Wizz Air, a Hungarian low-cost airline, has a strict cancellation policy that varies by fare type, booking method, and add-ons like WIZZ Flex. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from Wizz Air’s official website
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- Wizz Air does not explicitly advertise a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy for all bookings. However, for flights to/from the U.S., U.S. Department of Transportation rules (14 CFR § 259.2) mandate a 24-hour window for fee-free cancellations if the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours). This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, with refunds processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days. Confirmation of this policy’s application to Wizz Air is inconsistent in sources, so verify with the airline.
- For bookings made through third-party agents (e.g., travel agencies), cancellations must be handled by the agent, and the 24-hour policy may not apply unless enforced by the agent.
Cancellations After 24 Hours:
- Standard Fares: Most Wizz Air tickets are non-refundable. Voluntary cancellations up to 14 days before departure incur a €60 cancellation fee per passenger, per segment, with the remaining fare refunded as WIZZ Credit to the booking owner’s WIZZ Account (valid for 1 year). Within 14 days, a €80 Seat Protection Fee applies, and refunds are limited to unused taxes/fees, minus the fee. Cancellations are not permitted within 3 hours of departure.
- Plus Fare or WIZZ Flex: With WIZZ Flex (an add-on purchased at booking), you can cancel up to 3 hours before departure for a full refund to your WIZZ Account as credit (valid for 90 days). The WIZZ Flex fee (non-refunded) and any WIZZ Discount Club/Privilege Pass fees are deducted. WIZZ Credits cannot be converted to cash unless requested via the Call Center, subject to additional fees.
- Group Bookings: Cancellations must include all passengers and flights in the booking; partial cancellations are not allowed.
- Third-Party Services: Services like insurance or airport transfers are not automatically canceled and must be handled directly with the provider.
- Name Changes as an Alternative: Instead of canceling, you can change the passenger name for €30–€40 per passenger, per flight (depending on timing: €30 if 30+ days before, €35 for 7–30 days, €40 within 7 days), plus fare differences. This allows ticket transfer via platforms like SpareFare.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations:
- For EU departures, if cancellation is within 14 days and within Wizz Air’s control (e.g., technical issues, not weather or strikes), you may claim €250–€600 ($260–$650 USD) under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, based on flight distance (≤1500 km: €250; 1501–3500 km: €400; >3500 km: €600). Compensation is reduced by 50% if the alternative flight’s arrival delay is within 2–4 hours of the original schedule. Claims are valid for 5 years (Spain’s statute).
- Assistance includes meal vouchers (2+ hour waits), communication services, and accommodation/transfers for overnight delays.
- For Israel routes, cancellations or schedule changes of 8+ hours may qualify for compensation under Israel’s Aviation Services Law (2012).
No-Show Policy:
- Failure to cancel at least 3 hours before departure results in a no-show, forfeiting the ticket value and canceling subsequent segments. No refunds are available, including for taxes/fees.
Special Circumstances:
- Illness: Partial refunds are available for the sick passenger (or an adult and child traveling together) with a medical certificate, submitted via the online claims form under “Cancellation of booking due to illness.” Other passengers on the booking face standard cancellation fees.
- Death of Immediate Family Member: If an immediate family member (parent, spouse, partner, sibling, grandparent, child, grandchild) dies within 30 days before departure, you can cancel and request a full refund with a death certificate submitted within 7 days via the claims form under “Cancellation of booking due to death.”
- Visa Issues: No specific refund policy for visa denials; standard cancellation fees apply.
- COVID-19: Wizz Air does not have a flexible COVID-19 cancellation policy. Standard fees apply unless WIZZ Flex was purchased.
Refund Process:
- Refunds to the original payment method (for airline cancellations or special circumstances) take up to 7 days; WIZZ Credits are issued instantly and valid for 1 year (90 days for WIZZ Flex). Credits are non-transferable and cannot be converted to cash unless requested via the Call Center.
- Non-refunded items include WIZZ Flex fees, WIZZ Discount Club/Privilege Pass fees, and third-party service fees (e.g., insurance).
- Passengers report significant refund delays (up to months) and issues with denied claims or unresponsive support.
