Vueling Airlines Review [2024]: Flight experience worth it?

While tons of budget-friendly airlines pop up, each promising an experience better than the next, it gets tough picking among airlines. But what if a budget airline compromises your travel experience and ends up ruining your trip?

I've had my fair share of awful flight experiences, so I want to help others.

We've reviewed several budget airlines in Europe, like FlyTAP Portugal and Transavia. So, I think it's time to give an in-depth review of another European airline: Vueling Airlines.

Here's all the crucial information I've learned about Vueling Airlines so you can get the details before booking!

What Is Vueling Airlines?

Vueling Airlines is a budget airline that holds the pre-eminent title as Spain's largest airline with the largest fleet size and destinations.

Founded in 2004, the airline's first flight was between Barcelona and Ibiza. In 2019, the airline set a record for carrying 34 million passengers in a single year.

Vueling Airlines also holds a prestigious ranking in the low-budget airlines' category.

What Are the Packages Offered?

Vueling Airlines currently offers 4 packages I could find to meet the needs of various passengers:

• Basic Fare: Cheapest rates for backpackers with a single hand carry.
• Optima Fare: Affordable rates for 25 kg checked-in luggage, 2 hand-carry, and free seat selection.
• Family Fare: Reasonable option for families with 25 kgluggage, 2 hand luggage, free seat selection, 2 freehold items for parents with kids under 2 years old, and priority boarding.
• TimeFlex Fare: Ideal for frequent travelers with last-minute plan changes. Features include 2 hand luggage, unlimited flight changes free of charge, flight credit as a refund option, and priority boarding. I believe the unlimited flight changes allow you to adjust your trip on the fly without stress.

Is Vueling Airlines Legit?

In short, yes, they are! Vueling Airlines is part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), with notable subsidiaries such as British Airways and Iberia Airlines.

I can confirm that Vueling Airlines is also legit regarding safety concerns.

In the past 18 years, the airline has never come across an accident except for very few bird strikes and on-ground engine problems. Vueling follows the high safety standards set for European airlines.

Also, the airline has consistently ranked as one of the safest low-budget airlines in the world. So, landing at your destination safe and sound, I feel, would end up being the last thing you need to worry about when traveling with Vueling!

Who Is Vueling Airlines Owned By?

I was interested in this as well. Vueling Airlines operates under the International Airlines Group (IAG). The multinational airline holding group officially bought Vueling in 2012.

While many people confuse whether Vueling Airlines is part of British Airways, it's not. Although Vueling Airlines and British Airways are partner airlines, as with other airlines under IAG.

Where Does the Company Fly?

Vueling Airlines only had 2 Airbus320 aircraft that flew to 3 selective European destinations and a single airport in France in the initial years. Today, it travels to 140 destinations around the world on multiple continents!

Vueling vows to "open up a world of possibilities" for its passengers and has continued adding more destinations. Here are some of the most popular destinations:

• Europe:Alicante, Barcelona, Brussels, Italy, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Valencia
• Africa: Banjul, Cairo, Dakar, Marrakech, Tangier, Tunis
• Middle East: Amman, Beirut, Tel Aviv

It doesn't fly to destinations in North or South America, Asia, or Oceania countries yet.

Although I've listed the most popular destinations above, I recommend looking at its official website for the most updated list. You can look at its web map, where I found a list of the current places the airline flies to and from under All Vueling Destinations.

What It's Like to Fly With Vueling Airlines?

I can safely say traveling with Vueling Airlines is what you would expect from a budget-friendly airline. Nothing fancy, but your basic needs are taken care of, provided that you choose the right package for your requirements.

The seats are well-enough considering the price in terms of legroom and space. I wanted more room for myself, so I upgraded to the Excellence Service for around US$105.

With this upgrade, you get extra legroom, no middle-seat person elbowing into you, and a complimentary snack.

