The new feature is part of the low-cost airline’s recently launched “Wizz Class” product, which gives customers access to priority-style benefits and the opportunity to reserve additional personal space.
Passengers who select Wizz Class will be able to request the empty middle seat when booking an aisle or window seat, subject to availability and demand-based pricing.
To access the option, travellers must first purchase Wizz Class for €50 at the time of booking. The upgrade includes early boarding, a complimentary snack, and the ability to bring a large cabin bag on board. The empty-seat option is then offered as an additional paid extra, with the price varying depending on demand and route.
The airline has confirmed that the spare seat option will only be available to passengers who have also upgraded to Wizz Smart or Wizz Plus, meaning the feature sits on top of several existing fare bundles. As a result, the final cost of flying without a neighbour could rise significantly once all upgrades are added.
Wizz Air said the move reflects changing passenger preferences, with demand growing for additional space on board. A survey conducted in 2023 suggested that almost half of air travellers would consider paying extra to avoid sitting next to another passenger, particularly on short-haul flights.
The carrier is not alone in monetising personal space. Earlier this year, Virgin Australia introduced a system allowing customers to bid for empty seats on board, with prices starting at around €17. Lufthansa already offers a “sleepers row” product on some long-haul services, enabling passengers to reserve an entire row of seats, complete with a mattress and blanket, for up to €229 each way.
Wizz Air’s version is more limited in scope. The airline confirmed that Wizz Class, including the empty-seat option, will initially be available only on selected routes between Budapest, Bucharest Otopeni, London Luton, London Gatwick, Rome Fiumicino, and Warsaw.
The move highlights the continued shift among budget airlines toward unbundled pricing models, where passengers can customise their journey by paying for individual comforts rather than relying on traditional fare classes.
