By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Budget airline Wizz Air has announced the launch of a new "all you can fly" subscription service, offering customers unlimited flights for an annual fee of 499 euro . This innovative service provides subscribers the opportunity to book flights up to three days before departure, paying a flat fee of 9.99 euro per booking.
While airlines have long offered a variety of multi flight packages, the concept of unlimited deals remains relatively new. This move aligns Wizz Air with similar offerings from Frontier Airlines in the United States and Malaysia based AirAsia.
However, Wizz Air has faced notable criticism in the UK regarding customer service and flight delays. The airline was named the worst for UK flight delays for the third consecutive year in June, with an average delay of 31 minutes on departures from UK airports, according to data analyzed by the PA news agency. Additionally, the leading UK consumer group Which? has also ranked Wizz Air as the worst performing airline in terms of customer service.
The discounted price for the yearly pass is available until August 16, after which it will rise to 599 euro. The airline has capped the number of subscriptions to 10,000, spread across the various airports from which it operates. However, review of Wizz Air’s website, several airports have already reached their subscription limit. A message on the site clarifies, "In the case that you are unable to select your preferred airport, please note that the limit has been reached and Wizz Air is unfortunately unable to offer you a Wizz All You Can Fly membership at this time."
Moreover, the terms and conditions of the subscription package clearly state that seat availability is not guaranteed and is subject to “several external and internal factors.”
Earlier this month, Hungary's competition authority imposed a fine of 770,000 euro on Wizz Air for misleading communications, specifically concerning how it prompted customers to purchase more expensive travel packages. Wizz Air responded to stating that it "questions the legality of the fine, disagrees with its reasoning, and is taking legal action."
In addition to these challenges, Wizz Air reported a 44% drop in first quarter operating profit and has adjusted its profit forecast downward for the remainder of the year.
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