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Low-cost carrier Wizz Air shared critically important information for passengers dealing with flight delays. It’s important to understand that if your flight is delayed, the timing for online check-in and airport check-in remains unchanged despite the new departure time. This rule can surprise many travelers who are used to the idea that when a flight is delayed, the check-in time shifts as well.
Top highlights
• A delay does not automatically move check-in deadlines.
• Plan check-in around the original schedule, even if departure time changes.
• Waiting can lead to missing the flight or extra airport hassle.
• The text mentions an airport check-in fee of 40 euros if you don’t check in on time.
• Best practice: check in early and keep your boarding pass ready.
Why this rule catches travelers off guard
Imagine you planned to depart at 18:00 and check-in closes at 15:00. If the flight is delayed for several hours, many passengers may assume the check-in deadline shifts accordingly. However, Wizz Air emphasizes that this is not the case: even if departure is moved, check-in will still close at the originally established time. This means you should not postpone check-in just because you’re expecting a delay — otherwise, you might not only miss the flight, but also face additional airport check-in fees, which are stated as 40 euros.
Check-in cutoffs: online vs. airport
According to Wizz Air rules, online check-in closes 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, while airport check-in closes 40 or 60 minutes before departure depending on the specific airport. This is especially important for travelers who want to avoid extra costs and unnecessary stress at the airport.
How to protect your ticket (and avoid extra fees)
To protect yourself from losing your ticket and spending extra money, it’s important to complete check-in based on the original schedule even if you’ve received a delay notification. This simple habit helps you avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport and ensures you make it on board.
What to do when your flight is delayed
1) Check in as early as possible (online), using the original departure time.
2) Remember the cutoffs stated in the text: online closes 3 hours before scheduled departure; airport closes 40/60 minutes depending on the airport.
3) Don’t “wait out the delay”: the check-in deadline may not move at all.
4) Avoid surprise charges — the text mentions a 40-euro airport check-in fee.
1-day itinerary: a flight-day checklist
• Morning: complete online check-in and save your boarding pass (phone and/or print).
• Midday: monitor updates, but keep your check-in deadlines anchored to the original schedule.
• Before heading to the airport: confirm when airport check-in closes (40/60 minutes, depending on the airport).
2-day itinerary: if your flight is tomorrow and delays are possible
• The day before: note your check-in cutoffs and tie them to the original scheduled departure time.
• Prep: keep documents and luggage ready so last-minute tasks don’t eat into the check-in window.
• Flight day: even if you receive a delay notice, treat check-in deadlines as unchanged.
How to “arrive on time”: getting to the airport & boarding
The key takeaway from the article: even if the departure time moves, check-in can still close at the originally set time. So plan your trip to the airport, check-in, and airport formalities around the original schedule.
• Online check-in: closes 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Airport check-in: closes 40 or 60 minutes beforehand, depending on the airport.
Source
Source: avianews.com
FAQ: Wizz Air check-in during delays
If my flight is delayed, does the online check-in deadline move?
No. The article stresses that check-in timing can remain unchanged and tied to the original schedule.
When does Wizz Air online check-in close?
The text states it closes 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Can I wait for the “final” delay time and check in later?
It’s risky: check-in can still close based on the original time, so you could miss the flight.
Why do travelers assume check-in will shift too?
Because it feels intuitive — but the rule described says departure changes don’t necessarily move check-in cutoffs.
When does airport check-in close?
According to the text: 40 or 60 minutes before departure, depending on the airport.
Which time should I plan around if my departure is moved?
Plan around the original schedule for check-in deadlines, even after a delay notification.
Can I lose my ticket even if the plane hasn’t departed yet?
Yes — if you miss the check-in cutoff, you may not be allowed to fly even when the departure is delayed.
What should I do first after receiving a delay message?
Complete check-in early and keep your deadlines anchored to the original schedule.
How much is the airport check-in fee mentioned in the text?
The article mentions an airport check-in fee of 40 euros.
Why is last-minute check-in a bad idea during delays?
Because the check-in window may not move, so the delay doesn’t necessarily give you extra time.
What if the delay time changes multiple times?
Track updates, but treat check-in cutoffs as unchanged and based on the original schedule.
What’s the main takeaway from these instructions?
Check in according to the original schedule to reduce the risk of missing your flight and paying extra fees.
