If your Wizz Air flight has been delayed or cancelled due to weather, it’s classified as an “extraordinary circumstance” under Article 5 III of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This means that because weather conditions are beyond the airline’s control, passengers are generally not entitled to compensation. While these disruptions can be frustrating, the regulations prioritize safety, recognizing that airlines cannot control the weather nor prevent its impact on flights. In the case of a Wizz Air flight cancelled due to weather, this exemption focuses on passenger safety over convenience.
Passenger Rights in Case of Wizz Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to the Weather
When a Wizz Air flight is delayed or cancelled due to weather, it’s important to understand your rights under EU Regulation EU 261. This regulation protects airline passengers flying from or to EU airports with EU airlines. EU 261 allows passengers to claim compensation for disruptions like cancellations and delays, but there are specific conditions where this applies.
Weather-related disruptions often fall into the category of “extraordinary circumstances.” This means if the delay or flight cancellation was due to weather conditions beyond the airline’s control, the airline is not required to pay compensation. It’s crucial for passengers to know that while EU 261 provides broad protections, exceptions like severe weather exempt airlines from the obligation to compensate. Understanding these nuances can help manage your expectations and prepare adequately for weather-related travel disruptions.
Most Common Weather-Related Issues When Flying
Bad weather often leads to flight disruptions, making it a top concern for travelers. Various meteorological conditions can cause your flight to be delayed or cancelled, including:
- Strong winds
- Thunderstorms
- Storms
- Cyclones
- Fog with low visibility
- Snowfall
- De-icing issues on take-off or landing runways
- Aircraft struck by lightning
- Other natural disasters
These conditions are frequently cited by airlines as reasons for Wizz Air flights cancelled due to weather or delays. Under normal circumstances, passengers might be entitled to compensation for disruptions leading to delays over three hours or cancellations. However, severe weather is an exception. Such severe conditions are considered “extraordinary circumstances,” exempting airlines from compensation obligations.
This exemption is crucial because it underscores the unpredictability and uncontrollability of weather. While frustrating, these Wizz Air weather flight cancellations reflect a commitment to passenger safety over convenience, even though it may sometimes seem like an easy out for airlines. Understanding these factors can help you navigate the complexities of travel during adverse weather conditions.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
Understanding your rights is crucial when facing Wizz Air flight delays due to weather or cancellations. Typically, airlines are not required to provide compensation for disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, which are beyond their control. However, if an airline cites “bad weather” as a reason for cancellation while other flights are not affected, you might have grounds for compensation.
The European Court of Justice ruling (Case C-74/19, June 11, 2020) clarifies that airlines must prove they took all reasonable measures to reroute or accommodate passengers quickly, including using other airlines or alternative transportation. If the issue, like a lack of de-icing fluid, could have been anticipated by the airline, it does not qualify as an extraordinary circumstance. In such cases, passengers affected by Wizz Air flight cancellations due to weather or Wizz Air flight delays due to weather may be entitled to claim compensation under EU Regulation 261.
Knowing these rules can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation and ensure that you are adequately informed to pursue a claim.
Wizz Air Compensation for Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to Weather
When it comes to Wizz Air flight cancelled due to weather, passengers should note that compensation is not typically available if the cancellation or delay is due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather. However, if you believe that the Wizz Air flight cancellation was preventable or if similar flights were not cancelled, you may still have a case for Wizz Air refund. Detailed documentation and understanding of flight statuses on the same day can strengthen your claim.
| Flight Distance and Itinerary | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| All flights 1,500km or less | ✅ 250€ |
| Internal EU flights over 1,500 km | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights between 1,500-3,500km | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights over 3,500km | ✅ 600€ |
Which Wizz Air Flights are Covered by EU 261
EU Regulation 261 extends to all passengers traveling within Europe, as well as those flying to or from Europe on a European airline. This includes all Wizz Air flights cancelled due to weather and other causes, provided they depart from or arrive at a European airport. The regulation aims to ensure that passengers are treated fairly and are compensated where applicable, barring exceptions like extraordinary weather conditions that are truly beyond the airline’s control.
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
Other Rights Covered by Regulation EU261
While EU Regulation 261 is often associated with monetary compensation for delays and cancellations, it also ensures other passenger rights under varying circumstances. These air passenger rights are designed to alleviate discomfort and inconvenience during travel disruptions.
Right to Care
Wizz Air flights delayed due to weather, along with other disruptions, trigger specific entitlements under EU261. If your flight is delayed for more than two hours, Wizz Air is required to provide you with essential services regardless of the cause of the delay. These services include:
- Food and refreshments suitable for the waiting time
- Two means of communication, which can include phone calls, emails, or faxes
For delays extending beyond six hours, the airline must also provide accommodation if necessary, along with transportation between the airport and the place of accommodation. This ensures that passengers are not left stranded or significantly inconvenienced during extended delays. These provisions apply to all passengers, illustrating the airline’s obligation to care, enhancing passenger comfort during unavoidable or unexpected wait times.
Ticket Refund or Re-routing
Under EU Regulation 261, if your Wizz Air flight delayed for more than five hours, you are entitled to additional options beyond care and assistance. You can choose between:
- A full or partial refund of your original ticket for the parts of the journey not completed.
- A return flight to your initial point of departure at the earliest opportunity.
These options provide flexibility and ensure that you are not unduly penalized for delays, allowing you to make decisions based on your personal circumstances and travel needs. This right applies regardless of the reason for the delay, giving you control over your travel plans in extended delay scenarios.
Upgrading and Downgrading
If your flight is disrupted and Wizz Air re-routes you via an alternative flight, the airline must honor your original class of service. If you receive an upgrade, Wizz Air cannot charge you extra for this improvement. Conversely, if the alternative flight offers a lower class than you originally booked, you are entitled to a reimbursement of between 30-75% of the part of your ticket that was downgraded. This ensures fairness in service delivery, maintaining the value of your original purchase regardless of the circumstances.
Upgrading and Downgrading
If your flight is disrupted and Wizz Air re-routes you via an alternative flight, the airline must honor your original class of service. If you receive an upgrade, Wizz Air cannot charge you extra for this improvement. Conversely, if the alternative flight offers a lower class than you originally booked, you are entitled to a reimbursement of between 30-75% of the part of your ticket that was downgraded. This ensures fairness in service delivery, maintaining the value of your original purchase regardless of the circumstances.
Should these situations arise, it’s important to contact Wizz Air directly to ensure that your rights are fully respected and any adjustments are properly handled. Remember, your comfort and satisfaction during travel, even when plans change, are of paramount importance to the airline.