Newark gets low-cost flights from 2 new airlines
Bargain airfares are about to become more plentiful for New York area travelers.
Allegiant and WOW Air, two fast-growing “ultra low-cost carriers,” each announced plans to fly from Newark starting this November. Both are making a splash with rock-bottom introductory fares at the New York City-area airport that traditionally ranks as one of the USA’s most expensive.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air will add service to four cities, with fares as low as $39 on its flights to Asheville, N.C.; Cincinnati; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Savannah, Ga.
WOW will fly only one route from Newark — to its hub near Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik — but will offer connections to more than 20 other European destinations via Iceland. Flights went on sale this week for as little as $99 each way to Iceland and $149 for connections to cities such as London, Berlin and Amsterdam.
There is one caveat for bargain seekers. As ultra low-cost carriers, both WOW and Allegiant charge extra for everything from seat assignments to large carryon bags.
New York travelers can thank a regulatory shake-up for the new discount options. Capacity controls had made it difficult for new airlines to enter Newark, but an April change by the Federal Aviation Administration relaxed those rules for flights after Oct. 30.