light disruptions can be frustrating, but knowing your rights can help you claim compensation when you’re eligible. Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers traveling with Wizz Air may be entitled to financial compensation if their flight is delayed, canceled, or they are denied boarding.
This guide will explain when you qualify for compensation, how much you can claim, and what exceptions apply.
When Are You Eligible for Compensation?
You may be entitled to compensation from Wizz Air if any of the following situations apply:
1. Your Flight Was Delayed by 3+ Hours
To qualify for compensation:
✔ Your Wizz Air flight arrived at your final destination 3 or more hours late.
✔ The delay was caused by the airline (e.g., technical issues, operational failures).
✔ You checked in on time (at least 45 minutes before departure).
Compensation Amounts for Delayed Flights:
| Flight Distance | Delay Time | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 3+ hours | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | 3+ hours | €400 |
| 3,500+ km (outside EU) | 4+ hours | €600 |
💡 Important: If Wizz Air offers you an alternative flight that arrives at your destination with minimal delay, your compensation might be reduced by 50%.
2. Your Flight Was Canceled Less Than 14 Days Before Departure
If Wizz Air cancels your flight and informs you less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to compensation.
✔ If Wizz Air did not offer an alternative flight or the offered flight had a significant delay, you can claim compensation.
✔ The cancellation must be due to airline-related reasons (e.g., crew shortages, technical failures).
📌 Compensation Rules for Canceled Flights
| Notification Time | Alternative Flight Arrival Time | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 7-13 days before departure | 2+ hours later than original flight | Eligible |
| Less than 7 days before departure | 2+ hours later than original flight | Eligible |
| More than 14 days before departure | Any time | ❌ Not eligible |
3. You Were Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking
If Wizz Air overbooks a flight and you are denied boarding despite having a valid reservation, you have the right to claim compensation.
✔ You must have checked in on time.
✔ You did not voluntarily give up your seat.
✔ Wizz Air did not offer you an alternative flight with minimal delay.
💡 Tip: If you voluntarily accept travel vouchers or rebooking instead of cash compensation, you may waive your right to further compensation.
Exceptions: When Wizz Air Is Not Required to Pay Compensation
There are certain situations where Wizz Air is exempt from paying compensation:
1️⃣ Extraordinary Circumstances – If the delay or cancellation was due to bad weather, security threats, airport strikes, or air traffic control restrictions, Wizz Air is not required to compensate passengers.
2️⃣ Flight Delay Under 3 Hours – If your delay was less than 3 hours upon arrival, you are not eligible.
3️⃣ Advance Notice of Cancellation – If Wizz Air informed you at least 14 days before departure, you won’t receive compensation (but you can get a refund or rebooking).
4️⃣ Alternative Flight Arriving Close to the Original Time – If Wizz Air provided a rebooking that arrived within a reasonable timeframe, compensation might be reduced or waived.
How to Claim Your Compensation
If your flight meets the eligibility criteria, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Gather Your Documents
- Flight confirmation, boarding pass, and proof of delay/cancellation.
2️⃣ Check Your Eligibility
- Use online tools like AirHelp or Flightright to verify your claim.
3️⃣ Submit Your Claim
- Visit Wizz Air’s compensation request page and fill out the claim form.
- Attach your flight details and supporting documents.
4️⃣ Follow Up If Needed
- Wizz Air should respond within 30-60 days. If your claim is denied, consider using a compensation service or filing a complaint with a national enforcement body (NEB).
If your Wizz Air flight was delayed by 3+ hours, canceled on short notice, or you were denied boarding, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. Understanding your rights and acting quickly can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
💰 Have you experienced a delayed or canceled flight? Check your eligibility and claim your compensation today! 🚀