Vueling Airlines: Fly Cheap, Fly Smart

Table of Contents

What is Vueling Airlines?

Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline based in El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona. It is the largest low-cost carrier in Spain and the fourth-largest in Europe. Vueling operates scheduled flights to over 140 destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The airline’s main base is Barcelona El Prat Airport, with secondary hubs at Paris-Orly Airport, Rome-Fiumicino Airport, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Vueling was founded in 2004 by Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros. The airline began operations in July 2004 with flights from Barcelona to Ibiza and Mallorca. Vueling has grown rapidly in recent years, and in 2019 it carried over 34 million passengers.

Vueling is a low-cost airline, which means that it offers lower fares than traditional airlines. However, Vueling does charge for many extra services, such as checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard meals.

Vueling has received mixed reviews from passengers. Some passengers praise the airline’s low fares and on-time performance. Others criticize the airline’s extra fees and lack of customer service.

Vueling is a good option for budget-minded travelers who are willing to pay for extra services. The airline offers a wide range of destinations and generally has good on-time performance. However, passengers should be aware of the airline’s extra fees before booking a flight.

Where Does Vueling Airlines Fly?

Vueling Airlines flies to an extensive network of over 100 destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with a strong focus on shorter routes. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown by region:

Europe:

Western Europe: Spain (including major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Sevilla), France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille), Italy (Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence), Portugal (Lisbon, Porto), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich), United Kingdom (London, Edinburgh, Manchester), etc.
Central Europe: Switzerland (Zurich, Geneva), Austria (Vienna), Czech Republic (Prague), Hungary (Budapest), Poland (Warsaw, Krakow), Belgium (Brussels), etc.
Eastern Europe: Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki), Turkey (Istanbul), Croatia (Zagreb, Dubrovnik), Bulgaria (Sofia), Romania (Bucharest), Serbia (Belgrade), etc.
Nordic countries: Denmark (Copenhagen), Norway (Oslo), Sweden (Stockholm), Finland (Helsinki), Iceland (Reykjavik), etc.

Africa: Algeria (Algiers), Morocco (Marrakech), Gambia (Banjul).

Middle East: Lebanon (Beirut).

What It’s Like to Fly with Vueling Airlines?

Flying with Vueling Airlines can be a mixed bag, depending on your priorities and expectations. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Pros:

Low fares: Vueling is known for its budget-friendly prices, especially on shorter routes within Europe. You can often snag great deals if you book in advance and are flexible with dates.
Extensive network: They have a broad range of destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, connecting many popular cities.
Convenient online booking and check-in: Vueling’s website is user-friendly and streamlined, making it easy to book and manage your flights. Online check-in saves time at the airport.
Decent flight times: Generally, Vueling’s flights are efficient and on-time, getting you to your destination quickly.

Cons:

No-frills experience: Don’t expect a luxurious journey. Seats are basic and legroom can be tight, especially on longer flights. In-flight entertainment is non-existent, and most food and drinks have to be purchased.
Additional charges: While the base fare might be attractive, be aware of numerous add-on charges. Checking baggage, selecting seats, booking priority boarding, or even paying with certain credit cards can significantly increase your cost.
Customer service: Vueling has faced criticism for its customer service in the past. While they’ve made efforts to improve, some issues might arise with communication or handling flight disruptions.
Possible delays and cancellations: Like any airline, Vueling is not immune to delays and cancellations, which can disrupt your travel plans.

Vueling Airlines can be a good option. Just be prepared for a basic experience and potential add-on charges. However, if you value comfort, in-flight entertainment, and reliable customer service, you might want to consider other airlines, even if the fare is slightly higher.

Does Vueling Airlines Serve Food and Drinks?

Vueling Airlines operates a buy-on-board system for food and drinks, meaning these are not included in the base fare for most tickets. However, they do offer a variety of options for purchase during your flight:

Food:

Sandwiches, baguettes, and burgers: These range from €3.95 to €5.95 and come with different fillings like tuna, ham, cheese, and vegetarian options.
Hot meals: Available on longer flights, these hot meals typically cost around €10-€12 and offer choices like pasta, chicken dishes, and salads.
Snacks: Nuts, crisps, cookies, and other lighter options are available for €1-€3.

Drinks:

Soft drinks: Water, juices, sodas, and coffee are available for €2-€3.
Alcoholic drinks: Beer, wine, and spirits are priced from €4-€7.
Hot drinks: Tea and coffee are priced around €2-€3.

Additionally:

Meal deals: Vueling also offers some pre-packaged meal deals that combine a sandwich or pizza with a drink and snack for a slightly discounted price.
Duty-free: You can purchase duty-free items like perfumes, cosmetics, and cigarettes onboard.

