Primera Air, one of the newer low-cost carriers to join the fray of airlines competing over transatlantic passengers, is planning on expanding its destination list. Starting in May and June of 2019, the airline will add Brussels (BRU) as a nonstop option from three U.S. airports. Boston (BOS), Washington DC (IAD), and Newark (EWR) will see the Belgian (and EU) capital added alongside Primera’s London (STN) and Paris (CDG) European offerings. Upping Primera’s US-Europe network to eight point-to-point flight options and offering the only nonstop service between Boston and Brussels.
Nonstop Service from Three U.S. Cities to Brussels Added to Network
Fares for these routes are on sale now starting at $149 one-way departing Boston and Newark, with flights from Washington DC pricing at $199 one-way. While these flights begin service in May and June of 2019, you’ll only find these intro offerings starting in September and October. Flight details on the new routes can be found below:
Boston to Brussels $332 roundtrip, begins June 4, 2019
Newark to Brussels $352 roundtrip, begins May 9, 2019
Washington to Brussels $427 roundtrip, begins June 2, 2019
The prices listed above include Primera Air’s $12 fee for booking with a credit card. To avoid this fee you can also do a bank transfer, but I reckon the time and added steps of doing so probably won’t outweigh the savings. These fares also book into Primera’s “Light” category, which only includes a small personal item.
Primera much like many of the other low-cost carriers that have popped up over the last several years serving the trans-Atlantic market make their profits on add-ons. Similar to Norwegian and WOW air, Primera charges extra for nearly everything else, including additional carry on baggage weight, meals, and seat assignments. If you are unfamiliar with Primera’s fees, a list can be found here.
Other Primera flight offerings include:
Boston to London-Stansted $272 roundtrip
Newark to London-Stansted $342 roundtrip
Washington to London-Stansted $465 roundtrip
Newark to Paris CDG $282 roundtrip
Boston to Paris-CDG $342 roundtrip
While it is nice to see increased options and better competition on flights to Europe, bargain buyers will have to be aware of Primera’s stringent carry-on sizes. Deals under the current competitor's offerings can still be had for travelers in need a one-way ticket or are willing to check a bag for $45 one-way. With those fees included flyers should still see prices under what traditional airlines are offering. The new Brussels routes will be serviced on Primera’s new 737 Boeings that are slated for delivery in the spring of 2019, so at least you’ll be on some brand new metal.
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