Joe McConnell
Low-cost airline Wizz Air has launched an “all you can fly” membership, offering customers unlimited flights for an annual fee of €499 (£428, $549).
While airlines have long offered a variety of multi-flight packages, unlimited deals are a relatively new concept.
The program is similar to those offered by Frontier Airlines in the United States and Malaysia-based AirAsia.
Wizz Air has come under fire in the UK for its customer service and flight delays.
The discounted price of the annual subscription will be available until August 16, after which it will increase to 599 euros.
From September, subscribers will be able to travel to destinations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia by booking an available flight at least three days in advance and paying a flat fee of 9.99 euros.
Wizz Air said it will sell 10,000 season tickets, distributed across the airports where it operates.
However, when BBC News checked the airline’s website, several “preferred airport” options were sold out.
A message on the page read: “In case you are unable to select your preferred airport, please note that the limit has been reached and unfortunately Wizz Air is currently unable to offer you the Wizz All You Can Fly membership.”
The terms and conditions document on Wizz Air’s website also warns that seat availability is not guaranteed for membership holders and will depend on “various external and internal factors.”
In June, Wizz Air was named the worst airline for flight delays in the UK for the third year running.
According to the analysis of official data from the PA news agencyLast year, Wizz Air flight departures from UK airports were delayed by an average of 31 minutes.
Even Which?, the UK’s leading consumer group, named the airline as the worst for customer service.
This month, Hungary’s competition authority fined Wizz Air €770,000 for misleading communications, including encouraging customers to buy more expensive travel packages.
Wizz Air did not immediately respond to BBC News’ request for comment.
Also in August, Wizz Air reported a 44% drop in first-quarter operating profit and cut its full-year profit forecast.
