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WIZZ claims it is ‘democratising travel’ with new baggage fees
Budget airline Wizz Air has changed its hand-luggage policy so that non-Priority passengers will no longer be able to check in a large piece of baggage at the gate for free from November 1.
They will be allowed to take one cabin bag measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 20 cms onboard, and they will have to pay to check in larger bags, which would previously have been removed by staff at the gate and placed in the hold without charge.
At the same time, the airline has lowered its minimum check-in bag fee to €7 for bags up to 10kgs.
WIZZ Priority passengers will still be allowed one carry-on bag of 40 x 30 x 20 cms as well as a trolley bag of 55 x 40 x 23 cms.
The airline said the changes were aimed at easing boarding and to guarantee all passengers could bring one free carry-on bag into the cabin.
It said more than 100,000 flights a year are hit by baggage-related delays. Ryanair also blamed flight delays for its decision to make a similar change to its carry-on baggage policy.
Wizz said its research also shows that in the past five years, the length of the average trip has been declining, and now a third of its passengers are travelling for three days or less.
"WIZZ passengers pack light and smart. Every third passenger purchased a checked in bag while only every seventh passenger opted for the trolley bag, which could be brought on board," it said.
Chief marketing officer Johan Eidhagen added: "Passengers want unbundled products and that is at the heart of Wizz Air’s ultra-low cost model.
"We want to offer our customers the lowest possible fares as well as a transparent view of ticket pricing. By unbundling products and services, Wizz Air democratises travel and allows for a pay-per-need offer."
Bookings without WIZZ Priority made before October 10 for travel after November 1 will be upgraded with a free 10kg checked in bag, while bookings with a checked in bag will be upgraded with WIZZ Priority.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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