Here’s a fantastic opportunity to jump on a last-minute flight to Europe for super cheap!
Via Miles to Memories, WOW Air is selling deeply discounted fares to celebrate its 5th anniversary. You can fly from Los Angeles, Miami, or San Francisco to 9 European destinations for $55 one-way!
But there’s a catch. These fares are only valid if you book a round-trip ticket. And return fares aren’t nearly as inexpensive!
I’ll fill you in on the details and help you decide if this is a good deal for you!
WOW Air Europe Sale
Link: WOW Air
WOW Air is a low-cost airline based in Iceland, and they often run cheap fare sales. But I’ve never seen fares this low!
You can fly from Los Angeles, Miami, or San Francisco in June 2017 for only $55 one-way to these European cities (via Reykjavik):
- Amsterdam
- Berlin
- Brussels
- Copenhagen
- Cork
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Frankfurt
- London (Gatwick)
Note: Not all destinations are available from each US city.
Travel dates are in June 2017, and vary depending on the departure city. Seats are very limited.
You’ll have to book a round-trip flight to take advantage of this deal. And some return flights are very expensive! But if you can find travel dates that fit your schedule, this sale could be worth it!
For example, I found round-trip flights between San Francisco and London, departing June 4, 2017, and returning June 8, 2017, for ~$275!
I flew WOW Air to Iceland had and a very good experience. But keep in mind, WOW Air charges extra for everything, including large carry-on bags, checked bags, and seat selection.
So be sure to factor in these costs before deciding to book a trip!
Hotel Information
If you book a sale flight, remember there are lots of ways to get cheap or free hotel rooms with points from credit card bonuses and spending.
Check out my favorite Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Starwood hotels in Europe!
To find hotels that can be booked with points, I use Hotel Hustle (which even shows you if rooms are actually available!) or AwardMapper.
Remember, you can transfer flexible points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards to different hotel programs.
Note: If you prefer to book paid stays, check out discount sites like Orbitz, Expedia, or TravelPony for deals. But remember you won’t get stay credits or points (and might not have your elite status recognized!).
Airbnb is another terrific way to save money on accommodations, especially for longer stays. Here are some tips on how to negotiate a better Airbnb price, and how to find a safe and comfortable Airbnb.
Use a Credit Card That Earns Bonus Miles & Points
These cards earn bonus miles or points for paid airfare:
| Card Name | What It Earns |
|---|---|
The Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN | - Earn 3X American Express Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly from airlines when you choose this as your 3X category (otherwise earn 2X points) - Here's my review of the card - Terms apply |
| Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express | - Earn 3X American Express Membership Rewards points for airfare purchased directly from airlines - $100 Airline fee credit. Up to $100 a year for incidental fees with your selected airline - Here's my review of the card - Terms apply |
| SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card from American Express | - 3% cash back on airfare purchased directly from airlines on the first $50,000 when you choose this as your 3% cash back category - Here's my review of the card - Terms apply |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | - Earn 5X American Express Membership Rewards points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel - $200 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $200 a year in baggage fees and more at 1 airline - Here's my review of the card - Terms apply |
| Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard | - Earn 2 miles per $1 on all purchases - Use miles for travel statement credits (minimum 10,000 miles for $100) - Here's my review of the card |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | - Earn 3 miles per $1 on travel and dining - $300 statement credit for travel purchases per calendar year (including hotels, airfare, etc.) - Here's my review of the card |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | - Earn 2X Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel, including airfare - Here's my review of the card |
| Citi Prestige® Card | - Earn 3X ThankYou points for airfare & hotels - $250 statement credit for airfare & baggage fees each calendar year |
| Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card | - Earn 3X Chase Ultimate Rewards points on the first $150,000 spent on travel, including airfare each year - Here's my review of the card |
| Citi ThankYou® Premier Card | - Earn 3X ThankYou points for travel, including airfare |
| Or pay with an airline credit card for specific perks! |
And if you book a hotel, don’t forget to use one of these cards:
| Card Name | What It Earns |
|---|---|
| SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card from American Express | - 3% cash back on hotel rooms purchased directly from hotels on the first $50,000 when you choose this as your 3% cash back category - Here's my review of the card - Terms apply |
| Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard | - Earn 2 miles per $1 on all purchases - Use miles for travel statement credits (minimum 10,000 miles for $100) - Here's my review of the card |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | - Earn 3 miles per $1 on travel and dining - $300 statement credit for travel purchases per calendar year (including hotels, airfare, etc.) - Here's my review of the card |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | - Earn 2X Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel, including hotels - Here's my review of the card |
| Citi Prestige® Card | - Earn 3X ThankYou points for airfare & hotels - Extend your trip with a complimentary 4th night stay at any hotel of your choice |
| Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card | - Earn 3X Chase Ultimate Rewards points on the first $150,000 spent on travel, including airfare & hotels each year - Here's my review of the card |
| Citi ThankYou® Premier Card | - Earn 3X ThankYou points for travel, including hotels - Here's my review of the card |
| Or pay with a hotel credit card for specific perks! |
Bottom Line
WOW Air’s $55 one-way fares to Europe are the lowest I’ve ever seen! Seats are very limited, so book quickly if you see dates that work for you.
You’ll have to book a round-trip ticket to get in on the sale, and return flights are more expensive. Do the math (including extra fees for baggage) to be sure you’re getting a good deal.
Let me know if you book a cheap flight!
Are airlines allowed to advertise a rate on a “one way” fare when, in fact, it is not possible to buy a one way ticket? Seems deceptive to me.