As someone who’s flown with virtually every budget airline in Europe, from Ryanair’s no-frills routes to easyJet’s orange-liveried cabins, I’ve learned to assess low-cost carriers with a balance of expectation and realism. Among them, Vueling Airlines stands out as a fascinating case: a hybrid low-cost airline that tries to bridge affordability with some semblance of convenience.
But does Vueling deliver value for money, or does it fall into the same traps as other budget carriers? I’ve flown with Vueling over 20 times in the last five years, across routes like Barcelona–Rome, Paris–Florence, and Amsterdam–Bilbao. In this detailed review, I’ll break down what you can realistically expect from Vueling: the good, the bad, and the truly budget.
What Is Vueling Airlines?
Vueling Airlines is a Spanish low-cost carrier founded in 2004. It operates under the IATA code VY and is a subsidiary of the International Airlines Group (IAG), the same parent company that owns British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.
- Headquarters: Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)
- Fleet size: Approximately 126 aircraft (primarily Airbus A320 family)
- Annual passengers: Over 34 million (2023 figures)
- Alliance: Non-aligned but integrated into IAG’s loyalty ecosystem via Avios
Vueling positions itself between ultra-low-cost and hybrid carriers, offering tiered fare options that range from bare-bones to moderately flexible.
Is Vueling Airlines a Budget Carrier?
Yes, Vueling is classified as a low-cost carrier (LCC). But unlike Ryanair or Wizz Air, it operates under a hybrid model, mixing unbundled pricing with optional upsells like flexible changes and Avios points.
While fares start as low as 19.99 euro, the price often rises quickly with luggage, seat selection, and airport check-in. However, the carrier does not engage in aggressive cost-cutting in areas like aircraft maintenance or airport selection.
Comparison with other LCCs:
| Carrier | Model | Hub Type | Fare Type |
| Ryanair | Ultra-low-cost | Secondary airports | No-frills only |
| Wizz Air | Ultra-low-cost | Secondary airports | Bare fares |
| Vueling | Hybrid LCC | Major airports | Tiered fares |
| easyJet | Hybrid LCC | Major airports | Multiple fares |
Where Does Vueling Fly?
Vueling serves over 140 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
- Primary hubs: Barcelona (BCN), Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
- Focus cities: Paris-Orly, Amsterdam, Malaga, Bilbao
Some popular direct routes I’ve flown:
- Barcelona – Paris Orly: 4–5x daily
- Rome – Madrid: 3x daily
- Florence – London Gatwick: Seasonal, 1–2x daily
You’ll find most Vueling flights centered around leisure and mid-range city-pair connections, often avoiding the deepest discount routes but providing decent connectivity from top-tier airports.
How Much Does a Vueling Flight Typically Cost?
Vueling fares vary depending on the route, time of year, and how far in advance you book.
Typical price ranges:
| Route | Basic Fare (Euro) | Optima Fare (Euro) | TimeFlex Fare (Euro) |
| Barcelona – Paris | 35– 85 | 60– 120 | 90– 160 |
| Rome – Amsterdam | 45– 95 | 70– 130 | 110– 180 |
| Valencia – Berlin | 29– 79 | 55– 110 | 95– 150 |
Booking 6–8 weeks ahead generally results in the best prices. During peak summer months, expect to pay 30–50% more on the same route.
What Are Vueling’s Fare Types and What’s Included?
Vueling uses a tiered fare model:
| Fare Type | Cabin Bag | Seat Selection | Flexibility | Checked Bag |
| Basic | Yes | No | None | Not included |
| Optima | Yes | Standard | Limited (fee) | 1x23kg |
| TimeFlex | Yes | Premium | Free changes | Optional |
My recommendation: choose Optima if you’re carrying checked luggage and want peace of mind with seat selection. Avoid Basic unless you’re flying extremely light and are okay with being auto-assigned a seat.
What Is the Check-In Process Like?
Vueling allows online check-in from 7 days up to 1 hour before departure (mobile or desktop). If you don’t check in online and arrive at the airport without a boarding pass, you’ll be charged 30 euro at many airports.
- Airport check-in desks: Available, but often long lines
- Mobile boarding pass: Accepted at most airports
- Passport checks: Manual at some destinations, especially UK flights
If you’re connecting through non-Schengen zones, always double-check whether your gate requires a visa check or separate document verification.
How Is the Seat Comfort and Cabin Experience?
Vueling’s seat pitch is 74–76 cm (29–30 inches), which is standard for European LCCs. Seats are slimline, fixed recline, with minimal padding.
