$25 flights on Amazon?…Don’t be fooled…

Ten years ago, here’s Tom’s side of the family who’d arrived for the family holiday gathering on the Big Island, Hawaii. From left, Sarah, TJ, me, Tom, Tracy, and Tammy. The three boys from left to right are Vincent, Jayden, and Nik. My son Greg and his family had yet to arrive.

Often, we see headlines about “deals” and assume that the offering is, in fact, viable and worth pursuing. But, like many headlines, the article’s information is far less appealing than the headline.

I couldn’t read this article quickly enough when I spotted it this morning as I perused worldwide travel news. Although most of our readers aren’t students to whom this information is relevant, I thought it would be fun for parents and grandparents to use this perk to help their student loved ones visit from afar for the holidays at an affordable rate.

But, as I read the article, it is evident that the rules and conditions make it highly unlikely to be a viable option for student travel. In many cases, the one-way return, which is not included, could cost more than the undiscounted round trip!

Here’s an article about this Amazon promotion from USA Today:

“$25 flights on Amazon? Yes, but there’s a catch. How to book the Christmas travel deal…

Michael Salerno

Arizona Republic
December 6, 2024

“It’s a travel deal that seems too good to pass up: a $25 flight from Amazon.

But there’s a catch: the offer is exclusive to Amazon Prime members on the young adult plan, supply is limited to 1,000 tickets a day, and it’s limited to travel through Jan. 14, 2025.

Amazon offers $25 flights in partnership with StudentUniverse, which offers travel discounts for students and young adults. They’re offering 1,000 flights each day for $25 over five days for Prime members from ages 18 to 24, with the promotion designed to make it more affordable for young people to travel home for the holidays.

Members are limited to a single round-trip or one-way flight.

Where can I fly for $25?

Amazon and StudentUniverse’s $25 flights are available for travel within all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. No international flights are offered at this discount.

When can I travel for $25?

The $25 flights are valid for travel from Dec. 9 to Jan. 14, 2025.

How many $25 flights will be available?

A total of 5,000 $25 flights will be available over five days from Dec. 9-13. Amazon will drop 1,000 of the $25 plane tickets each day starting at 11 a.m. Arizona time each day.”

How easily can we be misled by advertising? The lucky few who get the $25 perk must carefully investigate the costs without it to ensure it’s worthwhile.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 6, 2014:

Lava rock on the shore of the Big Island with crystal-like water. For more photos, please click here.