WOW Air Baggage Fees & How to Avoid Paying Them!

BY 

Erin Miller

- August 14, 2018August 15, 2018

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WOW Air is following the trend of many airlines by offering reduced baggage fees when you book your trip online.

However, there’s a caveat: baggage costs increase if you wait to purchase a bag allowance until after making your reservation!

Your baggage fees will also depend greatly on the type of WOW air ticket/fare you purchase.

It’s important to note that with the basic fare, WOW charges a non-refundable, non-transferable fee for carry-on bags. The maximum weight for a checked bag is also lower than average at 44 lbs (instead of the usual 50 lbs).

So consider your packing strategy and how many bags you want/need to take with you before booking to save the most money!

Baggage Allowance Per WOW Air Fare Types

WOW air provides 4 fare options, each with their own specific baggage allowance:

WOW Carry-On Allowance

Personal item: FREE (regardless of fare type)

Carry-On item: Prices vary depending on fare purchased and route.

Here is the general range you’re likely to see; for your specific route, please use WOW’s official calculator here.

• Online price during booking: $44.99 – $54.99
• Online price after booking: $54.99 – $64.99
• Price at check-in desk: $59.99 – $69.99
• Price at the gate: $99.99*

*Carry-on bag change fee: If your carry-on exceeds the maximum size allowed for the cabin, you can change it to a checked bag at the counter for $30. If you wait until you get to the gate to find out it’s too large to carry-on, you’ll be in bigger trouble!

In addition to the above items, you can also board the aircraft with 1 duty-free shopping bag.

Hot Tip: If you’re paying at the check-in counter, be aware of WOW’s no cash policy: “Cash is not accepted as a form of payment for baggage allowance and other services at the check-in counter.”

Size Restrictions: 

• Personal item: 17 x 13 x 10 in (22 lbs)
• Carry-on item: 22 x 18 x 10 in (26 lbs)

Lap Infant Carry-On Policy:

• Infants have baggage allowance for 1 small bag/item (42 x 32 x 25 cm)

Stroller Check Policy: 

• Strollers are carried free of charge for children. However, WOW has a restriction of only 1 free item per ticket. If you need to take more items with you, charges for special equipment will apply.

WOW Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags can have a maximum weight of 44lbs and maximum linear dimensions of 158cm combined (suitcases exceeding 158cm will not be accepted).

The prices for a checked bag vary depending on the fare you purchased (see table above), and your route.

We’ve listed the general range of prices you’re most likely to find, but again: for exact pricing on your specific route, please use WOW’s official calculator here.

1st, 2nd, & 3rd bags each (non-refundable, non-transferable):

• Online price during booking: $54.99 – $69.99
• Online price after booking: $62.99 – $79.99*
• Price at check-in desk: $69.99 – $89.99
• Price at gate: $99.99

*If baggage is added via the call center after initial booking, an added service fee of $17.99 per guest, per flight, per leg will apply.

Recommended Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

Credit Card	Card & Fee Reimbursement Details
Barclays Arrival® Premier World Elite MasterCard®	Use your miles to cover any qualifying travel purchases of $100 or more, including baggage fees. Earn 2X miles on every purchase made with the card. Plus, EACH YEAR earn up to 25,000 loyalty bonus miles Annual Fee: $150 (waived first year) Rates & Fees
Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express	$100 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $100 a calendar year for baggage fees at one airline. Terms. Earn 25,000 points after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. 3x points for flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points at US restaurants, US gas stations, and at US supermarkets. Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $195
The Platinum Card® from American Express	$200 airline fee credit per calendar year on your previously designated airline. Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. Access more than 1,100 airport lounges across 120 countries and counting, including the amazing Centurion® lounges. Up to $200 Uber Savings Annually. $200 Airline Fee Credit. Terms. Annual Fee: $550
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN	$200 airline fee credit per calendar year on your previously designated airline. Welcome Offer: Earn up to 75,000 Membership Rewards® Points. Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 & an extra 25,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000 all on qualifying purchases within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Access more than 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries and counting, including the amazing Centurion® lounges. Terms. Annual Fee: $450

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

Additional Bags: Max of 3 bags; additional baggage over 3 pieces is not allowed

Overweight: $19.99 per kg (up to 70lbs/32kg)

Oversized: Normal suitcases over 158cm will not be accepted. Per WOW’s policy, “odd-size” and not “normal” baggage can be carried for an additional fee per leg of the journey. This fee will depend on the item, size, and route.

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to WOW’s policy here.

Exclusions & Waivers

WOW Air does not have a frequent flyer program, so there’s no opportunity to get around baggage fees that way. Additionally, WOW air does not currently offer an exclusion or waiver for active duty military.

For more information on WOW air, including fare breakdowns, amenities, seat specs, customer satisfaction, safety, and more — hop on over to our Wow airline review.