Vueling Airlines is a Spanish low-cost airline based in Barcelona. It is the second-largest airline in Spain after Iberia and is also a member of the International Airlines Group.
With over 300 destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Vueling offers options for all types of travelers.
The airline continues its international expansion by establishing bases in major European airports such as Paris-Orly, London-Gatwick, and Amsterdam.
However, with so many airlines offering different services, it can be difficult to choose the right one.
This article provides a review of Vueling to help you make the best decision for your next flight with this Spanish airline.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Flying with Vueling?
To begin, let's look at the pros and cons of flying with Vueling Airlines. You can also find more Vueling reviews on Starevaluator.
Price: Compare Different Offers Carefully
Flying with Vueling has several advantages. The airline often offers low fares, making it ideal for budget travelers.
However, outside of peak seasons, prices may align with those of more well-known competitors such as Air France-KLM or Transavia. It is essential to compare your options carefully, as a low-cost airline does not always mean the lowest prices!
Destinations: Mainly Short and Medium-Haul Flights
Vueling offers a wide range of destinations across Europe, especially in Spain, the Middle East, and Africa.
Most flights are short- and medium-haul, as, like many other low-cost airlines, Vueling does not operate long-haul routes.
However, the airline recently launched "Vueling Global", a partnership with Etihad Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Air China. This allows travelers departing from Barcelona El Prat to reach Buenos Aires, San Francisco, or New York, destinations previously unavailable on Vueling flights.
Customer Service: Among the Least Appreciated for Low-Cost Airlines
Vueling receives an overall customer rating of 6/10. Some passengers report difficulties in contacting customer service, especially for refund requests.
Additionally, as a low-cost airline, meals and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Some reviews also mention long waiting times during boarding and disembarkation.
According to Air Help, Vueling is rated as a 2.5-star airline, while the highest rating goes to Turkish Airlines.
Loyalty Program: A Strong Point for Vueling
Passengers can take advantage of Vueling's loyalty program, "Punto", which allows them to save money on future flights by earning points for every trip with the airline.
This program offers benefits such as discounted fares, exclusive offers, automatic seat selection, and more.
Additionally, you can merge your points with Iberia's loyalty program, "Iberia Plus", for even more rewards.
Vueling's Fleet Quality: Some Incidents Reported
Vueling operates a fleet of Airbus A320-200 aircraft, with an average age of 5.4 years.
Despite the modern fleet, minor technical issues are reported each year, though these are mostly small incidents without major consequences.
Punctuality: Among the Best Performances in Europe
Vueling was ranked the 2nd most punctual low-cost airline in Europe. You can trust them to get you to your destination on time.
The airline recorded a punctuality rate of 82.04% across 200,000 flights in 2022.
While delays can still occur, Vueling takes proactive measures to ensure they remain the exception rather than the rule. Passengers can expect a reliable and efficient service when flying with Vueling.
Luggage Restrictions with Vueling
Hand Baggage Policy with Vueling
With Vueling, you are allowed one carry-on bag with the following dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, as well as a small personal item to be placed under your seat, with the dimensions of 35 x 20 x 20 cm.
When comparing these restrictions to those of other low-cost airlines such as EasyJet (45 x 36 x 20 cm), Ryanair (40 x 20 x 25 cm), or Wizz Air (40 x 30 x 20 cm), Vueling offers much better conditions for its passengers.
This is because these airlines offer similar carry-on bag sizes, but they require you to pay an extra fee for them, a common tactic used by low-cost airlines.
Vueling is an airline that takes the needs of its passengers into account, offering higher standards when it comes to carry-on bag sizes!
Checked Baggage Policy with Vueling
For checked baggage with Vueling, the maximum allowed dimensions, regardless of weight, are: length + height + width = 158 cm.
A standard baggage allowance will allow you to check in a 15 kg bag starting from €10, or a 20 kg bag starting from €11.
The Optima and Family fares include a 25 kg baggage allowance for each passenger on the booking.
Finally, you can opt for a 30 kg bag starting from €20. If your baggage exceeds the 25 kg limit and goes up to 32 kg, you will need to pay an additional fee of €12 per extra kg.
Customer Reviews of Vueling Airline
Here is a summary of the reviews collected from Vueling passengers on various review sites such as Poulpeo, iGraal, TripAdvisor, and eBuyClub.
Comfort Onboard
Some travelers complain that the comfort on board is not optimal, with little space to be comfortable in the seat. This concern mainly relates to physical comfort during the flight, which may be something to consider for passengers seeking a more relaxed experience.
However, it is important to note that Vueling continues to attract travelers due to other advantages.
Pleasant Staff
Despite the complaints about comfort, Vueling's staff is often described as pleasant by travelers, though without the same level of greetings or hospitality as other airlines.
Attractive Prices
Many travelers appreciated the attractive prices offered by Vueling for their tickets. This affordable pricing policy is a strength for those looking for budget-friendly flights or who are conscious of their budget.
Cash Back with iGraal
The possibility of receiving cash back by booking with iGraal is an advantage that travelers particularly appreciated. This can encourage more passengers to choose this booking option.
The cash back offer strengthens Vueling's appeal to travelers looking for additional savings.
Noise Issues
Some passengers complained about noise disturbances during their flight. This may be a downside for those who prefer a quieter environment during their journey.
Airport Management
The management of passengers at the airport, including check-in and boarding, has been criticized by some passengers. These reviews suggest that improvements could be made in this area.
Cancelled Flights
There have been complaints about last-minute flight cancellations without the airline offering a backup solution or refund. This can be a source of frustration for passengers.
Communication and the management of cancellations are areas that require improvement.
User-Friendly Website
Many travelers appreciated the clarity and intuitiveness of Vueling’s website when booking their flight. A smooth booking process is a positive aspect for many passengers.
Value for Money
Overall, passengers believe that the value for money is quite good for an airline of this standing.
This can positively influence travelers' decisions when choosing an airline. Indeed, a good value-for-money ratio is an essential factor for many travelers.
Recommendation for Travel to Spain
A large number of passengers recommend Vueling as a good alternative to Iberia for travel within Spain.
This recommendation highlights the positive reputation of the airline for flights to this destination. Vueling remains a popular option for flights to Spain due to its established reputation.
