It may be a bit premature to start planning 2021 travel, but if you’re in the Chicagoland area and looking for a cheap one-way fare to Europe, TAP Air Portugal has a deal for you…
TAP Air Portugal: Cheap One-Way Tickets To Europe (From $107)
Over the last couple years, TAP Air Portugal has become the new WOW Air, with extremely cheap one-way fares to Europe that originate in the United States. One-way prices in the $200-300 range are common, but I’ve never seen a fare this cheap.
The cheapest pricing I can see is from Chicago to Stockholm, which comes in as low as €88 ($107), depending upon where you buy the ticket.
Boston is a bit more at $144, Miami $199, and San Francisco, New York, and Washington $271+. This deal has been around a few days so I do not think it is an error.
Other cities are available too, though Nordic cities like Stockholm and Helsinki are cheapest. The fare is available through the end of the schedule (November 2021).
These are basic economy fares, meaning only a single carry-on item is included. Checked bags can be added, but will run $75 for the first bag. Seats will be assigned at check-in. Do note that if you have Star Alliance Gold status, you will still enjoy priority boarding, lounge access, and one free checked bag on these cheap fares. All passengers will still receive complimentary food and beverages onboard.
As always, the return legs cost about double the outbound, though you’re still looking at only $300 round-trip from Chicago. That said, this is the perfect opportunity to just book a one-way ticket then fly home on a different ticket using your miles. You can score some great one-way fares using your miles on Air France-KLM Flying Blue or even on Delta using Virgin Atlantic miles.
Finally, note that if you just book a one-way ticket and don’t check a bag, you can always end the one-way trip in Portugal. This is called “hidden city” ticketing and is technically frowned upon by airlines, but it something to consider. Not only is Lisbon a lovely city, but it is a great springboard to Southern Europe or Northern Africa.
CONCLUSION
TAP Air Portugal continues to offer phenomenal fares from the USA to Europe. If you don’t mind traveling in economy and just want a cheap way to get to Europe, this is your best bet.
This is a great fare especially for Star Gold folks who still get most of the benefits. One way mileage tickets back from Europe on DL/AF/KL will have surcharges that are more than the TAP cash rate, though.
Indeed, you’re correct, but might be fun to splurge only in one direction on AF/KLM and the ~$250-300 surcharges for business class are not as bad as they used to be.
Matthew,
I booked this for November 2021. This is a terrific deal. Thanks for posting. Your blog is a great read and the topics are diverse. I think we will be flying again actively within the next six months
I sure hope so! Enjoy the trip Gary. Thanks for your kind words.
Do you have a review of the on-board product?
Not yet. Stay tuned.