WOW Air is No Longer in Operation: Key Facts
Sources reviewed April 20, 2025. WOW Air has permanently ceased all scheduled passenger operations. You cannot book new flights or unaccompanied minor services. This page is provided for informational and historical clarity.
Important Notice: WOW Air, the Icelandic low-cost carrier, ceased all operations in March 2019. As a result, there is no active unaccompanied minor policy or service.
If you are planning for your child to travel alone, you must book with an airline that is currently operating. This guide explains the situation and directs you to safer next steps.
Can My Child Fly Alone on WOW Air?
The clear answer is no. WOW Air is no longer an operating airline. All flights were canceled, and the company has been through insolvency proceedings. You cannot purchase a ticket or any associated service, including unaccompanied minor handling.
If you see a website offering WOW Air bookings, it is likely a scam or a mistake. Do not provide any payment information. Always verify an airline's operating status with official aviation authorities before booking.
What this means for you: Any historical policy information from WOW Air is irrelevant for new travel plans. You must start from scratch with a different airline.
Historical Age Requirements (For Reference Only)
Archived Policy: Before its closure, WOW Air had its own set of rules for child travel. However, these rules are no longer valid.
Treat this information as a historical record. It cannot be used to make a new booking or to claim a service. The only way to know the current rules is to check with a live, operating airline.
For any new trip, you will need to verify the age, service, and booking requirements with the airline you choose.
What to Do Instead of Booking with WOW Air
Since you can't book with WOW Air, your focus should be on finding a reliable replacement. Here's what to do:
- Find an operating airline: Look for carriers that fly the route you need. Use a flight comparison site, but always double-check the airline's official website for the final booking.
- Check their unaccompanied minor policy: Each airline has its own rules about age, fees, and forms. Read the policy carefully before you book.
- Contact the airline directly: Call the airline to confirm the service is available on your specific flight and to ask any questions about the process.
This direct approach is the safest way to ensure your child's travel is properly arranged and supported.
Do Not Attempt to Book WOW Air Flights
WARNING: Do not purchase a ticket on a supposed WOW Air flight. No verified scheduled operation exists.
Scammers sometimes set up fake websites to trick people looking for cheap flights. They might use the WOW Air brand name and logo. If you make a payment, you risk losing your money and having no flight for your child.
If you have an old WOW Air booking from before 2019, it cannot be used for new travel. Any credit or voucher from the airline's collapse is not valid for new bookings.
Old Booking Records and Claims
If you have old WOW Air booking documents, they may be useful for making a claim with your travel insurance or credit card company regarding a historical trip.
However, these documents have no value for booking new travel. You cannot reuse a WOW Air ticket or document for a flight on another airline. You must start a new, independent booking.
Historical Fees vs. New Costs
Any fees or fares associated with WOW Air are no longer current. The airline's pricing structure from 2019 is not applicable for future travel.
For your new booking, you will need to check the current pricing and fee structure of the airline you choose. Service fees for unaccompanied minors vary by airline and can be significant.
Baggage Policies: Old vs. New
WOW Air's old baggage allowances are a thing of the past. They do not transfer to any other airline.
When you book a new flight, you must check the baggage policy of that specific airline. Each carrier has its own rules about weight, dimensions, and the number of bags allowed.
Strollers and Car Seats on a New Airline
WOW Air's equipment rules are no longer in effect. For your new flight, you must follow the policies of the operating airline.
This includes rules for checking strollers at the gate or using a car seat on board. These rules can change, so always check with the airline before you travel.
There is No WOW Air Check-in Desk
Since WOW Air is not operating, there are no WOW Air check-in desks or staff at any airport.
For your new travel plans, you will be checking in with the airline you have booked with. Arrive early to complete the necessary paperwork for your child's unaccompanied minor service.
Finding a Replacement Route
WOW Air's old route network is not active. You cannot use a historical route map to plan current travel.
You will need to search for your desired route on the websites of currently operating airlines. Use flight search engines, but always book on the airline's official website.
Special Assistance on a New Airline
WOW Air cannot provide any support. For a child with special needs, you must discuss the requirements with the airline you are booking with.
Special assistance for mobility, communication, or medical needs must be arranged in advance with the operating carrier. They will have specific procedures to follow.
A Safe Planning Example
Let's say you need to get your 8-year-old from Boston to London. You start by searching for airlines that fly this route, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, or American Airlines.
Next, you visit each airline's official website to check their unaccompanied minor policy, fees, and required forms. You then call the airline to confirm the service is available on your chosen flight.
Finally, you book the ticket on the airline's official site, complete the necessary paperwork, and prepare for the travel day. This method ensures a safe and verified booking.
Final Advice for Parents
The most important step is to verify the current status of the airline and book with a live, operating carrier. Don't rely on old brand names.
