How can you get a refund from Wizz Air UK for a cancelled flight?
If your flight was cancelled, there’s no need to worry! You might be eligible for a refund.
According to Regulation UK 261, UK airlines are obligated to provide refunds, and in some cases, compensation for flight cancellations. Don’t forget to claim a refund for your cancelled flight. The best part is that the money will be directly deposited into your bank account, rather than being credited back to your Wizz Air UK account. For a more detailed understanding of this topic, please continue reading this comprehensive guide.
1. Wizz Air UK and Wizz Air: What’s the Difference?
Wizz Air is a Hungarian low-cost airline headquartered in Budapest. Founded in 2003, Wizz Air operates primarily in the Central and Eastern European region, connecting cities in these areas to popular European destinations. Its main hub is located at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
Wizz Air UK is a subsidiary of Wizz Air, established specifically to facilitate flights to and from the United Kingdom after Brexit. With its headquarters at London Luton Airport, Wizz Air UK operates from two UK bases (Luton and Gatwick). Wizz Air UK has its own separate fleet and crew, distinct from the main Wizz Air fleet.
Wizz Air UK is a UK-based airline while Wizz Air is a EU airline.
1.1 Wizz Air UK and Wizz Air: European Regulations
Which laws protect you when you fly with Wizz Air?
And which laws protect you when you fly with its subsidiary, Wizz Air UK?
When claiming compensation sometimes you can refer to both laws, other times — only one.
Here are all the possible scenarios.
You’re flying with a UK airline (Wizz Air UK):
Regulation UK261 | Regulation EC261/2004 | |
| EU – EU | ✓ | ✓ |
| EU – UK | ✓ | ✓ |
| EU – Third Country | ✓ | ✓ |
| UK – EU | ✓ | – |
| UK – UK | ✓ | – |
| UK – Third Country | ✓ | – |
| Third Country – EU | ✓ | – |
| Third Country – UK | ✓ | – |
You’re flying with a EU airline (Wizz Air):
| Regulation UK261 | Regulation EC261/2004 | |
| EU – EU | – | ✓ |
| EU – UK | ✓ | ✓ |
| EU – Third Country | – | ✓ |
| UK – EU | ✓ | ✓ |
| UK – UK | ✓ | – |
| UK – Third Country | ✓ | – |
| Third Country – EU | – | ✓ |
| Third Country – UK | ✓ | – |
2. Wizz Air UK Refund for Cancellation After Brexit
Are you seeking compensation or a refund for your Wizz Air UK flight after Brexit?
It’s possible. Because very little has changed since the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union in February 2020. While previously protected by EU law, you are now safeguarded by UK law (Regulation UK261), which is very similar to its EU counterpart, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Rest assured, your entitlement to protection against delays, cancellations, and flight overbooking remains intact. The only notable difference is that when filing a compensation claim, you will now primarily refer to UK law and get your compensation in Pounds sterling (£).
Read more: Regulation EC261 vs UK261
2.1 Regulation UK261
Regulation UK261, also known as the new regulation, addresses the rules for flight delay compensation, flight cancellation compensation, and denied boarding compensation.
While this article primarily focuses on Wizz Air UK, it’s important to note that these rules apply to other airlines as well. This includes UK airlines like easyJet, TUI, British Airways and others, as well as airlines registered in other EU countries and beyond.
To fully understand all potential scenarios, we kindly recommend consulting our comprehensive guide on Regulation UK261.
If your Wizz Air UK flight has been cancelled, delayed, or if you’ve been denied boarding, it’s crucial to know your rights. You have the right to care and may also be eligible for flight compensation. Various situations warrant compensation.
In certain cases, if your flight has been cancelled, you may be entitled to both compensation and a full refund. This article will focus on the Wizz Air UK refund for cancellation.
3. How To Get a Refund From Wizz Air UK (for a Cancelled Flight)?
In which situations are you entitled to an airline refund for cancellation?
How can you get a refund from Wizz Air UK for a cancelled flight?
3.1 UK Flight Cancellation Refund
According to Regulation UK261, you have the right to receive a complete refund if your flight is cancelled, regardless of the reason or timing of the cancellation.
If your flight is operated by an airline registered in the UK (or an airline from the EU or the EEA), getting a refund is a simple process. This option is available for any flight cancellation, regardless of where your flight was originally scheduled to depart from or arrive at, or the specific time the cancellation occurred. You can be confident that claiming your refund is a straightforward procedure. Typically, information about refunds for cancelled flights will be sent to your email when a flight is cancelled.
