December 5th 2024.
Wizz Air has recently brought back their controversial annual flight membership program, which allows customers to fly unlimited to over 200 destinations in 50 countries for a flat fee. The scheme received backlash from environmentalists who believe it encourages unnecessary travel and contributes to carbon emissions.
Despite the initial 10,000 memberships selling out within 48 hours at a price of £414, the airline has now increased the cost to £495 after the introductory period. This has caused frustration for some customers who have struggled to book flights, with some calling it a scam and others unable to find availability for their desired destinations.
The budget airline's CEO, József Váradi, defends the program, citing a high demand for it and emphasizing the importance of finding sustainable ways to travel. He also highlights the airline's efforts to reduce their carbon footprint by filling flights to capacity.
However, environmentalists remain critical of the scheme, with some calling it "utterly grotesque and deeply stupid." They argue that airlines should focus on reducing overall air traffic, rather than offering cheap schemes that encourage more flying.
The membership allows for bookings up to three days before the flight, but additional fees may apply for carry-on or checked luggage. Once a flight is booked, it cannot be modified, and canceling the membership is only allowed within two weeks of purchase and without having booked any flights.
For those who frequently travel to specific destinations, Wizz Air also offers country-specific subscriptions, such as the Multi Pass for countries like Cyprus, the UK, United Arab Emirates, and Italy, ranging from £30 to £55.
The airline has been recognized for having the lowest carbon footprint among European airlines, but critics argue that this is not enough and that more needs to be done to reduce the impact on the environment. As the debate on sustainable travel continues, Wizz Air's "all you can fly" membership remains a controversial topic.
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