Wizz Air on New Passenger Rights: Tickets May Get More Expensive

Wizz Air has voiced concerns that new European Union regulations on passenger rights could lead to higher travel costs and diminished flexibility for air travelers across the continent. The airline's statement follows similar remarks from Ryanair and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

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We support actions aimed at providing passengers with clear and transparent information, but we fear that several elements of the new regulatory package may lead to increased travel costs for millions of Europeans, while limiting the flexibility that has made air transport more accessible across the continent in recent years.

While Wizz Air supports measures aimed at providing clear information to passengers, it fears that certain aspects of the new regulatory package may increase travel expenses. The airline also points out that the existing compensation system, established by regulation EC261, remains in place, offering compensation up to 600 euros for delays exceeding three hours. Wizz Air argues that the regulations, developed over two decades ago, do not reflect the current realities of modern aviation, which faces challenges like increased traffic, infrastructure limitations, air traffic management disruptions, and geopolitical issues.

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Although passenger rights protection remains extremely important, the decision not to modernize regulations developed over twenty years ago does not reflect the realities of modern aviation, which faces increased air traffic, infrastructure limitations, air traffic management disruptions, and geopolitical challenges affecting carriers across Europe.

The airline contends that the revised rules do not address the root causes of many long-duration delays and cancellations, specifically citing "limitations and imperfections in air traffic management systems." Wizz Air believes the EU is unfairly placing the consequences of these systemic issues onto airlines.

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Wizz Air is pleased with the solutions that will ensure small children travel next to a parent or guardian. We have had a policy for many years where children under 14 automatically receive a seat next to their accompanying adult at no extra charge.

However, Wizz Air welcomes the new requirements ensuring that young children can sit next to a parent or guardian without additional fees. The airline notes its long-standing policy of automatically assigning adjacent seats to accompanying adults for children under 14. They encourage other European carriers to adopt similar passenger-friendly practices. Wizz Air also approves of the enhanced transparency regarding baggage fees during booking, emphasizing the importance of clear information for consumers. Nevertheless, the airline cautions that the proposed changes could undermine the principle of passenger choice and paying only for services used, potentially increasing the cost of the cheapest tickets and reducing market competitiveness.

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We support transparency and believe passengers should have clear information when making purchasing decisions. At the same time, the current form of the proposed changes undermines the fundamental principle that passengers should have the freedom to choose and pay only for services they actually use.