However, in the case of travel with a non-European airline, refunds are only applicable to flights that depart from a European airport (that is, an airport in the UK, EU, or EEA).
3.2 Wizz Air UK Flight Cancellation Refund
Wizz Air UK, being a UK-based airline, operates in accordance with UK laws.
And the UK laws state that regardless of the reasons behind the cancellation, you have the right to receive a full refund from Wizz Air UK for a cancelled flight. The timing of the cancellation—whether it’s three months, two weeks, or even just one day prior to your intended departure—is irrelevant; the airline is obliged to provide you with a full reimbursement.
If Wizz Air UK cancels your flight, you will receive an email detailing the options available to you. This will include the steps to obtain a refund. Typically, you will need to log into your Wizz Air account to select the refund. However, there are other alternatives as well. You have the option to rebook on the next available flight or request a refund in the form of Wizz Air credits, which will be added to your Wizz Air account.
Keep in mind that the monetary refund will be credited to your bank account within 7 days from the time of the request.
If you initially booked your flight through a travel agent or a tour operator, kindly get in touch with them directly to discuss available alternatives or to initiate a refund request.
3.3 Wizz Air UK Refund For Cancellation or a New Flight?
Wizz Air UK has to offer you a choice between receiving a refund or arranging an alternative flight. You can choose either – whichever is best for you.
If you no longer wish to travel, you are entitled to opt for a complete refund in place of rescheduling your journey to your original intended location. It is of utmost importance that you promptly reach out to the airline and initiate the refund process to prevent any further complexities.
Can you obtain both a refund and a new flight? Regrettably, this is not possible. You are required to make a selection between two alternatives: either obtaining a refund from Wizz Air UK for a cancelled flight or a replacement flight to your intended destination.
3.4 Can I Get Money Instead of a Voucher?
Can I receive money instead of a voucher?
If Wizz Air UK offers you a voucher instead of a refund, it is crucial to understand your rights. According to Regulation UK261, airlines are obligated to provide a payment via bank transfer if that is your preferred choice.
So, if the airline insists on offering a voucher instead of your rightful refund, remember that you have the right to decline without facing any consequences. If you have already received a voucher, ensure that you request a refund directly to your bank card.
4. Refund for a Flight Cancellation Due to Extraordinary Circumstances
Whether your flight is operated by a UK-registered airline or an airline from the EU or the EEA, you are entitled to a refund even if your flight was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.
The specific cause behind the flight cancellation doesn’t matter; you maintain the right to a refund in all situations. Be assured that, regardless of the circumstances, you are entitled to receive the appropriate refund.
Even if your flight was cancelled due to bad weather.
5. What to Do if Wizz Air UK Is Refusing Refund for Cancellation?
What should you do if Wizz Air UK refuses to provide a refund for your cancellation?
While it may seem frustrating, it’s important to remind Wizz Air UK of their responsibility as outlined in Regulation UK261, particularly in Articles 5 and 8. If your initial approach doesn’t yield results, it’s advisable to contact the national enforcement body in the country where your flight is scheduled to depart from. This can help escalate the situation and increase the chances of finding a resolution.
6. Wizz Air UK Flight Cancellation Compensation or Refund?
Are you eligible for flight cancellation compensation in addition to a refund?
In certain situations, you may be entitled to both. Consider the timing and reason for the cancellation (i.e., extraordinary circumstances or the airline’s fault).
If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before your trip due to the airline’s fault (including technical problems and staff shortages), you are entitled to a full refund (or a new flight), and flight cancellation compensation. Compensation and refund money will be directly transferred to your bank account, eliminating the need for vouchers. If you already have been issued a voucher, contact Wizz Air to request a bank transfer instead.
If the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances like weather conditions, natural disasters, or pandemics, you won’t be eligible for compensation, but you can still receive a refund or a new flight.
If the cancellation occurs more than 2 weeks before departure, you are not entitled to flight cancellation compensation from Wizz Air UK, but you can still get a refund or a new flight.
Do you have more questions about a refund from Wizz Air UK for a cancelled flight, or Wizz Air UK flight cancellation compensation? Ask in the comments.
Featured photo by Tibor Szabo from Pexels