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Although some remain skeptical that we are currently living through a resurgence of the original roaring 20s, some of our post-pandemic behavior signals otherwise – as people are making a big deal out of attending and concerts and traveling more than ever before.
💡 In fact, TSA checkpoint saw 2.3 million people in 2019 compared to over 2.5 million in 2023 – demonstrating the increase in travel.
As a result of the pent up demand, airlines such as Wizz Air have tried to take advantage of the newfound desire to travel by offering unlimited flight subscription services – but the long-term impact could be detrimental to our planet.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of Wizz Air’s unlimited flight program, the potential negative impact, and ways Wizz Air could alter their services to be more eco-friendly.
Founded in 2003, Wizz Air is a European low-cost airline based in Hungary – primarily offering flights to and from capital cities in Central and Eastern Europe.
💡 Wizz Air also offers budget long haul flights, such as London to Miami, New, Dubai, Istanbul, and Faro – expanding their services to offer routes in the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States.
Here are some of the hallmark qualities of Wizz Air:
👉 Ultimately, Wizz Air has grown exponentially over the past few years – solidifying their role as a reputable budget airline in Europe.
Wizz Air offers an unlimited flight program, where customers can choose an annual subscription to gain access to the international Wizz Network offering over 780 routes across 53 countries.
💡 It is important to remember that Wizz Air’s “All You Can Fly” service excludes domestic flights within Italy and will be subject to availability – meaning there is no guarantee you will have access to the exact flight or route desired.
Here’s how Wizz Air’s unlimited, “All You Can Fly” program works:
Wizz Air’s unlimited flight program may prove useful for frequent travelers, but it’s important to remember that Wizz Air’s “All You Can Fly” Program will not include the following services:
👉 Wizz Air’s unlimited flight program will be automatically renewed each year, making it a convenient “set it and forget it” subscription service for backpackers or frequent travelers within Europe.
The table below will compare and contrast Wizz Air's unlimited flight program with other existing unlimited air travel programs:
| Feature | Wizz Air Unlimited Flight Program | Alaska Airlines Flight Pass | Surf Air Membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Budget-conscious travelers in Europe, focusing on short-haul flights. | Frequent flyers on the West Coast of the U.S., especially business travelers. | High-income professionals or business executives seeking luxury and convenience. |
| Geographic Coverage | Primarily Europe and some Middle Eastern destinations. | Limited to U.S. domestic routes, mostly on the West Coast. | Private charter flights across the U.S. and select international routes. |
| Cost | Relatively low-priced, but additional fees for luggage, seat selection, etc. | Starts at $49 per month (basic subscription) with additional fees for flights. | Premium pricing starting at $1995/month, covering unlimited flights. |
| Environmental Concerns | Encourages frequent flying, increasing carbon emissions without significant offset programs. | Supports frequent short-haul flights, with no robust carbon-offset initiatives. | Higher environmental impact due to private aircraft usage; limited offset measures. |
| Flexibility | Limited by blackout dates, route availability, and last-minute restrictions. | Offers decent flexibility for frequent travelers, with options for same-day flights. | Highly flexible; allows booking private flights with minimal notice. |
| Additional Benefits | Discounted prices on ancillary services (e.g., luggage, priority boarding). | Members can cancel or change flights up to 90 days in advance without fees. | Includes VIP services, private lounges, and seamless luxury travel experiences. |
| Key Limitations | Overcrowding risk during peak travel times; perceived environmental irresponsibility. | Only available for a fixed network of routes; does not include all U.S. destinations. | Prohibitively expensive for the average traveler; not suitable for short-haul trips. |
Unlimited flight programs such as Wizz Air’s, “All You Can Fly” pass raises environmental, logistical, and financial concerns – all of which could put the company’s profitability and overall future in jeopardy.
Here are some of the problems associated with Wizz Air promoting unlimited flight services:
💡 However, if customers end up making the most of their unlimited flight program – it could result in Wizz Air needing to increase fees for in-flight services such as meals and checked luggage.
👉 As a whole, Wizz Air promoting unlimited flights under a subscription service may encourage travelers to opt for air travel even if it isn’t the most convenient, time efficient, or effective way to cut back on carbon emissions from travel.
Wizz Air is considered as an eco-conscious airline, having been awarded by the Centre of Aviation (CAPA) for their exceptional efforts to employ the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and their efforts to secure the most energy efficient aircraft.
Wizz Air made an effort to increase the amount of passenger seats available per flight to make the most of each flight, developing an aircraft to hold 239 passengers as opposed to the original 180 seats – allowing for Wizz Air to reduce 52 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per passenger-kilometer in 2024 alone.
👉 There are many ways Wizz Air could address these environmental concerns, such as by taking the spotlight off of unlimited flight offers and by advertising their sustainable business practices to attract new customers.
There are several ways in which Wizz Air could advertise their low-priced without needing to encourage people to join an unlimited flight program, such as by offering a rewards system for people who fly with Wizz Air or by promoting their carbon offset programs.
Here are some ways that Wizz Air could boost business and keep a loyal customer base without an unlimited flight program which could harm the environment:
Overall, Wizz Air has cemented itself as a reputable and even sustainable budget airline in Europe – but its commercial efforts to expand via the use of unlimited flight passes could impact its future moving forward.
If reading this article on the issue with unlimited flights from Wizz Air has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!
It can be overwhelming to figure out how to effectively reduce your environmental impact for employee business travel, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to ensure your company is complying with all current and future environmental regulations.
Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.
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