The business model of low-cost airlines could be reshaped by upcoming European Union passenger rights regulations, which Wizz Air warns may lead to higher ticket prices.
At the same time, passengers travelling with the Hungarian budget carrier can now take advantage of a brand-new convenience service in Budapest, allowing them to check in their luggage in the city centre before heading to the airport.
EU regulations could push airfares higher
Wizz Air has responded to the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on the revision of EU air passenger rights legislation. According to the airline, several elements of the proposed changes could have negative consequences for travellers.
Under the current system, passengers whose flights are delayed by more than three hours may be entitled to compensation of up to EUR 600 (HUF 211,000). Wizz Air argues that the framework underpinning these rules was created more than two decades ago and no longer reflects the realities of modern aviation.
The airline believes lawmakers have failed to adequately consider the dramatic increase in air traffic, airport capacity constraints, air traffic control disruptions and the geopolitical challenges that have affected the aviation industry in recent years.
As Portfolio writes, Wizz Air is particularly concerned that airlines will continue to bear compensation costs for delays and cancellations caused by shortcomings in air traffic control systems.
Baggage rules could also be transformed
One of the most controversial aspects of the proposed legislation concerns baggage regulations. While Wizz Air supports clearer information and greater pricing transparency, it fears that the new rules could limit passengers’ freedom of choice.
The low-cost airline model is based on keeping base fares as low as possible, with passengers paying only for the additional services they actually use. According to Wizz Air, if certain baggage services are made mandatory components of the basic fare, the cheapest tickets could become more expensive.
This would particularly affect travellers who fly with only a small cabin bag and currently do not purchase any optional extras. The airline argues that such measures could ultimately weaken competition and increase travel costs across the market.
Good news for families
The proposed regulations also include measures welcomed by Wizz Air. Among them is a rule ensuring that children under the age of 14 can be seated next to an accompanying adult without any additional charge.
The airline noted that it has already been applying this policy for years and hopes the new legislation will encourage other carriers to adopt the same practice.
You can now drop off your luggage in the city centre
While regulatory debates continue across Europe, Wizz Air passengers in Budapest can now benefit from a new convenience service. Budapest Airport and its partner, AirportHUB Bag Free HUB, have opened a luggage drop-off point at Kálvin Square, allowing passengers to check in their bags before arriving at the airport.
This means travellers can spend the hours before departure exploring the city centre without having to drag their suitcases around and can also avoid queues at airport baggage drop counters, reports Index.
The service is currently available to passengers travelling on Wizz Air flights who have already completed online check-in, possess a valid boarding pass with a barcode or QR code, and are departing on flights scheduled between midday and midnight.
Stay up-to-date: Wizz Air passengers warned You can still be fined even when your bag meets the rules
How the new baggage drop works
Passengers must hand over their luggage at least four hours before departure. At the facility, they can print their baggage tags, attach them to their suitcases and then hand their luggage over to AirportHUB staff.
The bags are subsequently transported to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in sealed vehicles under continuous supervision. Once at the airport, they undergo the same security screening and handling procedures as baggage checked in through traditional airport channels.
The service is currently unavailable for flights to Baku and Tel Aviv. However, Budapest Airport has indicated that it is already exploring the possibility of extending the service to passengers travelling with other airlines in the future.
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