Wizz Air: Everything You Need to Know Before Flying
P.S. Recently Wizz Air has been accused of excessive cancelling of its flights and the worst customer service so book your tickets with that idea in mind (e.g. book accommodation with free cancellation and so on).
Introduction
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for the best deals when it comes to travelling. That’s why I’ve become a big fan of Wizz Air, one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers. If you haven’t flown with them before, I’m here to share everything you need to know before booking your next adventure with Wizz Air. Buckle up, because we’re about to take off!
Wizz Air, founded in 2003, is a Hungarian-based airline that has quickly become one of the leading low-cost carriers in Europe. If you’re travelling within Europe, chances are, Wizz Air has a route that will get you there for a fraction of the price.
Booking Your Flight with Wizz Air
Wizz Air’s easy-to-use website makes booking a breeze. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter or download their app, so you can stay updated on the latest deals and promotions. When booking, keep in mind that Wizz Air offers three types of fares: Basic, Wizz Go, and Wizz Plus.
Basic Fare: This is the no-frills option, where you’ll get the lowest possible fare for your flight. It includes a free carry-on bag (max. size 40x30x20 cm and up to 10 kg) that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Wizz Go: This option offers more flexibility and additional services for a slightly higher fare. It includes a trolley bag (55x40x23 cm), a 20 kg checked-in bag, seat selection, free airport and online check-in up to 30 days before flight departure, and priority boarding.
Wizz Plus: This all-inclusive fare comes with even more perks and flexibility, including a trolley bag (55x40x23 cm), a 32 kg checked-in bag, premium seat selection, WIZZ Flex (allowing you to change your flight details), refund to your WIZZ account, priority boarding, a carry-on bag (40x30x20 cm), free airport and online check-in up to 30 days before flight departure, and auto check-in.
Packing for Your Trip
One of the ways Wizz Air keeps their fares low is by charging for checked luggage on their Basic fare. If you’re travelling light, you can take advantage of their free cabin bag allowance, which permits one small personal item (40x30x20 cm) that must fit under the seat in front of you.
If you need more space or are travelling with checked luggage, consider upgrading to Wizz Go or Wizz Plus fare, as these include a checked baggage allowance. Wizz Air offers various checked baggage options, ranging from 20 kg for Wizz Go to 32 kg for Wizz Plus, with a maximum size of 149x119x171 cm.
Check-In and Boarding
Wizz Air offers online check-in from 30 days up to 3 hours before departure. Be sure to print your boarding pass or download it to your smartphone, as there’s a fee for printing it at the airport.
If you’ve purchased Wizz Go or Wizz Plus, you’ll have priority boarding, which allows you to skip the queue. But in many cases this is a pointless thing because after passing the gate you are likely to wait in another queue for the bus which takes the passengers from the terminal to the plane (apparently this is less costly for airlines).
In-Flight Experience
Once onboard, you’ll find that Wizz Air’s aircraft are modern, clean, and comfortable. The seats offer a decent amount of legroom, and you can pay a small fee to reserve a seat with extra space if you’ve chosen the Basic fare. With Wizz Go and Wizz Plus fares, seat selection is already included. If you you are travelling with a group and you did not buy priority tickets or you did not pay for seat allocation, expect to be seated randomly.
Wizz Air doesn’t provide complimentary in-flight meals, but you can pre-order meals online or purchase snacks and drinks onboard.
Travelling with Children
If you’re travelling with little ones, Wizz Air offers a few family-friendly services. Children under two years old can travel on an adult’s lap for a reduced fee, and you can check-in collapsible stroller or baby cot for free. Note that car seat is not mentioned as eligible free check-in item. If your child is between two and 14 years old, they’re required to have their own seat, but they’ll receive a discounted fare.
For families with young children, Wizz Air offers priority boarding, allowing you to board the plane first and get settled with your little ones. Be sure to bring plenty of in-flight entertainment, as there are no individual screens on Wizz Air flights.
Wizz Discount Club
If you plan on travelling with Wizz Air frequently, consider joining their Wizz Discount Club. For an annual fee, members enjoy discounts on flights, priority access to new routes and promotions, and discounts on partner services like car rentals and hotels. The savings can quickly add up, especially if you’re a frequent flyer.
WDC costs 40 euros for 1-2 persons and 70 euros for groups up to 6 people. It gives 10 euro discount for air fare per person per flight and 5 euro discount on checked-in luggage.
Avoid Additional Fees
As with many low-cost airlines, Wizz Air charges additional fees for various services. To avoid any surprises, familiarize yourself with their fee structure before your trip. Some common fees include:
- Seat selection (for Basic fare)
- Checked luggage (for Basic fare)
- Priority boarding (for Basic fare)
- In-flight meals
- Printing boarding passes at the airport
By planning ahead and pre-booking services online, you can save on fees and have a smoother travel experience.
Conclusion
Wizz Air is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travellers looking to explore Europe. By understanding their fare options, packing light, and taking advantage of their promotions, you can save big on your next adventure. With a little planning and preparation, flying with Wizz Air can be a breeze. So, where will your next Wizz Air adventure take you?