- Seat width: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
- Seat comfort: Adequate for flights under 2.5 hours
- Cleanliness: Generally good, though turnaround times can be tight
- Cabin crew: Friendly but process-focused
I personally found exit row seats more spacious, though they cost 12–25 euro depending on the route.
Does Vueling Offer In-Flight Services?
Vueling does not provide free food or drinks. It uses a buy-on-board model:
- Snacks: Chips, sandwiches, wraps (prices from 3 to 8 euro)
- Drinks: Coffee, soda, beer (2.50 to 5.50 euro)
- Duty-free items: Available but limited
No Wi-Fi, no in-flight entertainment, and no power outlets. If you need to work, bring your own power bank and download everything in advance.
What Is Vueling’s Baggage Policy?
Cabin Baggage:
- 1 cabin bag (max 55x40x20 cm, up to 10 kg)
- 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag or purse)
- Strict enforcement during peak travel
Checked Baggage:
- Not included in Basic fare
- Fees range from 15 to 45 euro for 23 kg depending on route and booking time
Weight limits are enforced strictly. I’ve seen many people forced to repack or pay extra at the gate.
Is Vueling’s Customer Service Reliable?
This is one of Vueling’s weak points.
- Contact options: Phone support, web chat, social media
- Average wait times: 15–45 minutes by phone
- Email resolution: Can take up to 7–10 business days
Review platforms reflect mixed experiences:
| Platform | Average Rating (2024) | Top Complaints |
| Trustpilot | 1.9 / 5 | Delays, refunds, baggage |
| 2.5 / 5 | Customer support, clarity |
I’ve personally had a positive experience with in-person ground staff but poor online resolution when it came to refund processing during COVID-19 disruptions.
How Punctual Is Vueling?
According to OAG’s Punctuality Reports, Vueling scored an average OTP (on-time performance) of 81% in 2023.
- Summer delays are common, especially out of Barcelona and Rome
- Morning flights tend to be more punctual than afternoon departures
They do better than Ryanair in some major airports but worse than easyJet on short-haul UK routes.
Is Vueling Safe to Fly With?
Vueling meets all EU aviation safety standards and is certified under EASA and IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit).
- Fleet age: Average of 8.6 years
- Aircraft model: Mostly Airbus A320 and A321
- Maintenance: Outsourced to IAG-approved providers
There have been no major accidents or fatalities. Minor incidents like rejected takeoffs or mechanical delays have occurred but are within industry norms.
How Does Vueling Handle Delays and Cancellations?
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, Vueling is legally obligated to compensate passengers for significant delays or cancellations.
- 3+ hour delays: 250–400 euros compensation eligible
- Cancellations: Entitled to rebooking or refund
- Compensation claims: Can be made via the website or third-party services
In my experience, it can take 4–6 weeks to receive compensation unless escalated through consumer rights platforms.
How Does Vueling Compare to Other Low-Cost Carriers?
| Airline | Avg. Fare (Euro) | Baggage Incl. | OTP | Seat Pitch |
| Vueling | 40–90 | No | 81% | 74–76 cm |
| Ryanair | 25–75 | No | 85% | 73 cm |
| easyJet | 30–100 | No | 78% | 74 cm |
| Wizz Air | 20–70 | No | 82% | 72–74 cm |
Vueling is more comfortable and better located than Ryanair, but less predictable in service quality than easyJet.
Who Should Fly Vueling?
Vueling is ideal for:
- Leisure travelers with moderate baggage
- Avios collectors wanting cheaper redemptions
- European weekenders seeking direct city-to-city flights
Avoid Vueling if you:
- Need guaranteed punctuality
- Have complex itineraries with connections
- Require responsive customer service
What Are the Pros and Cons of Flying Vueling?
Pros:
- Competitive pricing with decent route coverage
- Major airport access (not remote terminals)
- Integration with IAG loyalty program
Cons:
- Fee-heavy pricing structure
- Limited customer support
- No in-flight connectivity or entertainment
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights With Vueling
- Book flights 6–8 weeks in advance for best rates
- Use Avios via Iberia or BA to redeem cheaper
- Avoid extra fees by checking in online and traveling light
- Be flexible with dates and avoid Friday/Sunday flights
Is Vueling Worth It for Budget Travel in Europe?
If you’re realistic about what you get, and what you don’t, Vueling offers excellent value for money on European short-haul routes. It’s not perfect, but it fills a useful niche between extreme budget and full-service airlines.
I recommend it to anyone who flies light, books smart, and doesn’t expect frills.