If you're reading this post, then you must be as shocked as I am to hear that WOW AIR, an airline focusing on European trips with a layover in Iceland to boost their economy, has suddenly ceased. Here, I'll talk about current events related to WOW AIR closing, and pay homage to the airline by describing my experience.
Wow, It's Over.
WOW AIR started flying in 2012, specializing in old-fashioned cheap plane tickets. You could fly from Los Angeles to Iceland for about $250. However, adding any baggage or meals would cost extra. Once you got on the plane, you were welcomed with cute play-on-word puns and cheerful flight attendants with signature purple outfits. I raved about this airline to all of my friends.
Then, on March 28, 2019, it was all over. WOW announced that it was suddenly ceasing all flights - there was little to no warning at all. While this seemed like a surprise, WOW seemed to be struggling for some time. They were talking to Icelandair about taking over the company in November 2018, and shareholders of WOW would be given some shares of Icelandair. However, a few weeks later, Icelandair backed out of the deal and WOW was left to fend for itself. This resulted in WOW AIR shutting down and ceasing all flights immediately in March 2019.
For those who have tickets for WOW AIR, there is some hope. It does not seem that WOW will not be providing any refunds to its customers. However, Icelandair has stated that they will be giving reduced ticket prices to some of those affected by WOW's sudden death. It's not the best, but it's something.
Stuck in Paradise
When I say WOW AIR stopped immediately, I mean immediately. Several stories have been shared regarding people spending their vacation in Iceland, only to find out that their flights home have been cancelled. Icelandair even has a specific link for people stranded due to WOW closing: https://www.icelandair.com/support/contact-us/getmehome/
In one situation, four college students were stuck in Iceland due to WOW closing. They set up a gofundme account to help pay for their tickets back home. All in all, Iceland is a wonderful scenic paradise, but maybe being stuck in paradise isn't as glamorous as it seems.
Pour One Out for the Homies that Didn't Make It
I took WOW AIR for my first independent international flight back in the summer of 2017. I flew from Los Angeles to Iceland for a 2-day layover, and then from Iceland to Ireland. I was a little nervous to be on my own, but felt more relaxed as I got onto the WOW plane. The flight attendants greeted me with a lovely smile and purple uniforms. The seats were purple. The plane accents were purple. The carpets were purple. Everything was purple.
My flight to Iceland was awesome. To some, they would focus on the average amount of leg room, lack of entertainment, and expensive prices for food and amenities. However, for me, a poor student in college looking to see the world on a budget - it was spectacular. I just wanted to get to my destination and enjoy my vacation, and WOW made my dream come true.
I had an excellent time in Iceland and Ireland. My time in Iceland was short (literally less than two days), but I saw everything I could possibly see and enjoyed every single moment of it. I'm planning on taking my boyfriend for his first time soon.
So here is to WOW AIR - an airline I recommended to all of my college pals whose hearts desired to see the world. An open doorway to all the scenic environments at a decent price. Thank you, to the homies who didn't make it.
References:
https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/281772/icelandair-scraps-takeover-of-wow-/
https://thepointsguy.com/news/stranded-wow-passengers-gofundme/
http://time.com/5560390/wow-air-stop-flights-thousands-stranded/
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