Handling flight problems can be quite upsetting. However, the bright side is that the European Union has regulations to assist travelers when things go wrong. If you’re flying in the EU, it’s smart to know about these protections. They can help you out if your flight is disrupted.
Being aware of your options can make dealing with travel issues much easier. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can make you more relaxed when things don’t go as planned.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
If your flight has problems in the EU, you’ll get aid. EU laws make sure airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Refreshments and snacks
- Accommodation if you’re stuck overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also be entitled to:
- A refund
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to inquire with airline representatives about these entitlements if your plans change. They are obligated to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Wizz Air Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Wizz Air can be very frustrating. However there’s a bright side: if you’re delayed for more than three hours due to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are in your favor. You could receive up to €600 per person. What is important is when you arrive, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on your flight distance. A short flight won’t get you as much money as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see the potential reimbursement amounts:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Wizz Air Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has regulations to assist you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you need to know:
If your flight is cancelled less than two weeks before you’re supposed to leave, you could be eligible for compensation as much as €600. But there’s a catch – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they offer you an alternative flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they provide an alternative flight that meets the following conditions:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
If you agree to take a different flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. The key factor is when you reach your final destination.
Your potential compensation is determined by a couple of points:
- The distance of your flight
- The delay in your arrival
So, even if you arrive later than planned, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Refer to the table below for more information:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
The airline might not be required to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Wizz Air
It’s essential to know the process of claiming the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws well and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Keep in mind that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed due to operational issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which Wizz Air Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They cover any flight taking off from a European Union member state airport and to all flights arriving at an airport in an EU member state when an EU-based airline operates the flight.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also include airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s good to know about these laws – they’re in place to support you if problems occur with your flight. They make sure you’re not stranded when your travel plans don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Wizz Air is not always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Occasionally, situations arise that the airline has no control over, like severe weather conditions or unforeseen issues.
For instance, if there’s a sudden storm, an urgent situation at the airport, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Wizz Air is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these situations occur, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues come up.