Wizz Air Charged Me €200 After Online Check-In Failed
On June 2, 2026, I experienced a serious issue with the check-in process for my Wizz Air flight from Budapest to Istanbul, scheduled to depart at 8:00 p.m., with reservation code UQLCYQ. Several hours before the flight, at approximately 2:00–3:00 p.m., I attempted to check in online, but the website repeatedly returned an error and would not allow me to complete the process.
I arrived at the airport at 5:10 p.m. and went to the check-in counter to check my baggage and complete my check-in. The airline representative informed me that airport check-in was not available, that check-in could only be completed online, and that it should have been completed no later than three hours before departure. I explained that I had been unable to access the online check-in system and that I had never received any warning, email, or text message informing me of this requirement. Despite this, I was told that I would not be allowed to board and was directed to another office.
At that office, I was told I had to pay €50 for check-in, €80 for baggage, and an additional €50 processing fee, for a total of €180. However, when I later reviewed my credit card statement, I discovered that €200 had actually been charged. I was clearly told that if I did not pay, I would not be allowed to board my flight, and that there was no alternative location where the process could be completed. Faced with missing my flight, I had no choice but to pay the amount by credit card. I was provided with a receipt for the payment.
I believe I was treated unfairly because Wizz Air did not provide adequate information in Turkish, failed to notify passengers in advance by email or text message about the critical online check-in deadline, and offered no reasonable alternative at the airport other than forcing me to pay a substantial fee. I also do not accept that I should bear full responsibility when the airline's own online system repeatedly failed to allow me to complete check-in.
I respectfully request a full refund of the €200 that I was forced to pay. I also ask Wizz Air to review and improve its online check-in system and passenger notification process so that other travelers do not experience the same situation.
