The ultimate guide to flying with Wizz Air

Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about this airline, this deep dive explainer covers its history, popular routes and destinations, safety record, tips for a smooth flight, common issues, pricing, and details about its priority package. Insights from Hungarian sources provide a local perspective on the airline’s operations.

History of Wizz Air

Wizz Air was established in June 2003 by six aviation experts, led by József Váradi, who previously managed Malév Hungarian Airlines. The airline commenced operations on May 19, 2004, with its first flight from Katowice, Poland, to London Luton. Over the years, it expanded its network, adding bases in Budapest (2004), Ukraine (2008), Dubai (2013), and South Asia (2022). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wizz Air became Europe’s largest low-cost airline, carrying 78,000 passengers in April 2020. In 2021, it ordered 102 new aircraft, and in December 2024, it ended its Airbus A330-200F freight operations.

Today, Wizz Air operates through subsidiaries like Wizz Air Hungary, Wizz Air Malta, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Wizz Air UK, serving over 194 airports across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has been recognized as the “Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline” by the World Finance Sustainability Awards (2021-2023) .

Popular Routes and Destinations

Wizz Air operates an extensive network, with some of its most popular routes based on scheduled flights including:

Other notable destinations include:

• Katowice to Abu Dhabi: One of the longest routes at 2,269 nautical miles.

• Rome Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi: Operated until January 2025.

• London-Gatwick to Medinah and Jeddah: Serving Middle Eastern destinations.

• Dubai and Malé: Exotic destinations for budget travelers.

Wizz Air’s network also covers cities in Ukraine, North Africa, and the Middle East, often using secondary airports to keep costs low .

Safety Record

Wizz Air has been recognized as one of the world’s ten safest airlines by airlineratings.com, reflecting its strong safety protocols. Its fleet, primarily Airbus A320 family aircraft, is maintained by reputable companies like Lufthansa Technik. However, a notable incident occurred on June 8, 2013, when flight 3141 (an Airbus A320-232) made an emergency landing at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome due to a technical issue, resulting in three minor injuries and an evacuation using emergency slides. No major accidents have been reported, suggesting a generally reliable safety record .

Common Issues with Wizz Air

Despite its popularity, Wizz Air has faced several challenges that impact passenger experiences:

• Flight Delays: In 2024, Wizz Air was named the worst airline for flight delays in the UK, with an average delay of over 30 minutes, frustrating passengers .

• Engine Issues: In 2024, the airline grounded hundreds of planes due to Pratt & Whitney engine faults, with 41 aircraft grounded as of September 30, 2024, and 40-45 expected to remain idled over the next 18 months.

• Stranded Aircraft: During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, four Wizz Air aircraft were stranded (three in Kyiv, one in Lviv), with only the Lviv aircraft recovered.

• Hidden Fees: Passengers frequently report unexpected charges for services like SMS confirmations (1 EUR), name changes (45 EUR), or missed departures (70 EUR) .

• Poor Customer Service: High call center fees (15 EUR per call) and slow email support (3-4 weeks) have drawn criticism.

• Inconvenient Airports: Wizz Air often uses secondary airports, such as Memmingen (64 miles from Munich), increasing travel time and costs.

• Strict Baggage Policy: Only one small carry-on (40x30x20cm) is free with the Basic fare, with fees for additional luggage or checked bags.

• Cancellation Policy: A strict policy with a 60 EUR fee for full refunds limits flexibility.

• Priority Boarding Issues: Some passengers describe chaotic boarding processes, with unclear lines and mob-style boarding at certain airports.

• System Glitches: Issues like delayed password reset emails can lead to missed online check-in, resulting in extra fees at the airport.

These issues highlight the need for careful planning when flying with Wizz Air .

Tips for a Smooth Flight with Wizz Air

To ensure a cost-effective and pleasant experience, consider these tips, drawn from both international and Hungarian sources:

1. Pack Light: Bring only one carry-on bag (40x30x20cm for Basic fare, 55x40x23cm with WIZZ Priority, max 10 kg) to avoid baggage fees. Use packing hacks to maximize space .

2. Check-in Online: Always check in online via the Wizz Air app to avoid a 30 EUR in-person check-in fee. Ensure you have your boarding pass ready.

3. Consider WIZZ Priority: If you need an extra bag or prefer faster boarding, purchase WIZZ Priority (4-40 EUR), especially if it’s offered at a lower price.

4. Join the Discount Club: The Wizz Air Discount Club (29.99 EUR/year for Standard, 69.99 EUR/year for Group) offers at least 10 EUR off flights and 5 EUR off baggage fees, benefiting frequent flyers and their companions .

5. Compare Transport Options: Use sites like Omio or Skyscanner to plan travel to/from secondary airports, which may be far from city centers.

6. Double-Check Bookings: Ensure all details (names, dates, etc.) are correct, as changes are costly or impossible. Use names without accents to avoid check-in issues .

7. Know Baggage Allowance: Review the baggage policy on the Wizz Air website to avoid surprises.

8. Avoid Extra Fees: Decline unnecessary services like SMS confirmations, insurance, or car rentals during booking to keep costs low.

9. Be Aware of System Issues: Watch for glitches, such as delayed password reset emails, which can lead to missed online check-in and extra fees.

10. Use Airport Transfers: Consider Wizz Air’s airport transfer service for convenient access to city centers .

When booking:

• Use the official Wizz Air website for the lowest fares.

• Select the Basic fare, which includes a small carry-on.

• Choose “No, thank you” for baggage, seating, or additional services to avoid fees.

• Pay with a bank card or bank transfer (include the 6-character Booking code in transfer notes) .

Pricing and the Priority Package

Wizz Air’s pricing model is transparent but requires attention to avoid extra costs. The base fare covers the seat and a small personal item (40x30x20cm). Additional services incur fees, such as:

The WIZZ Priority package, costing 4-40 EUR depending on the route and booking time, includes:

• An extra carry-on bag (55x40x23cm, max 10 kg)

• Priority boarding

• Faster check-in and baggage drop

This package is cost-effective for travelers needing more luggage or wanting to board early, especially at the lower price range .

Wizz Air also offers an “All You Can Fly” subscription for €499/year, launched in August 2024. It sold out in 24 hours and allows unlimited flights with a £8.90 per-flight fee. Only a small personal item is included, with extra charges for carry-on or checked luggage .

Other frequent-flyer programs include:

• Wizz Discount Club: Discounts on flights and baggage.

• Wizz Privilege Pass: Priority services for frequent travelers.

• Wizz MultiPass: Flexible travel options.

Insights from Hungarian Sources

Hungarian sources provide valuable local perspectives. According to utazomajom.hu, passengers can avoid extra costs by:

• Selecting the Basic fare for the lowest price.

• Declining additional services like baggage or seating.

• Avoiding system surcharges (e.g., 8,400 Ft per ticket) by following booking guides.

• Ensuring accurate passenger details (e.g., no accents in names) to prevent check-in issues .

User reviews on platforms like eSky.hu highlight positive aspects, such as low fares and punctuality, but echo international complaints about hidden fees and strict baggage rules. The Hungarian Wikipedia page notes Wizz Air’s 200th aircraft delivery in February 2024, underscoring its growth .

Conclusion

Wizz Air offers budget-friendly travel to a wide range of destinations, making it a popular choice for cost-conscious travelers. However, its ultra-low-cost model requires careful planning to avoid hidden fees and other challenges. By packing light, checking in online, understanding baggage policies, and considering options like WIZZ Priority or the Discount Club, you can maximize savings and enjoy a smoother experience. While delays, secondary airports, and strict policies may pose challenges, informed travelers can navigate these issues effectively.