Airline News

Say wow to new nonstop flights from DFW Airport to Iceland

WOW is right, check out that signature color.

Photo courtesy of Wow

A groovy new airline flying nonstop to Iceland is coming to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport in 2018. The catchy WOW air will offer non-stop access to Reykjavik, Iceland, with flights going out three times per week on a seasonal basis. WOW air will be the 16th international carrier to serve DFW International Airport.

DFW Airport CEO Sean Donohue says in a release that the airport is pleased to offer another nonstop trans-Atlantic destination, but especially Iceland. "Reykjavik is a popular tourist destination, a growing market for international business and a convenient connecting point to continental Europe," he says.

WOW air, which is very challenging for those who like traditional company names with initial caps, serves 38 destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia. Their goal is to provide the cheapest flights to and from Iceland and across the Atlantic.

It describes itself as a "happy low-fare, long-haul airline based in Iceland." How often do you see airlines describe themselves as "happy?" It also has the greatest signature plum-magenta color, splashed on the planes' exteriors and the flight attendants' uniforms.

WOW air was founded by entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen, whose background is largely in technology and telecoms in Iceland, Europe, and North America. He sits on the board of many tech companies in North America and Europe and was selected Business Man of the Year in Iceland in 2011 and 2016.

"WOW air is thrilled to bring our low-fare, transatlantic flight service to Dallas Fort Worth in May 2018," Mogensen says. "Dallas Fort Worth is a world-class region and we can't wait to give European travelers the opportunity to experience all that Texas has to offer."

WOW air has grown rapidly since its inaugural flight in 2012. The airline carried over 400,000 guests in 2013 and was the most punctual airline in Iceland that year. It is estimated that WOW air's annual passenger capacity will grow from approximately 1.6 million in 2016 to over 3 million in 2017.

The Icelandic low-cost airline stays true to its name by offering select flights to certain European destinations. If you live in St. Louis, Boston, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, San Francisco, or Chicago, you already know that you can visit cities such as Reykjavik, Brussels, and Warsaw for $99.99. Now Dallas-Fort Worth will be able to join that pack.

The airline is no frills. That means no free food, beverages, or entertainment; you can bring your own or buy them on the flight for an additional price.

For airplane buffs, WOW operates a fleet of Airbus planes, and will operate the Airbus A321, the largest member of the Airbus A320 family, for DFW flights.

WOW air service will begin on May 24, 2018 between Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and DFW, with the schedule as follows:

KDF to DFW:
Departs KEF at 9:30 pm Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Arrives DFW at 12:45am Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

DFW to KEF:
Departs DFW at 4:10 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Arrives KEF at 4:45 am Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays

The new route will open up more travel choices for DFW customers via the WOW air hub in Reykjavik, which serves 22 destinations in Europe and the Middle East. That includes Dublin, Ireland, which is already anticipating travel to Texas.

transportation traffic

Disappear Into Nature

Crazy mirrored glamping houses near Austin reflect back the trees

Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Glamping can still include s'mores with a private outdoor fire pit.

Just in time for unbearable temperatures across Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority has debuted a cool glamping solution. Opened mid-May, the Ööd Mirror Houses are LCRA Parks' newest accommodations at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, about 40 minutes outside of Austin.

Hideaway House exterior Both glamping options have floor-to-ceiling windows that look like mirrors from the outside.Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Operated by Cameron Ranch Glamping, these two luxury houses are tucked away in the park's Lost Pines region, surrounded by trees and tranquility.

The two homes — The Hideaway and The Bloom — feature floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls, so guests can look out into nature with complete privacy, from both passersby and mosquitos.

Both are 221 square feet and are pet-friendly. They're equipped with a queen memory foam bed, bathroom with walk-in shower, dining area, Wi-Fi, kitchenette, record player, and perhaps most importantly for this time of year, air conditioning. In the winter, the structures will be heated.

Hideaway House Interior Both mirror houses include memory foam queen-sized beds, WiFi, A/C, and more. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

No matter how glam it gets, guests can still enjoy classic camping fun like roasting marshmallows in their personal outdoor fire pit, or firing up the grill for some burgers. Plus, Lake Bastrop offers paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, areas for fishing, trails for hiking and biking, mini-golf, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and a charming camp store.

Interior kitchen area Kitchenettes come equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and cooking equipment. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Guests can also leave the park and make the 10-minute drive to downtown Bastrop to grab a bite, a drink, some groceries, or catch some music or a movie. (Who can really say what the rules of glamping entail?)

Bloom House The two mirror houses are within walking distance to the swimming areas along the lake. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

The Ööd Mirror Houses are now available to book online. Rates vary by day, starting just above $200 per night before fees, and increasing to more than $300 before fees during certain times. Find the campground at 375 S. Shore Rd., Bastrop.

glamping nature parks bastrop luxury