Your Kids Can Soon Fly to the Azores for 50% Off
The Azores, a cluster of nine volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal, is one of the most popular new destinations to emerge in travelers' collective consciousness. You may even know it as the next Iceland.
Appealing for its lush greenery, ancient hot springs, proximity to the United States (just a five-hour flight) and increased connectivity, the Azores have never been more attractive for US-based travelers. And it's never been more affordable, either.
Families traveling with young children can soon — as of Aug. 20 — score deep discounts on flights to the Portuguese archipelago with Azores Airlines. For a limited time, the airline is giving children between the ages of 2 and 11 a 50% discount on the lowest-published fare, not including surcharges or airport taxes.
According to a spokesperson for the airline, Jayme Simōes, the airline's commercial director, Gavin Eccles, is hoping to "encourage families looking for [a destination] that is safe, close and great for families" to consider the Azores.
"Parents, like me, want to show kids a new place that inspires and amazes," Simōes told TPG. "But [a destination] that is not too far, safe, affordable [and] family-friendly." As Simōes pointed out, Portugal was ranked one of the top five safest countries in the world this year. And the cuisine is delightfully inexpensive.
Outdoorsy families, in particular, will find a number of fun diversions during a trip to the Azores, including whale watching, hiking, snorkeling and laid-back beach days.
To take advantage of this deal, parents must book travel between Aug. 20 and Sept. 9 for trips from Boston (BOS) to the Azorean island of São Miguel (PDL). Travel dates are valid between either Nov. 1 and Dec. 18, or between Jan. 10 and April 30, 2019. And yes, that does mean serious savings on winter and spring vacations for the family. You must book directly with Azores Airlines' website or by phone (800-762-9995). Because the promotion hasn't yet started, if you're hoping to take advantage, you'll want to wait until Aug. 20 to get the discount.
Flying with a little one younger than two? Parents for even tinier tots will get the standard discount of 90% to 95% off the standard fare (before surcharges and airport taxes).
At this time, Azores Airlines operates nine weekly flights from BOS to PDL (on shiny new Airbus A321neos).
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.