Wizz Air Launches Unlimited Flight Subscription Amid Service Criticisms

Wizz Air, the budget airline known for its low-cost flights across Europe and beyond, has launched an innovative “all you can fly” subscription service, offering customers unlimited flights for an annual fee of 499 euros (£428; $549). The scheme, which is the latest in a growing trend among budget carriers, allows subscribers to book as many flights as they like within a year, potentially saving frequent travelers significant amounts on airfare.

While multi-flight packages have been available for some time, the concept of unlimited air travel is still relatively new. Wizz Air’s offer is reminiscent of similar initiatives by Frontier Airlines in the United States and AirAsia in Malaysia, which have also introduced subscription-based models to entice frequent flyers.

However, Wizz Air’s new subscription service comes at a time when the airline is facing considerable scrutiny, particularly in the UK. The airline has been criticized for its customer service and frequent flight delays, which could raise questions about the value of the subscription for potential customers.

The annual subscription, available at the discounted price of 499 euros until August 16, will increase to 599 euros thereafter. Subscribers will be able to travel to destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with the flexibility to book flights up to three days before departure. Each flight will incur a flat fee of 9.99 euros, regardless of the destination.

Wizz Air has announced that it will sell 10,000 of these subscriptions, distributed across the airports it operates from. However, the high demand has already led to some airports reaching their subscription limit. When BBC News checked the airline’s website, several options for preferred airports were marked as sold out. A message on the website explained, “In the case that you are unable to select your preferred airport, please note that the limit has been reached and Wizz Air is unfortunately unable to offer you a Wizz All You Can Fly membership at this time.”

The airline’s terms and conditions make it clear that seat availability is not guaranteed for membership holders. The document warns that seating depends on “several external and internal factors,” which could impact a subscriber’s ability to book flights, particularly on popular routes or during peak travel periods.

This new subscription service is being introduced in the wake of some difficult times for Wizz Air, particularly in the UK. In June, the airline was named the worst performer for flight delays at UK airports for the third consecutive year. According to data analyzed by the PA news agency, Wizz Air flights from UK airports were delayed by an average of 31 minutes in the previous year, raising concerns about the reliability of the airline’s services.

Moreover, Wizz Air has been the subject of criticism from leading UK consumer group Which? for its poor customer service. The airline has been ranked as the worst performer in this category, further tarnishing its reputation among UK travelers.

Wizz Air’s legal troubles have also been in the spotlight. Earlier this month, Hungary’s competition authority fined the airline 770,000 euros for misleading communications, particularly concerning how it promoted more expensive travel packages to customers. Wizz Air has responded by questioning the legality of the fine, stating that it disagrees with the authority’s reasoning and is pursuing legal action to challenge the penalty.

The airline’s financial performance has also seen a downturn. In August, Wizz Air reported a 44% drop in its first-quarter operating profit, leading the company to revise its profit forecast for the year. This decline in profitability could be attributed to a combination of operational challenges, including flight delays, customer service issues, and the ongoing legal dispute in Hungary.

Despite these challenges, Wizz Air’s “all you can fly” subscription represents a bold move in the highly competitive budget airline market. The service is aimed at attracting frequent travelers who are looking for flexibility and value, even as the airline works to address its operational and reputational issues. However, potential subscribers may weigh these concerns carefully before committing to the new service, considering both the potential savings and the risks involved.