Additionally, almost all Vueling aircraft have Wi-Fi, which is a must for me. I would prefer it would be included for free, but the Wi-Fi packages vary from US$3.50 to US$6.50 depending on the activities you want to indulge in during the flight.

Seems pretty reasonable to me!

Does the Airline Serve Food and Drinks?

Unfortunately, I have to warn you... There won't be anything to munch in terms of onboard food, at least nothing that's not an extra cost! That is, unless you've purchased a business-class ticket.

Vueling Airlines' food options are not included in your ticket price.

However, you can buy food and drinks from their extensive menu during your flight. The menu I saw includes all sorts of stuff, such as proper full-course meals, snacks, desserts, beverages, and alcohol.

The prices aren't sky-high either, so if your tummy starts rumbling, it's a good idea to call the crew and grab a bite.

What Are People Saying About Vueling Airlines?

Based on over 27,000 Vueling Airlines reviews, Vueling only holds 2.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor. So, why exactly are people this disappointed in this airline even though it's relatively budget-friendly? I had to find out more.

Most bad Vueling Airlines reviews stem from the lack of on-time departures and arrivals. The reviews have also criticized Vueling Airline for issues related to bookings and the quality and timeliness of their customer service team.

It's not all terrible, though!

Around 14,000 reviews rate their experience on Vueling Airlines between average to excellent. Many people have praised Vueling Airlines for being accomodating and a great value-for-money option.

What Is Its Luggage Policy?

I mentioned this prior, but with many budget airlines, you'll only get a small baggage allowance according to the ticket you purchased. But all is not lost even if you carry more luggage than your package permits.

Here's the allowance you'll get with each package:

• Basic Fare: 1 under-the-seat cabin bag (personal item)
• Optima Fare: 1 under-the-seat cabin bag (personal item), 1 checked luggage of up to 25kgs
• Family Fare: 1 under-the-seat cabin bag (personal item), 1 checked luggage of up to 25kgs
• TimeFlex Fare: 1 under-the-seat cabin bag (personal item), 1 checked luggage of up to 25kgs, 1 carry-on suitcase of 10kgs

Want to add carry-on bags to a fare that doesn't already include it? For this 10kgs bag, you'll need to pay between ~US$36 to ~$86 if it's on the web/app. Or, if you wait to purchase at the airport, you'll be charged anywhere between ~US$80 to US~$110.

As far as check-in luggage goes, pricing gets a bit more complicated. I've included a picture directly from the Vueling website to help you out:

Vueling Airlines offers the added advantage of carrying special luggage that doesn't fit in your bags. The conditions are that you can carry only one special luggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg.

Honestly, I found these policies on par with other carriers, both in allowance and with how confusing the policy can be.

Check-in Process

I benefitted from Vueling Airlines' online check-in system. Complete the step-by-step process, add the important documents, and pay for extra luggage to avoid inconvenience at the airport.

You can do check-in online anywhere between 7 days to 4 hours before your scheduled flight.

Prefer to check in at the airport? I hear you and it's not a problem with Vueling!

Vueling Airlines opens its check-in desk for every flight 2.5 hours before departure and closes it 40 minutes before departure. On the other hand, the boarding gate closes 10 minutes before. I'd make sure you mindful of time at all times!

Does It Have a Cancellation and Refund Policy?

Suppose you're unable to travel on your scheduled flight for any reason. In that case, Vueling Airlines offers various options in its cancellation and refund policy.

I didn't actually cancel any fights, but I investigated the terms for you.

For starters, you can change your flight within 24 hours of booking for no cost. Once this period expires, you'll have to pay ~US$75 if the flight is in 15 days and ~US$90 for less than 15 days.

This does not go for Flex passengers since they can make changes anytime without charges.

If you decide to cancel your flight, Vueling Airlines offers refunds in cashback and flight credits. For this, you can contact customer support online or through their contact number. You'll be charged a cancellation fee if the 24-hour period has expired.

If Vueling Airlines cancels the flight or changes it, the airline will accommodate you fully.

