About SmartWings Hungary
SmartWings Hungary is a Hungarian charter airline operating under IATA code 7O and ICAO code TVL, headquartered in Budapest, Hungary. The airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Czech-based Smartwings Group, one of Central Europe's leading leisure airline groups. SmartWings Hungary specialises in seasonal charter and leisure flights, serving popular holiday destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East from its main base at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).
Originally founded in 2001 as Travel Service Hungary, the airline operated charter services for Hungarian tour operators under that name for nearly two decades. On 10 December 2018, the carrier officially rebranded to SmartWings Hungary, aligning its identity with the broader Smartwings Group brand. The airline continues to focus on providing affordable holiday air travel for Hungarian travellers and international tourists seeking sun-and-beach destinations, partnering closely with tour operators to deliver seasonal capacity on high-demand leisure routes.
Airline Overview and History
SmartWings Hungary has built a steady track record as a reliable leisure carrier in the Hungarian aviation market. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- 2001 — Founded as Travel Service Hungary, a subsidiary of the Czech Travel Service airline (now Smartwings Group)
- 2001–2018 — Operated charter flights from Budapest and other Hungarian airports under the Travel Service Hungary brand, serving Mediterranean and European holiday destinations
- 10 December 2018 — Officially rebranded to SmartWings Hungary as part of a group-wide unification under the Smartwings brand
- 2020–2021 — Operations reduced during the global pandemic, with gradual recovery as travel restrictions eased
- 2023 — Debrecen International Airport (DEB) designated as a focus city, expanding the airline's reach to eastern Hungary
- 2025 — Seasonal network expanded with new routes to Almeria and Bodrum from Budapest and Barcelona and Tirana from Debrecen
The airline's primary hub is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Hungary's largest and busiest airport, located approximately 16 kilometres southeast of the capital. Debrecen International Airport serves as a secondary base, providing convenient access for travellers in eastern Hungary. SmartWings Hungary operates on a business-to-business model, generating revenue primarily through partnerships with tour operators and travel agencies rather than direct consumer ticket sales. This approach allows the airline to optimise aircraft utilisation during peak holiday seasons while keeping overheads lean.
Fleet and Aircraft
SmartWings Hungary operates a compact and efficient fleet centred on the Boeing 737 family. The fleet composition includes:
- Boeing 737-800 — The airline's primary aircraft type, configured with 189 seats in a single-class economy layout with a 3-3 abreast seating arrangement. The airline currently operates one owned 737-800 (registration HA-LKG, manufactured in 2002) powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B24E turbofan engines
- Boeing 737-700 and 737-900 — Additional 737 variants are wet-leased from parent company Smartwings during peak summer seasons to handle increased passenger demand on popular holiday routes
The Boeing 737-800 is one of the most widely operated narrow-body aircraft in the world, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and suitability for short- to medium-haul routes of up to approximately 5,400 kilometres. SmartWings Hungary maintains its fleet to rigorous European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, with regular maintenance checks ensuring the highest levels of airworthiness and passenger safety. The airline's ability to supplement its core fleet through wet-lease arrangements with Smartwings Group provides operational flexibility, allowing it to scale capacity up during the busy summer season and scale down in winter without maintaining excess aircraft year-round.
Top Flight Routes
SmartWings Hungary operates a seasonal network of leisure routes from Budapest and Debrecen to popular holiday destinations. Primary routes include:
- Budapest to Antalya — One of Turkey's most popular coastal resorts on the Mediterranean, a perennial favourite for Hungarian holidaymakers seeking sun, sea, and all-inclusive packages
- Budapest to Heraklion (Crete) — Gateway to Greece's largest island, offering stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant local culture
- Budapest to Hurghada — Egypt's premier Red Sea resort town, popular for snorkelling, diving, and year-round sunshine
- Budapest to Rhodes — The historic Greek island known for its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and crystal-clear waters
- Budapest to Chania (Crete) — Western Crete's charming Venetian harbour city with excellent beaches and mountain scenery
- Budapest to Palma de Mallorca — Spain's Balearic island paradise, combining beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions
- Budapest to Monastir — Tunisia's coastal gateway for affordable Mediterranean holidays and desert excursions
- Budapest to Bodrum — Turkey's Aegean coast gem, famous for its vibrant nightlife and stunning turquoise bays (new for 2025)
- Debrecen to Barcelona — Direct seasonal service connecting eastern Hungary with Spain's Catalan capital (new for 2025)
- Debrecen to Tirana — Linking Debrecen with Albania's capital, an emerging European travel destination (new for 2025)
For Malaysian travellers interested in exploring Budapest or connecting to European holiday destinations, the following routes on Traveloka provide convenient options:
Check the latest available routes and schedules directly on Traveloka for real-time flight availability and pricing.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding the baggage rules before your flight helps you pack efficiently and avoid unexpected fees at the airport. Below is a summary of SmartWings Hungary's baggage policy, which follows the Smartwings Group standard.
