If your flight with Wizz Air was delayed, canceled, or overbooked, you may be entitled to financial compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. However, the amount you can claim depends on several factors, including flight distance, delay time, and whether you were offered an alternative flight.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to calculate your compensation step by step so you can claim the correct amount.
Step 1: Check If Your Flight Qualifies for Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation if:
✔ Your flight was delayed by 3 or more hours upon arrival.
✔ Your flight was canceled less than 14 days before departure.
✔ You were denied boarding due to overbooking.
⚠️ Exceptions:
- If the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances (bad weather, strikes, security risks), no compensation is due.
- If Wizz Air offered you a replacement flight that arrived close to the original arrival time, the compensation may be reduced by 50%.
Step 2: Determine the Flight Distance
The compensation amount depends on the distance of your flight, not the ticket price.
| Flight Distance | Compensation Amount (€) | Delay Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 | 3+ hours |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | €400 | 3+ hours |
| Over 3,500 km (outside EU) | €600 | 4+ hours |
💡 How to Check Your Flight Distance?
Use online tools like:
- Great Circle Mapper
- Google Flights Distance Calculator
Example:
- A Budapest to Paris flight (1,248 km) qualifies for €250 if delayed by 3+ hours.
- A London to Dubai flight (4,600 km) qualifies for €600 if delayed by 4+ hours.
Step 3: Adjust Compensation Based on Alternative Flights
If Wizz Air offered you an alternative flight, your compensation may be reduced by 50% if the new flight arrives within a reasonable timeframe.
| Flight Distance | Alternative Flight Delay | Compensation Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | Arrives within 2 hours | -50% (€125) |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | Arrives within 3 hours | -50% (€200) |
| Over 3,500 km | Arrives within 4 hours | -50% (€300) |
✅ Example:
- Your Barcelona to London flight (1,130 km) was canceled.
- Wizz Air rebooked you on another flight arriving 1 hour and 45 minutes later.
- Instead of €250, you would receive €125.
Step 4: Special Cases (Connecting Flights & Downgrades)
1. Compensation for Connecting Flights
If you booked a connecting flight under a single reservation, compensation is based on the total distance between your departure and final destination.
🔹 Example:
- You booked Sofia → London → New York on one Wizz Air ticket.
- Your London to New York flight was canceled.
- Since the total journey is over 3,500 km, you may qualify for €600.
2. Compensation for Downgraded Seats
If Wizz Air places you in a lower-class seat than what you booked, you are entitled to a partial refund:
- 30% refund for flights under 1,500 km.
- 50% refund for flights between 1,500 – 3,500 km.
- 75% refund for flights over 3,500 km.
Step 5: Calculate Additional Expenses (Reimbursements)
In addition to financial compensation, you may claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses during your delay:
✔ Meals and drinks during long waits.
✔ Hotel stays if the delay required an overnight stay.
✔ Transportation costs (e.g., taxi to a hotel).
🛑 Important:
- Keep all receipts to submit your claim.
- Airlines must cover these costs regardless of whether they pay compensation.
Step 6: Use Online Compensation Calculators
If you’re unsure about the exact amount, use a compensation calculator:
📌 How It Works:
- Enter your flight details.
- The system checks your eligibility and compensation amount.
- You can submit your claim directly or use their service for a fee.
Calculating your flight compensation is simple when you follow these steps:
✅ Check if your flight qualifies under EC 261/2004.
✅ Determine the flight distance and compensation amount.
✅ Adjust for alternative flights (if offered).
✅ Consider extra costs like hotel and meal reimbursements.
💡 Did your Wizz Air flight get delayed or canceled? Check your eligibility now and claim up to €600! 🚀