What can passengers expect from Wizz Air and other airlines regarding the departure tax? – UPDATE

For now, Wizz Air seems to be hesitating how to react, but passengers can expect pretty much the same with Ryanair. Let us have a look at what Wizz Air and other airlines will likely decide to do with the new departure tax. 

The Ryanair issue

Lately, Ryanair seems to be the talk of the media. The airline company first sharply criticised the new tax in its announcement and then informed passengers that it would pass it on to them.

In fact, it will charge the amount to passengers with a previously purchased ticket for flights departing from Budapest after 1 July.

Even a consumer protection investigation was launched against the airline company. According to the regulation, the airline tax called for contributions from the airlines to be paid by the ground handling companies. This means that the charge is shown to the airline as an item or expense re-invoiced by its local partner.

Ryanair’s actions were legal and fair

Clause 4.2.2 of the Ryanair General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage, which is also referred to in their letter to the customers, states quite clearly: “the new tax (or the difference) must be paid before departure. But you can also choose not to travel and ask for a full refund of the booking cost.”

Ryanair not only acted exactly in accordance with its business rules but was also fair notifying passengers of the measure promptly.

Read alsoHungarian consumer protection launches investigation against Ryanair!

What about Wizz Air?

Not surprisingly, Wizz Air hesitates to react, or else, the company wants to avoid an open conflict with the government. However, the company’s general conditions and terms settle this issue very clearly.

That being said, passengers who booked Wizz Air flights departing from Hungary after 1 July should look out for a notification, which can arrive any time. – reports airportal.hu.

According to the business rules: “By reserving these Business Rules, we reserve the right to expressly agree to the use of taxes and duties imposed and increased by governments, authorities or the airport operator between the date of issue of the Confirmation and the date of departure. Security Fees and Other Services Fees (if applicable to your trip) will be charged retrospectively.”

Other companies’ policies on the matter

KLM

4.2. Fees, taxes and charges: All fees, taxes or charges levied by governments, any other authority or the airport operator shall be payable by the passenger. These fees, taxes and charges may be levied or increased by a government, another authority or an airport operator after the ticket booking date. In this case, the passenger must pay the appropriate amount.

Air France

Article IV, 2. Other fees, taxes and charges: Such other fees, taxes, charges and costs may be set or increased after the Purchase of Tickets. In this case, the passenger is obliged to pay the appropriate amount.

Lufthansa

Taxes, fees and charges 4.3. All applicable taxes, fees and other charges imposed by the state or local government or by another authority, or by the operator of an airport with regard to the passenger, or for services provided to the passenger, shall be paid by you in addition to the airfare.

British Airways

4b3) Taxes, fees and charges change constantly and can be imposed or altered after the date we have issued your ticket. If they change or if a new tax, fee or charge is imposed after we have issued your ticket, you will have to pay us any increase.

Qatar Airways

Article 5/5: The taxes, fees and charges imposed on air travel are constantly changing and can be imposed after the date of ticket issuance. If there is an increase in tax, fee or charge shown on the ticket, you will be required to pay it. Similarly, if a new tax, fee or charge is imposed even after ticket issuance you will be required to pay it.

Easyjet

4.3. In the unlikely event that the state tax increases after you have made your booking, we may ask you to pay the extra to allow us to fly. If we ask you to pay the excess and you refuse to do so, you can cancel your booking and get your fare back.

Read alsoGovernment’s departure tax to result in more flight cancellations?!

UPDATE

• Wizz Air decided how to pass on the departure tax
• Ryanair CEO: the Hungarian departure tax is stupid and a robbery

Source: airportal.hu