t free. In this example any carry-on luggage heavier than 11 pounds will cost you $57 each way, while checked-in luggage (44 pound max) is $76. That takes our fare over $700, but surely we’re all done now? NOPE.

You didn’t read that wrong. Unless you want to cross the Atlantic in a seat that doesn’t recline you’ll have to pay for the privilege of sitting down. Each seat comes with a price tag (both out and back) and that fare keeps on adding up.

Better choose something at the terminal, because you’re not getting anything on the flight unless you want to pay extra for it (and check your card to ensure they accept it). That sounds like a pretty miserable experience, and that’s before you remember that you haven’t accumulated any air miles, perks or benefits with your trip.

If you choose to go on to Europe some of the connecting flights between Reykjavik and London are operated by “Air VIA”, a Bulgarian charter airline that leases some of its planes to Wow.

Are they regulated and checked like the national carriers? One can only wonder…

Don't get caught out... Ask the experts!