Cabin Baggage
- All fare types: 1 cabin bag, maximum 8 kg, dimensions up to 55 x 45 x 25 cm
- Plus and Flex fares: 1 additional personal item permitted, maximum 3 kg, dimensions up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm
Checked Baggage
- Lite fare: No checked baggage included; can be purchased separately from approximately EUR 35
- Plus fare: 1 checked bag up to 23 kg included
- Flex fare: 1 checked bag up to 23 kg included
- Business class: 2 checked bags up to 32 kg total, plus 2 cabin bags (8 kg) and 1 personal item (3 kg)
Excess and Overweight Baggage
- Overweight fee: EUR 6 per kilogram for bags exceeding the standard weight limit
- Oversize fee: EUR 59 per piece for bags exceeding standard dimensions
- Maximum single piece: No individual piece may exceed 32 kg or 250 cm in combined dimensions (length + width + height including handles and wheels)
- Weight pooling: Not permitted — each piece must meet its own weight limit independently
Passengers are encouraged to pre-book any additional baggage allowance at the time of booking, as airport counter rates are typically higher. Extra weight must be booked at least 24 hours before departure via the Smartwings website or through your tour operator.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Dangerous goods, flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Liquids in cabin baggage must comply with the standard 100 ml container limit in a transparent resealable bag
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport check-in counters for SmartWings Hungary flights open and close as follows:
- Standard flights: Counter opens 2.5 hours before departure and closes 40 minutes before departure
- Flights from Tel Aviv and Marsa Alam: Counter opens 3 hours before departure
- Flights from Dubai, Tel Aviv, and long-haul flights (over 6 hours): Counter closes 60 minutes before departure
Arriving at the airport well in advance is strongly recommended during peak holiday periods such as summer school breaks and public holidays to allow sufficient time for security screening and boarding.
Online Check-in
- Opens: 30 hours before scheduled departure
- Closes: 60 minutes before scheduled departure
- Access: Via the Smartwings website or mobile platform
After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage should proceed to the baggage drop counter at the airport. Passengers travelling with cabin baggage only can head directly to security screening and the departure gate. Online check-in is available for all SmartWings Hungary flights and is shared across all Smartwings Group carriers.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
The majority of SmartWings Hungary flights operate in a single-class economy configuration with 189 seats in a 3-3 abreast layout on the Boeing 737-800. Passengers can expect a comfortable experience suitable for short- to medium-haul leisure flights, with features including:
- Standard seat pitch and recline
- Window, middle, and aisle seat options
- Seat selection available during booking or up to 2 days before departure
- Extra legroom seats available in select rows for an additional fee
Business Class
On select routes and aircraft configurations, Smartwings offers a Business class product featuring:
- Comfortable seats in a 2+2 configuration with extra legroom
- Separate check-in counter and fast-track security access
- Airport lounge access
- A three-course gourmet menu with appetiser, main course, and dessert
- Enhanced baggage allowance (2 checked bags up to 32 kg, 2 cabin bags, and 1 personal item)
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
SmartWings Hungary offers several meal options depending on your fare type and route:
- Flex fare passengers: A light in-flight snack is included in the ticket price
- All other passengers: A gourmet menu can be pre-ordered when purchasing the ticket or at least 48 hours before departure via the My Bookings section, with one complimentary non-alcoholic beverage included with each meal
- Buy-on-board: A selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages is available for purchase directly on the aircraft during the flight
- Children's meals: Available for pre-order on applicable routes
In-Flight Entertainment
SmartWings Hungary flights do not feature seatback entertainment screens. Passengers are encouraged to download movies, music, podcasts, or reading material to personal devices before departure for entertainment during the flight.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Require their own seat and ticket; must be accompanied by at least one adult passenger
- Infants (48 hours to under 2 years): Travel on the accompanying adult's lap secured with a special infant seat belt at a reduced fare; babies under 48 hours old are not accepted for travel
- Infants 48 hours to 7 days old: May fly only after completing a special approval form
- Baby equipment: Baby car seats, collapsible strollers, and travel cots are transported free of charge
Unaccompanied Minors
- Age range: The unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service is available for children aged 6 to 11 years
- Children under 6: Must always be accompanied by an adult passenger
- Booking: The UMNR service must be requested no later than 48 hours before departure via the airline's contact centre or through the ticket agent
- Documentation: Five completed copies of the required UMNR form must be provided
Pregnant Passengers
- Single pregnancy: Passengers may fly up to and including the 34th week of pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or more): Travel is permitted up to and including the 28th week