Here are some important points to remember:

Payment options: Vueling accepts euros and sterling pounds for onboard purchases, along with Visa, Mastercard, and Amex credit cards. Debit cards are not accepted.
Cash restrictions: The airline only accepts coins in euros and notes up to €50 and £20. The maximum credit card charge onboard is €300.
Pre-order option: On selected longer flights, Vueling allows you to pre-order meals before your flight through their website or app.

Vueling doesn’t have a complimentary food and drink service, they offer a decent selection of options for purchase to satisfy your hunger and thirst during your flight. You can decide if you want to bring your own snacks and drinks or take advantage of their onboard offerings based on your preference and budget.

What are People Saying About Vueling Airlines?

People’s opinions on Vueling Airlines are quite mixed, with both positive and negative experiences reported. Here’s a breakdown of what passengers are saying:

Positive:

Low fares: Vueling is often praised for its budget-friendly prices, especially on short-haul flights within Europe. Many find it a good option for budget travel.
Convenience: Passengers appreciate the user-friendly website and online booking system, making it easy to manage their flights.
Efficiency: Vueling generally receives positive comments regarding on-time performance and flight duration, getting travelers to their destinations quickly.
Network: The extensive network of destinations across Europe and beyond is a plus for many, offering convenient connections to various locations.

Negative:

No-frills experience: The lack of complimentary food and drinks, limited legroom, and basic seating are often cited as drawbacks. Some find it uncomfortable for longer flights.
Additional charges: Many complain about the numerous add-on fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services, significantly increasing the total cost.
Customer service: While Vueling has been working on improving customer service, some passengers still experience issues with communication or handling of flight disruptions.
Reliability: Occasional delays and cancellations can disrupt travel plans, though not more than other airlines.

Vueling Airlines can be a good choice for budget-conscious travelers on short-haul flights within Europe, as long as they manage expectations for a basic experience and potential add-on charges. For those who prioritize comfort, in-flight entertainment, and robust customer service, other airlines might be a better fit.

What’s Vueling Airlines Luggage Policy?

Vueling Airlines has different luggage allowances depending on the fare you purchase. Here’s a breakdown:

Free cabin baggage:

Everyone gets: One underseat cabin bag (max. 40x20x30 cm) for free, including your airport purchases. It must fit under the seat in front of you.

Additional cabin baggage (depending on fare):

TimeFlex Fare: One 10 kg cabin bag (max. 55x40x20 cm) in addition to the underseat bag.
Other fares (Basic, Optima, Family): You can add a 10 kg cabin bag to take on board for an additional fee, either during booking or later on.

Checked baggage (additional fee):

Optima and Family fares: Include one 25 kg checked bag per passenger.
Other fares: You can add checked bags (15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, or 30 kg) for an additional fee, depending on the destination and leg of the journey.
Excess baggage: Beyond the allowed weight limit, you’ll be charged €12 per extra kg, up to a maximum of 32 kg.

Special luggage:

Specific fees apply for items like bicycles, skis, surfboards, golf clubs, etc.

Check-in Process for Vueling Airlines

The check-in process for Vueling Airlines offers several options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown:

Online Check-in:

Availability: Available anytime between 7 days and 4 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.
Who can use it: Passengers on Vueling-operated flights, adults traveling without infants, pets, or reduced mobility, and non-unaccompanied minors.
Process:
- Log in to Vueling’s website or mobile app using your booking reference or email address and last name.
- Select your flight and passengers.
- Check in online and choose your seat (free with certain fares, or pay extra for other fares).
- Download or print your boarding pass (phone boarding pass option available too).
Benefits: Saves time at the airport, allows you to choose your seat in advance (if available), and avoids check-in queues.

Airport Check-in:

Availability: Available at the airport check-in desks from 2 hours to 40 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure.
Who can use it: Everyone, including passengers who haven’t checked in online or don’t meet the online check-in requirements.
Process:
- Proceed to the Vueling check-in desks at the airport.
- Have your travel documents (passport, boarding pass confirmation) and identification ready.
- Check in with an agent who will verify your documents, confirm your luggage allowance, and issue your boarding pass.
Benefits: Allows you to check in bulky luggage or oversized items, get assistance with special needs, and modify your booking if needed (subject to availability and fees).

Check-in Kiosks:

Availability: Available at some airports. Check Vueling’s website or app for kiosk availability at your departure airport.
Who can use it: Passengers who have already checked in online and only need to print their boarding pass or change their seat selection (if available).
Process:
- Use your boarding pass or booking reference to access the kiosk.
- Select the desired option (print boarding pass, change seat).
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Benefits: Faster option than the check-in desk, especially during busy periods.

How is Vueling Airlines Customer Service?

