Wizz Air has announced plans to trial a new premium ticket option, offering passengers a more spacious and comfortable experience on select European routes. The Hungarian low-cost carrier will introduce 'Wizz Class' seating, which includes blocking off the middle seat for additional elbow and leg room, along with priority boarding, a carry-on bag, and access to overhead bin space.
The trial is scheduled to begin in December on routes from London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest, according to airline executive Michael Delehant. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasised that the pricing would not exceed the cost of purchasing an extra seat, stating: “It’s not meant to be a money-grab.” The premium ticket does not include complimentary food or drink, but focuses on enhancing the physical seating arrangement.
Silvia Mosquera, commercial officer at Wizz Air, said the trial responds to “demand of Wizz travellers seeking more space, comfort and a quicker exit from the aircraft.” She added that the move follows feedback from business travellers who value low-cost options but prefer additional space during flights. Further benefits are expected to be announced when the product is officially launched.
Currently, Wizz Air offers only front-row and exit-row seats with extra legroom, and passengers requiring additional space for items such as musical instruments or child car seats must purchase a separate seat. The new Wizz Class model appears to combine elements of the existing 'Wizz Plus' and 'Privilege Pass' options, which already allow seat selection without booking fees.
The move reflects a broader trend among budget airlines towards premium offerings. US carriers such as Southwest are transitioning to assigned seating with premium options, while JetBlue has established its 'EvenMore' scheme with early boarding and extra legroom. European rivals like Ryanair and easyJet also offer extra-legroom seating, but Wizz Air's trial marks a distinct step into a dedicated premium cabin experience.
