Now is one of the most exciting times to be a budget traveler headed to Europe . A handful of low-cost European airlines have started flying from the U.S. in recent years, with deals like $69 one-way from Miami to Iceland and $139 one-way from the West Coast to Sweden . And more are on the way: Last month, Iceland-based Primera Air started selling $99 transatlantic flights that will take off this spring.
These fares are no farce, and travel experts call them some of the cheapest the industry has ever seen . Of course, there are drawbacks; often, booking with a low-cost airline means you wont be allowed to bring carry-on bags , have an in-flight meal or choose your seat without paying an extra fee.
Low-cost airlines make sense for the frugal traveler who can fit his or her life into a backpack , but those who prefer in-flight perks should be aware that costs can pile up, Zach Honig, editor-in-chief of The Points Guy , told HuffPost.
Is it really possible to fly to Iceland for $200? Sure, if you carry only a backpack, dont select a seat in advance and skip the meals, he said. If you fly like the majority of leisure travelers do, though, the add-on costs can quickly add up.
When deciding whether to fly a low-cost airline to Europe, its all about weighing your options. Compare costs with mainstream carriers on a site like Google Flights to make sure youre getting a deal, then check the budget carriers site to find out if theyll tack on fees for the extras you desire (i.e. a checked bag, a meal or a bigger seat). Research the aircrafts seat size and amenities if comfort is a concern, and note that while those sparkly flash sales feature super-cheap one-way flights, the trip back could cost you.
Dont fear, though. These airlines can be a real win, as long as you know what youre getting into. Here are some low-cost airlines to consider for your next trip to Europe .
Wow Air
This Icelandic airline is one of the most prominent low-cost carriers flying from the U.S. to Europe right now, according to Honig. Wow currently flies from 13 U.S. cities to many around Europe, and its website regularly features eye-popping fares like $99 from Boston to London one-way. However, all of Wows flights have layovers in Reykjavik, Iceland , and your ticket price wont include seat selection or carry-on bags beyond a backpack. (Baggage fees vary by route .)