Wizz Air have announced they are trialling a new premium option on selected routes called Wizz Class. But what does it include? How much does it cost? And can we really call this a business class ticket?
What is Wizz Air Business Class?
Wizz Air ‘business class’ is a new premium offering that’s being trialled by Wizz Air on selected routes.
However, we hope that the low cost airline’s reputation has already managed your expectations here as it’a not the lie flat business class experience you may otherwise assume.
In fact, it’s actually just a new type of fare called ‘Wizz Class’ which offers a new premium-seating option for travellers, who can choose to pay an additional amount to keep the middle seat of the row free.
This is in addition to other extras including a large cabin bag, priority boarding and extra legroom.
What do you get in Wizz Class?
In Wizz Class, as well as your standard underseat bag, you also get:
- Large cabin bag
- Priority boarding
- Extra legroom seat
- Middle seat blocked
What don't you get in Wizz Class?
Unlike other premium or business class products, Wizz Class does not include lounge access or food and drink on the plane itself.
How much is Wizz Class?
There’s no confirmed official pricing yet, though Wizz Air did confirm that it would never cost more than the price of the original ticket. We should hope not!
Which routes offer Wizz Class?
Wizz Class is starting as a trial in December, and will be available on five routes – London, Warsaw, Bucharest, Rome and Budapest.
It’s also just available in the first row for now – but presumably they would want to roll this out to other rows should things go to plan.
Why has Wizz Air launched Wizz Class?
Wizz Air say they’ve seen demand from travellers seeking more space and comfort, and a quicker exit from the aircraft. They’re saying this move is a response to customer feedback – which it may well be – but I also have my own theory!
Why do I think Wizz Air has launched Wizz Class?
It’s true that travellers love more space and will pay a premium for it, but it’s the latter that I think is the main motivator. Yep, it’s another way for the airline to make money!
The Wizz Air annual reports (yep, I read these for fun) state that their average ‘load factor’ – that’s how full the plane is – is currently 91.2% which means that for most flights, there are still a few seats remaining.
And, thanks to my favourite ‘Check-in-chicken‘ hack, we already know what seats tend to be left over on Wizz Air: the high value seats like extra legroom.
I think that Wizz Air have noticed this trend too and are now trying to make extra money from it. Because if the extra legroom seats are normally harder to shift, this not only increases the price they can make from them but also shifts two seats in one go.
It’s quite the genius business move from them really, though as consumer and a Check-in Chicken fanatic, I don’t like how it could impact my ability to get a good seat for free!
I talk about this more in my podcast Passports Please! in the episode published on 26th November if you want more of an industry deep dive.
Is this the end of cheap travel with Wizz Air?
There’s no reason to think that Wizz Air is leaving its budget roots any time soon.
Airlines are always looking for ways to boost their income and being able to offer a wider range of seating options is part of that.
It’s more that Wizz Air can now take advantage of passengers who are prepared to pay a bit extra for increased comfort – without having to change the layout of their planes, which would come with a cost.
So is Wizz Class really Business Class?
Not really.
You could argue that other airlines, such as British Airways, have a similar seat set up for their European business class product, however that also comes with its own check in desks, fast track, lounge access and food and drink on board.
However, I do think that some people will absolutely pay for a premium for more space. But, until we know the exact price, it remains to be seen if this new fare will be enough to make current Wizz Air passengers pay up, or sway rival airline travellers to try Wizz Class instead.