How Is Vueling Airlines Customer Service?

I find what many people don't consider when booking flights is if the airline provides good customer service. I get it, you won't really need to talk to customer service until you start running into problems.

For those that have experiences problems, the quality of customer service tends to make or break an airline. Most airlines deal with thousands of customer feedback daily, and it's important to know whether the airline values its customers.

Vueling Airlines offers multiple ways to get in touch with its customer service. You can call them on their contact number or send an email their way. The customer representative team handles personalized queries between 9 am to 10 pm Spanish time throughout the week.

Unfortunately, many online reviews state that inquiries often take months for the customer service to get back to you to resolve your issue. I notice this to be a bit of a trend with some budget airlines, so perhaps it's just a bitter pill to swallow for savings.

Is Vueling Airlines Worth It?

In short, I feel Vueling Airlines is a decent option for budget travelers.

You'll get the basic amenities and a safe travel experience at affordable prices. With 4 different packages, you'll likely find one that suits your needs. The major downside is Vueling Airline's subpar customer service and frequent cancellations or delays. I thankfully avoided those.

Based on Vueling Airline reviews, If you take those downsides into consideration when you fly Vueling Airlines, I must say the airline is what you'd expect as a low-cost airline.

I certainly recommend you to check out other alternatives and see if there are cheaper budget airline options before you book with Vueling, to make the most of your trip.

My Rating: 3.2/5

Pros:

• I found many destinations to fly to.
• Low-cost prices.
• Decent in-flight experience.

Cons:

• Poor customer service.
• Frequent delays and canceled flights.
• I feel it's expensive to add-on luggage.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Vietjet Air

What's Seating Like in Vueling Airlines?

Vueling Airlines is a budget airline, so its seating tends to be more focused on affordability than luxurious amenities. However, its economy seating is designed to provide a comfortable travel experience.

While it's not the most comfortable seating, it's comparable with other budget airlines. The seats recline and have average legroom space, about 28 to 30 inches. Seats are usually configured in a 3-3-3 style, depending on the aircraft type.

Excellence seating, on the other hand, provides more legroom, as well as priority boarding and check-in, among other benefits.

Does Vueling Have In-Flight Entertainment?

This is where things get a little murky. I personally didn't have a screen or entertainment system when I flew with Vueling. They do have Wi-Fi options, and were one of the first budget carriers to offer it!

What's the Fee for Canceling Your Flight With Vuleing?

The cancellation fee for Vueling flights can vary depending on the time of cancellation, fare type, and other factors. If it's a non-refundable ticket, it'll likely cost you anywhere from 10% to 60% of your ticket cost to cancel it.

"FlexFly" fare allows for free cancellations and changes at anytime. I highly recommend you review the cancellation policy of your specific fare before booking the ticket.

What is the Vueling Club?

The Vueling Club is a loyalty program that rewards frequent flyers. Club members earn Avios points for flights, which can be used for discounts on future travel, cabin upgrades, and other perks.

The Vueling Club also allows for earning and redeeming Avios points on other airlines within the IAG Group. Think companies like Iberia and British Airways, providing even more opportunities for you to save on travel.

What are Vueling's Codeshare Agreements?

Vueling has codeshare agreements with several other airlines. This means you can book a flight on one airline and part of your journey may be on a Vueling flight, or vice versa.

Because of its connection to the IAG Group, Vueling has codeshare agreements with airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Aer Lingus, and more.

Please check the latest information on the Vueling website or contact Vueling customer service for up-to-date information on partners.

Does Vueling Airlines Have a Mobile App?

Yes, Vueling Airlines does have a mobile app, referred to as the Vueling app. It provides a convenient platform for managing your travel on the go.

Through the app, you can book flights, choose seats, add luggage, manage your Vueling Club account, and check-in for your flight. It can also store your boarding pass, making travel paperless and hassle-free.

The Vueling app does a pretty good job of helping make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

Plan Your Trip With Pilot!

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