The Airbus A321XLR could be a game changer for budget airlines. See how Wizz Air's cheap 7-hour flight would compare with British Airways.

Pete SymeSep 15, 2024, 18:04 IST

The author in front of a Wizz A321neo, and a British Airways A321neo.Pete Syme/Business Insider; Steve Parsons/PA Images/Getty Images<ul class="summary-list"><li>Wizz Air announced its first route for the Airbus A321XLR from London to Jeddah.</li><li>The new route costs £134.99, making it one of the most cost-efficient flights available.</li></ul>European ultra-low-cost carrier <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wizz-airbus-a321xlr-passengers-london-saudi-arabia-suffer-pain-2024-9">Wizz Air announced</a> Tuesday its first route for the Airbus A321XLR.The <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-a321xlr-will-be-a-game-changer-2023-7">A321XLR</a> could be a game changer for budget airlines because it can fly up to two hours further. That's key for the likes of Wizz, given that its pilots are already trained on the Airbus A320 family of jets.By opening longer routes with the XLR, budget airlines could compete with legacy carriers operating widebody jets. While that could emphasize the austere experience of budget carriers, the price gap will likely be more important for most people.Starting at £134.99 ($176.57) from London to Jeddah, Wizz's new route could cost passengers as little as 7 cents per mile — one of the most cost-efficient flights available.It's about one-third of the price of <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-vs-virgin-atlantic-nyc-london-compared-2024-9">British Airways</a>, operating the same route on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.I've flown on both a Wizz A321neo and a BA 787. Even on a much longer flight, the Dreamliner was way more enjoyable, with comfier seats, in-flight entertainment, and complimentary food and drink.

Wizz Air is set to launch its first Airbus A321XLR route next March.

An Airbus A321neo operated by Wizz Air.Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The XLR has an increased range and could be especially helpful for Wizz since its pilots are already trained on the type.

The A321XLR in the flight display at the Farnborough Airshow.John Keeble/Getty Images

On Tuesday, Wizz announced its XLR's first route between London and Saudi Arabia — a roughly 7-hour flight with prices as low as $117 one-way.

Despite the longer journey, Wizz says the seats on the XLR will be the same as the A321neo.

A Wizz Air Airbus A321neo.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Back in April, I flew on a Wizz A321neo for two-and-a-half hours.

A Wizz A321neo at the Madrid Airport gate.Pete Syme/Business Insider

The modern seats were comfier than other budget airlines but offered less space.

An empty row of seats on board the author's Wizz Air flight.Pete Syme/Business Insider

I definitely wouldn't want to be stuck in the back row where there are no windows.

The windowless row on a Wizz A321neo.Pete Syme/Business Insider

There wasn't much in the way of in-flight entertainment.

A first-person view from a Wizz Air A321neo.Pete Syme/Business Insider

You have to pay for drinks or meals, which still didn't look like the tastiest.

Part of the Wizz Air in-flight menu.Pete Syme/Business Insider

Just the fact that it's a smaller, single-aisle plane can make you feel more cramped as time goes by.

The cabin on board a Wizz Air A321neo.Pete Syme/Business Insider

On the London-to-Jeddah route, Wizz would compete with British Airways' Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

A British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.Steve Parsons/PA Images/Getty

Last November I flew economy on a BA Dreamliner to Dubai for 7 hours — a similar flight time as that to Jeddah.

The window view on approach to Dubai International Airport.Pete Syme/Business Insider

In economy, the BA flight came with a free meal ...

The author's meal on a British Airways flight to Dubai.Pete Syme/Business Insider

... As well as complimentary drinks and in-flight entertainment.

I watched films and drank a free beer on my flight to Dubai.Pete Syme/Business Insider

But for most people, I imagine the price will make all the difference.

Wizz passengers deplaning at Rome Fiumicino Airport.Pete Syme/Business Insider

I dodged the crowds in Rome and visited a charming, underrated city just over two hours away

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