Vueling Airlines customer service has received mixed reviews over the years, with some passengers praising their helpfulness and efficiency, while others have encountered issues with communication, delays, and difficulty resolving problems. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:

Positives:

Multilingual staff: Vueling’s customer service team is available in multiple languages, making communication easier for international travelers.
Multiple contact channels: You can reach them through phone, email, social media, and their online contact form, offering flexibility depending on your preferred mode of communication.
Improved efforts: Vueling has been actively working on improving their customer service in recent years, implementing new training programs and communication protocols.

Negatives:

Long wait times: Reaching a customer service representative can sometimes take a while, especially during peak hours or when dealing with complex issues.
Communication issues: Some passengers report frustrating experiences with unclear communication, misinformation, or lack of follow-up from the customer service team.
Limited phone accessibility: Phone lines might not be available 24/7, depending on your location and the type of issue you’re facing.
Difficulty resolving complex problems: Some travelers have difficulty getting satisfactory solutions for issues like flight cancellations, missed connections, or baggage losses.

Vueling Airlines customer service can be a mixed bag, depending on your specific situation and the complexity of your issue. While they’ve made efforts to improve, encountering frustrations or delays is still a possibility. To maximize your chances of a positive experience:

Is Vueling Airlines legit?

Vueling Airlines is legit. Here’s why:

Established airline: Founded in 2004, Vueling is the third-largest scheduled airline in Spain and the 12th largest in Europe by passengers carried. It operates a fleet of over 100 Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft.
Regulatory compliance: Vueling holds an operating license from the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and complies with all relevant safety regulations. It has achieved an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification, confirming adherence to international safety standards.
Member of IATA: Vueling is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), an industry trade group representing airlines worldwide. This indicates adherence to industry standards and practices.
Travel agency partnerships: Major travel agencies and booking platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia offer Vueling flights, showcasing their legitimacy and trust within the travel industry.
Customer reviews: While Vueling customer service receives mixed reviews, they haven’t faced any major safety or legitimacy concerns. The airline continues to operate and serve millions of passengers annually.

Vueling has faced some criticisms regarding add-on charges, customer service issues, and occasional flight delays or cancellations. These are factors to consider when choosing Vueling for your travels.

Whether Vueling is the right choice for you depends on your priorities and needs. If you prioritize budget-friendly travel on short-haul European routes, Vueling can be a legitimate option. However, if you value comfort, in-flight services, and consistent customer service, other airlines might be a better fit.

Is Vueling Airlines Worth It?

Whether Vueling Airlines is worth it for you depends entirely on your individual travel priorities and needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Reasons Vueling might be worth it:

Budget-friendly: Vueling often offers significantly cheaper fares than other airlines, especially on short-haul flights within Europe.
Extensive network: They cover a wide range of destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, connecting many popular cities.
Convenient online booking and check-in: The user-friendly website and mobile app make booking and managing your flights straightforward.
Generally on-time: Vueling’s flights are usually efficient and punctual, getting you to your destination quickly.

Reasons you might reconsider Vueling:

No-frills experience: Seats can be tight, especially on longer flights, and there’s no in-flight entertainment. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but not included in the base fare.
Additional charges: Expect fees for baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and even some credit card payments. These can quickly add up and negate the initial fare savings.
Customer service: Vueling has received mixed reviews on customer service, with some complaints regarding communication delays and difficulty resolving issues.
Potential delays and cancellations: Like any airline, Vueling is not immune to disruptions, which can disrupt your travel plans.

FAQs

How can I find the cheapest Vueling flights?

Be flexible with travel dates and consider booking well in advance. Utilize their website and mobile app for deals and promotions. Look for TimeFlex fares for additional cabin baggage allowance.

What baggage allowance does Vueling offer?

It depends on your fare. Most fares include one underseat bag, while Optima and Family fares include one checked bag. Additional bags or exceeding the limit incur fees.

What are the additional fees I should be aware of?

Seat selection, priority boarding, credit card payments, checked baggage, and in-flight food and drinks all come with extra charges. Read the fare details carefully before booking.

What is the onboard experience like?

It’s a no-frills experience. Seats are basic, legroom can be tight, and there’s no in-flight entertainment. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

What kind of food and drinks are available onboard?

They offer sandwiches, snacks, hot meals, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. You can pre-order meals on longer flights through their website or app.

Can I use Wi-Fi on board?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available for purchase on most flights. The cost varies depending on the length of the flight and the type of package you choose.

What if I am traveling with children?

Vueling offers special services for families, including priority boarding, baby food on board, and discounted children’s fares.

Can I check in online?

Yes, online check-in is available 7 days to 4 hours before your flight. It’s the fastest and easiest way to check in and print your boarding pass.

What if I need to check in luggage?

You can check your luggage at the airport check-in counters or self-service kiosks. Make sure you know your baggage allowance and fees beforehand.

What are the boarding procedures like?

Vueling utilizes zone boarding based on fare type and boarding priority. Check your boarding pass for your designated zone and boarding time.