Before you pay for any ticket, double-check the airline's name and ensure it is the one operating the flight. You can verify an airline's certificate on the relevant country's aviation authority website.
If you are unsure about a website, contact the airline directly through their official customer service number.
Historical vs. New: What You Need to Know
| Feature | WOW Air (Historical) | New Operating Airline |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Status | Ceased operations in 2019 | Active and flying |
| Flights | All canceled | Scheduled and available |
| UM Service | Not available | Available (subject to their policy) |
| Fees | N/A | Current and apply to new bookings |
| Documents | Historical claims only | New forms and process |
This table contrasts the non-operational WOW Air with what you can expect from a new, active airline. Your planning must start with an active carrier.
Official Source for WOW Air Status
The Icelandic Transport Authority is the primary regulator for aviation in Iceland. Their website provides official information on airline operating certificates and status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get clear, direct answers to the most common questions about WOW Air's status.
Can my child fly alone on WOW Air?+
No. WOW Air ceased all operations in March 2019. You cannot book any new flights or services with them.
Is there a fee for an unaccompanied minor on WOW Air?+
WOW Air no longer operates, so there is no current fee. Any historical fee information is not applicable for new travel.
Are there any WOW Air flights still operating?+
No. All WOW Air flights were canceled when the airline ceased operations. Old route maps are for reference only and do not represent active service.
Can I still book a ticket for my child on WOW Air?+
No. You cannot book new tickets on WOW Air. Be cautious of any website offering WOW Air bookings, as the airline is no longer in operation.
Can I use an old WOW Air booking or document for a new trip?+
No. Old booking evidence is not valid for new travel. You must start a fresh booking with a currently operating airline.
What is the baggage allowance for a child on WOW Air?+
WOW Air's baggage policies are archived and do not apply to new travel. You must check the baggage policy of the airline you are booking with.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat on a WOW Air flight?+
WOW Air no longer operates, so its equipment rules are not applicable. You must follow the equipment policy of the airline you choose to travel with.
What do I do if I have a claim related to a past WOW Air booking?+
For claims related to historical bookings, you may need to contact your credit card company, travel insurance provider, or the Icelandic authorities handling the airline's insolvency.
Can a child with a disability receive support on WOW Air?+
WOW Air is not operating, so it cannot provide any support. You must discuss any special assistance needs with the active airline you book with.
Can my infant travel on WOW Air?+
No, no passenger can travel on WOW Air as the airline is not in operation.
What happens if a WOW Air flight is delayed?+
There are no WOW Air flights to be delayed. The airline has permanently ceased operations.
What are the international travel rules for WOW Air?+
WOW Air no longer operates, so its rules are irrelevant. For new international travel, you must follow the rules of the operating airline and the governments of the countries you are traveling to, from, or through.
Can my children travel together on WOW Air?+
No, they cannot travel on WOW Air as the airline is not in operation.
Who can pick up my child from a WOW Air flight?+
No one, as there are no WOW Air flights. For new bookings, the pickup person will be determined by the new airline's policy.
Can I change the pickup person for a WOW Air booking?+
No, as the booking is invalid. For new travel, you must follow the new airline's procedure for updating contact details.
Will the crew give medicine to my child on WOW Air?+
WOW Air is not operating. For any new flight, you must check the medication policy of the airline you are flying with.
Can I go to the gate with my child on WOW Air?+
There are no WOW Air flights. For new travel, this is determined by the operating airline, airport, and security.
Do I need a consent letter for my child to fly on WOW Air?+
It is not applicable as WOW Air is not operating. For new travel, a consent letter may be required, and you must check with the operating airline and relevant authorities.
What should I pack in my child's carry-on bag for a WOW Air flight?+
This is not applicable as there are no flights. For new travel, follow the packing advice and baggage policy of the airline you are booking with.
Do codeshare flights follow WOW Air's rules?+
WOW Air no longer operates. For any new booking, the rules of the operating airline apply.
What is the first thing to verify for a WOW Air booking?+
The first thing to verify is that WOW Air ceased operations in 2019, so you should not make a booking with them.
What records should I keep for a WOW Air booking?+
For a historical booking, keep all records for potential claim purposes. They are not useful for booking new travel.
What route details are important for a WOW Air booking?+
No route details are current as the airline no longer operates. For new travel, you must check the route with the operating carrier.
When should I recheck the WOW Air policy?+
You can check the Icelandic Transport Authority's website for any official updates regarding the airline's status, but no relaunch has been confirmed.
Continue Your Planning
Editorial and Verification Note
WOW Air is no longer an operating airline. This page is for informational purposes only. All historical policy information is provided for clarity but is not applicable for new bookings.
Editorial Note: Updated April 20, 2025. AI assisted in the research and drafting of this guide. We encourage you to verify the operating status of any airline with the relevant national aviation authority. We are not affiliated with WOW Air or any other airline.