- Required documentation: A maternity pass or physician's certificate confirming the current week of pregnancy must be available for inspection at the airport and on board
- After the cutoff: Pregnant passengers beyond the 34th week (or 28th week for multiples) are not accepted for carriage under any circumstances
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
SmartWings Hungary provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility or special needs:
- Free wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding and disembarkation
- Assistance must be requested no later than 48 hours before departure via the airline's contact form
- When requesting wheelchair assistance, passengers should specify whether they can walk stairs and reach their seat independently so the appropriate level of support can be arranged
- Passengers with medical equipment on board should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
SmartWings Hungary allows passengers to change their flights under the following conditions:
- Flight changes can be made in the My Bookings section of the Smartwings website within 72 hours of the original departure time
- Flex fare passengers: Can change departure or arrival dates for the fare difference only (no change fee)
- Lite and Plus fare passengers: Changes may incur an administration fee plus any fare difference
If you booked through Traveloka, you can also manage rescheduling through the Traveloka app or website by visiting your booking details and following the guided process.
Cancellations and Refunds
- 24-hour cancellation: Passengers can claim a full refund without additional fees if the cancellation is made within 24 hours of purchase and the departure date is at least 7 days away
- Flex fare: Ticket cancellation permitted for a fee
- Lite and Plus fares: Non-refundable, including any charges for additional services purchased with the ticket
- Airline-initiated cancellation: If SmartWings Hungary cancels a flight, passengers are entitled to either a new flight or a full refund, regardless of fare type
- EU regulation EC 261/2004: Passengers may be eligible for compensation of up to EUR 600 per person for cancellations made less than 14 days before departure, depending on the circumstances
Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
Why Book SmartWings Hungary Flights on Traveloka
Booking SmartWings Hungary flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
- Competitive pricing in RM — Compare fares across multiple airlines and find the best deals, with all prices displayed in Malaysian Ringgit
- Easy flight comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, flight duration, and number of stops to find the perfect itinerary
- Flexible payment options — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, or popular Malaysian e-wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay
- Instalment plans — Split your payment into manageable monthly instalments for greater affordability
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app, with no need to visit a physical counter
- 24/7 customer support — Traveloka's multilingual support team is available around the clock for any booking queries or travel assistance
- Bundle and save — Book flights together with hotels, airport transfers, and activities for additional savings through Traveloka's bundling features
- Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka Points on every booking, enjoy cashback offers, and access member-exclusive deals and promotions
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these strategies to secure the best fares when booking SmartWings Hungary flights or any other airline on Traveloka:
- Book early — Ticket prices generally increase as the departure date approaches, so book as far in advance as possible for the best rates
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates and identify the cheapest days to fly
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer lower fares compared to weekends and Monday departures
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred route
- Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promotions page for flash sales, seasonal deals, and exclusive promo codes that can significantly reduce your ticket cost
- Travel during off-peak periods — Avoid school holidays, public holidays, and peak summer weeks for lower fares and less crowded flights
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and accommodation together through Traveloka to unlock additional bundle discounts
- Choose a basic fare — Select the Lite fare without add-ons if you are travelling light with only cabin baggage, and save by purchasing extras only as needed
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your SmartWings Hungary flight on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city and destination (for example, Kuala Lumpur to Budapest), select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights for your chosen route
- Sort results by price, departure time, or duration, and select your preferred flight option
- Enter passenger details including full name (as shown on your passport), date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage, preferred seat selection, or travel insurance
- Review your booking summary including the total fare, taxes, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay — and complete the transaction
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app
Save or screenshot your e-ticket for easy reference at the airport, and you are all set to fly with SmartWings Hungary to your dream holiday destination.