My Wizz Air flight from Basel-Mulhouse to Warsaw was spartan and late, but clean and comfortable.
I booked my ticket the day before travel for only 58CHF (about $57). I paid an extra 8CHF for a second carry-on bag, which also included priority boarding and was much cheaper than checking a bag in the hold. Booking was very easy directly through the Wizz Air website. After booking, I was able to check-in instantly.
Check-in lines at Basel were not long, but I had already checked in online and headed straight for security.
I noticed on the departure board that the flight was running about 30 minutes late…although no indication was given as to why.
About 30 minutes prior to the updated departure time, I headed to the gate. Boarding had not yet begun and the lines stretched down the concourse. Two gates agents were checking for oversized and un-permitted carry-on bags, though they were not overly strict. One man had a huge carry-on bag (the bathtub-sized one) and he pleaded with them to let him take it onboard. Eventually, they agreed.
The updated boarding time came and went and we still were standing in the gate area waiting. Finally about 10 minutes after scheduled departure time, the boarding door opened and we were ushered onto the tarmac…and again told to wait. At least the plane had finally arrived…
Finally, we were given the green light to board. I passed by a Eurowings turboprop…I did not even know there was any in the fleet.
Wizz Air 1364
Basel-Mulhouse (BSL) – Warsaw (WAW)
Tuesday, April 16
Depart: 09:25 AM
Arrive: 11:35 AM
Duration: 02hr, 10min
Aircraft: A321
Seat: 31B (Economy Class)
Onboard, the Wizz Air A321 is simply one large cabin with all economy class seating in a 3-3 configuration. The A321 has 39 rows of seats and pitch ranges from 30″ to 32″ (rather generous for a low-cost carrier).
I did not cough up the extra money for a seat assignment and found myself in a middle seat, 31B. That’s not big deal for such a short flight. Legroom was tight and no power outlets were offered (and this is an observation not a complaint: I knew what I was getting myself into).
There’s little to report onboard. The captain apologized for the delay, blaming congested air traffic over Germany. FAs offered a buy-on-board service after takeoff with drinks, sandwiches, and snacks like chips, muffins, or chocolate available for purchase. That was followed by duty-free sales.
The crew was kind and courteous and everyone was well-behaved. Upon landing at Warsaw’s Frederick Chopin International, we were met by busses and bussed to the terminal. We ended up arriving about 45 minutes late.
CONCLUSION
My first experience on Wizz Air was about what I expected. A minor delay, uncomfortable seat, friendly FAs, and all worthwhile because of the cheap ticket price. Considering this flight cost 1/4 of what an EasyJet flight on the same route was running, it was a tremendous deal. I would not hesitate to fly Wizz Air whenever it offers a nonstop flight at competitive prices. Otherwise, I’ll stick to the legacies or EasyJet.
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