Budget airline unveils 'new class' with blocked middle seats for extra space
The option will be available in the front row seats that already feature extra legroom
A budget airline is launching a new 'Class', offering passengers more space by blocking the middle seat next to them.
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Wizz Air says the new class, which will be tested from December 2025, is designed for travellers who want more comfort without paying premium prices.
Unlike traditional business class cabins, Wizz Class won’t involve any aircraft reconfiguration - instead, the option will be available only in the front row seats that already feature extra legroom.
Passengers opting for Wizz Class won’t get lounge access or complimentary meals, but they will have the benefit of an empty seat beside them throughout the flight.
Michael Delehant, Wizz Air’s Senior Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, told The Sun the idea came directly from passengers.
Wizz Class will initially be rolled out on select routes from London, Rome, Bucharest, Budapest, and Warsaw.
Early reactions to the announcement have been positive.
One traveller said: "Love it. Blocked middle seat is something that makes flying economy bearable. But this should extend to more than just the first row."
Another added: "Blocking seats in the first row is nice. It compensates for the lack of storage space and lets you be first off on landing. I’d pay extra for that."
The launch of Wizz Class comes as the airline also tests 'Wizz Play', a new onboard connectivity system that would allow messaging and streaming in-flight.
Wizz Air is additionally expanding its popular ‘All You Can Fly’ membership, adding 10,000 new spaces across 34 countries.
The €499 (£439) annual pass gives travellers unlimited flights for 12 months across Wizz Air’s 950 routes in 53 countries, with a small €9.99 (£8.80) booking fee per trip.