A Detailed Review of Vueling Airlines

If you’re planning a trip around Europe and looking for an affordable airline that gets the job done, Vueling Airlines could be your preferred airline. Based in Barcelona, Vueling is one of Spain’s biggest low-cost carriers, and it took to the skies in 2004. With a solid route network across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East, it’s a handy option whether you’re off on a city break, heading home, or chasing some sun. It is an ideal airline for digital nomads, and here are some reasons why.

When to Use Vueling Airlines

Routes and Destinations

Vueling is excellent for getting around Europe on a small budget. They fly to more than 140 destinations in over 30 countries, mainly focusing on short-haul routes connecting major European hubs. Their central hub is in Barcelona, but they also have substantial operations in Rome, Paris, and other key European cities. So, if you’re jetting between popular spots like London, Amsterdam, Rome, or Ibiza, there’s a good chance Vueling has you covered.

Best For

Vueling is perfect for anyone looking for a cheap, cheerful flight with no added luxuries. It’s ideal for digital nomads and travellers who don’t need luxury – just a seat, a cabin bag, and an on-time arrival. The airline offers different fare options, so you can customise your ticket based on whether you want extras like luggage, seat selection, or flexibility.

When NOT to Use Vueling Airlines

If you prefer more legroom, complimentary snacks, or a luxury journey, Vueling might not be the best airline for you. As a budget airline, most additional extras, such as choosing your seats, food, drink, and more, come at a cost. Vueling is also known for more short-haul flights, so if you are looking to go further afield, then Vueling is not for you. It is also not recommended for digital nomads who carry more than just a cabin backpack, as luggage comes at an extra cost. Vueling is better suited to those who want to get from A to B for the cheapest possible price.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Very affordable fares – especially if you book early or travel off-peak.
• Large network across Europe serving most major cities.
• Easy to book online or through their mobile app.
• Option to upgrade your ticket if you want more flexibility or perks.
• Modern fleet and decent safety record.

Cons:

• Extra fees for pretty much everything (checked bags, seat selection, snacks, etc.).
• Not much legroom.
• Customer service can be a bit slow, especially during busy periods.
• Flight delays and cancellations aren’t unheard of.

Booking Experience

Website and App Usability

Vueling’s website and app are pretty straightforward to use. You can see all the fare options and customise your flight with add-ons as you go through the booking process. They also offer bundle fares like Optima and TimeFlex, which include extras like luggage or flight changes, so it’s worth comparing those if you want more wiggle room.

Payment and Ticketing

Vueling accepts most credit and debit cards for payments, so you shouldn’t have a problem booking with them. Tickets and boarding passes can be accessed in the app for digital copies, or if you prefer, you can print them either at home or at the airport.

Vueling Airlines Baggage Policy

Vueling has a very clear baggage policy. As a budget airline, you might find that it is best to consider baggage when booking your flight, as it can be more expensive to add it last minute or at the airport.

• Personal item: This is free but must fit under the seat in front of you and be 40x30x20 cm in size.
• Cabin bag: This is only included in some fare types—otherwise, you’ll need to pay extra. The size limitation is a maximum of 10 kg, with dimensions 55x40x20 cm. Prices start from 10 euros if booked online and from 45 euros when at the airport.
• Checked baggage is not included in basic fares. You’ll have to pay based on weight (15kg, 20kg, 25kg, etc.), and when you add it, it’s cheaper to book online than at the airport. The maximum weight is 32kg; anything over this is considered oversized.
• Oversized/overweight bags: These get pricey fast, so weigh your suitcase before heading out!

In-Flight Experience

Food

Don’t expect a free snack, as this is a low-cost airline, and food will come at a cost. However, if you are hungry, you can buy from a menu of snacks and drinks onboard, including coffee, sandwiches, crisps, soft drinks and alcohol.

Entertainment

As a budget airline mainly serving short-haul flights, there is no seat-back entertainment or screens, so bring your fun. Make sure to download movies, music and more before you board.

Does Vueling Airlines have Wi-Fi on board?

Vueling doesn’t offer Wi-Fi on most flights, so download everything you need before boarding.

Vueling Airlines Customer Service

Customer Support

Vueling is decent for what you pay, but things can get chaotic if something goes wrong, like many budget airlines. Flights can be delayed, and if there’s a cancellation or change, resolution times might be slower than with more premium carriers. Their staff is usually friendly and tries to help where possible, but sometimes they aren’t always efficient at resolutions due to lack of staff or facilities. Vueling relies a lot on its app to report problems and make reimbursements.

Reliability

Vueling is as reliable as other budget airlines in Europe. They will do their best not to miss flight windows and are efficient at boarding. Sometimes adverse weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances can affect this, but like other airlines, they are pretty reliable.

Alternative Airlines

Comparisons

If you’re comparing options, here are a few airlines you might want to consider that also offer more budget service within Europe.

• Ryanair: Usually cheaper, but a bit more strict with bags and check-in rules and not as reliable.
• EasyJet: It has a similar price range but often gets better marks for reliability and customer experience.
• Wizz Air: Great for Eastern Europe but known for extra fees and limited customer support and not always as reliable.
• Iberia Express: A bit more expensive, but you get more comfort, and they’re part of the Iberia group (and Oneworld alliance).

Final Thoughts

Vueling is excellent for digital nomads looking for a quick, no-fuss flight around Europe. It’s not luxurious but gets you where you need to go at a fair price. If you do fly with Vueling, just make sure to check your final price once you have added all the extras you need to fly, as the price could change a fair amount from what is advertised. Overall, it is excellent for weekend trips, digital nomads hopping between cities, and travellers on a budget.

Have you flown with Vueling recently? If so, please comment or message us— we’d love to hear how it went!