Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air has unveiled a new premium ticket option, dubbed 'Wizz Class', designed to offer business-style comforts without the traditional high price tag. The move signals a strategic shift for the low-cost carrier as it seeks to capture a growing segment of value-conscious business travellers.
What Does Wizz Class Offer?
The new service, which underwent a trial in December, is now available for purchase on selected flights to and from key European hubs. These include Budapest, Bucharest Otopeni, Warsaw, London Luton, London Gatwick, and Rome Fiumicino.
Passengers who opt for Wizz Class will enjoy several enhanced features. The most notable perk is the ability to block off the adjacent middle seat—specifically seats 1B or 1E—to create more personal space. As these are in the first row, travellers also benefit from extra legroom. The package further includes priority boarding, the allowance for two cabin bags, and a complimentary snack and non-alcoholic drink served onboard.
Wizz Class is offered as an add-on when customers book either the Smart or Plus fare bundles, which already include priority boarding and a 10kg carry-on suitcase.
Catering to the Modern Business Traveller
Silvia Mosquera, Chief Commercial Officer at Wizz Air, explained the rationale behind the new product. "Business travel is growing across our network, and we've listened to what our passengers want," she said. "They're asking for a bit more space and speed, but they don't want to pay legacy airline prices for business class. Wizz Class answers that demand—offering passengers the room they crave and the service they deserve, without compromising our simple, convenient model."
Mosquera emphasised that despite this premium offering, Wizz Air remains committed to its single-class cabin model to maintain operational efficiency.
A Growing Trend in Low-Cost Travel
Wizz Air is not alone in exploring upmarket experiences. The move reflects a broader trend where budget airlines are introducing premium features to compete with major carriers and attract a wider customer base.
In the United States, several low-cost airlines have pioneered similar hybrid models. JetBlue has its 'EvenMore' scheme, offering extra legroom, early boarding, and premium refreshments. Southwest Airlines has announced it will transition from open to assigned seating in 2026 and introduce premium seating options. In Europe, Ryanair allows passengers to book extra seats for comfort, while easyJet offers seats with extra legroom for an additional fee.
This launch follows closely on the heels of another significant offer from Wizz Air: the return of its 'All You Can Fly' pass for a third time. For approximately £439, travellers can fly unlimited times throughout the year to 34 destinations, though with certain conditions like a €9.99 booking fee per flight and a restrictive 72-hour booking window. Only 10,000 of these passes are available.
The introduction of Wizz Class represents a calculated evolution for the airline, blending its low-cost fundamentals with select premium services to meet changing passenger expectations in the competitive short-haul market.
