Booking a low-cost flight in Europe often means choosing between a handful of big names, and Vueling Airlines is one you’ll see again and again. Based in Barcelona and owned by the same group as British Airways and Iberia, it promises affordable connections across more than 120 destinations.
Founded: 2004 ·
Hub: Barcelona–El Prat Airport ·
IATA code: VY ·
Destinations: 122 (Africa, Asia, Europe) ·
Parent company: International Airlines Group (IAG) ·
Fleet size: 124 aircraft
Quick snapshot
- Spain (Barcelona) (Wikipedia overview of Vueling)
- Parent: International Airlines Group (IAG) (IAG official site)
- Founded 2004 (Wikipedia history of Vueling)
- Skytrax 3-star (AirlineRatings safety authority data)
- IOSA certified (AirlineRatings IOSA check)
- No fatal accidents (AirlineRatings accident record)
- 124 aircraft (Airbus A320 family) (Wikipedia fleet data)
- 122 destinations (Wikipedia destinations list)
- Hub: Barcelona–El Prat (Wikipedia hub info)
- 1 personal item free (Vueling official baggage page)
- Cabin bag only with Optima fare (Vueling official fare conditions)
- Checked baggage fees apply (Vueling checked bag rates)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline name | Vueling Airlines S.A. |
| IATA code | VY |
| ICAO code | VLG |
| Headquarters | Viladecans, Barcelona, Spain |
| Fleet size | 124 |
| Destinations | 122 |
| Parent company | International Airlines Group (IAG) |
| Frequent flyer program | Vueling Club (part of IAG loyalty) |
Is Vueling a good airline?
Vueling’s low base fare attracts budget-conscious travellers, but the volume of complaints about added fees and poor service means the final cost can feel much higher. For anyone who travels light and values punctuality, it can still work.
Pros and cons of flying Vueling
Upsides
- Extensive European network from Barcelona and other hubs
- Part of IAG group (financial stability)
- Generally good on-time performance — AirHelp scores punctuality at 8.3/10 (AirHelp passenger rights platform data)
Downsides
- Frequent complaints about baggage fees and unexpected charges (Trustpilot review aggregator reports)
- Limited legroom typical of low-cost carriers
- Customer service issues reported
Customer satisfaction ratings
Passenger reviews paint a mixed picture depending on the source. On Tripadvisor travel review platform, Vueling holds an overall score of 2.5/5 based on 33,982 reviews — with 15,724 of those being “Terrible” ratings. Meanwhile, Kayak travel search engine gives it a more favourable 7.2/10 from 1,285 verified ratings, with crew quality the top subcategory at 7.7. AirHelp passenger rights platform scores the airline 6.97/10 overall, ranking it 44th globally.
Vueling’s low base fare attracts budget-conscious travellers, but the volume of complaints about added fees and poor service means the final cost can feel much higher. For anyone who travels light and values punctuality, it can still work.
The pattern: Vueling scores well on operational metrics like on-time performance but struggles in passenger experience areas. Its weakest subscore on AirHelp is claims processing at just 5.4/10 — a red flag if you ever need compensation.
Is Vueling better than Ryanair?
Fare and baggage comparison
Both are ultra-low-cost carriers, but their fare structures differ. Vueling’s basic fare includes one small personal bag (40x20x30 cm), while Ryanair charges extra for a cabin bag larger than a small personal item. Vueling’s Optima fare adds a full cabin bag (55x40x20 cm), seat selection, and priority boarding — something Ryanair charges separately for.
Seven key differences, one pattern: Vueling charges less for carry-on flexibility but tends to have higher base fares on popular routes.
| Criteria | Vueling | Ryanair |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | International Airlines Group (IAG) | Independent |
| Free cabin bag (Basic) | Only personal item (40x20x30 cm) | Personal item (40x20x25 cm) – charges for priority + cabin bag |
| Seat pitch | 28–30 inches | 30 inches (varies by aircraft type) |
| Customer service rating | Slightly higher in some surveys | Lower in most passenger reviews |
| On-time performance | Similar (varies by route) | Similar (varies by route) |
The implication: For travellers flying from or through a Vueling hub city, the convenience of a primary airport and IAG connections gives Vueling an edge. For pure price on a simple point-to-point route, Ryanair may still win.
Route network and reliability
Vueling operates from a strong Barcelona hub and also has bases at Paris Orly and Rome Fiumicino, while Ryanair’s network is more scattered across secondary airports. Both airlines show similar on-time performance figures, but Vueling’s integration with IAG means passengers can connect more easily on shared itineraries with British Airways and Iberia.
The catch: Vueling’s network advantage only matters if you’re connecting through its hubs; for direct routes Ryanair’s frequency often wins.
What is the safety rating of Vueling Airlines?
Skytrax safety rating
Vueling holds a 3-star Skytrax safety rating, the industry standard for airline quality audits. AirlineRatings aviation safety assessor gives the airline a perfect 7/7 safety rating and confirms it has zero fatal accidents in the last decade.
IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)
The airline is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) registered, a prerequisite for most major airline partnerships. This standard is administered by the International Air Transport Association’s safety division. AirlineRatings aviation safety assessor also notes Vueling passes all European Union flight-ban checks with a clean 1/1 score.
- AirlineRatings aviation safety assessor: 7/7 safety rating
- AirlineRatings aviation safety assessor: 0 fatal accidents in last 10 years
- AirlineRatings aviation safety assessor: IOSA certified
- AirlineRatings aviation safety assessor: No EU flight ban
The catch: Vueling’s safety record is excellent on paper — no accidents, full IOSA compliance — but its low passenger satisfaction ratings can create the misplaced impression that it’s unsafe. Safety and service are separate categories.
Is Vueling owned by British Airways?
Ownership structure of IAG
Vueling is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG), the same holding company that owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. IAG acquired Vueling in 2013, integrating it into the group’s short-haul network. However, each airline operates as a separate legal entity with its own management, operations, and branding.
Vueling’s relationship with British Airways
British Airways does not own Vueling directly. Both are subsidiaries of IAG. The main practical overlap is in loyalty programs (Avios points can be earned on Vueling flights through Vueling Club) and some shared corporate services like aircraft purchasing. There is no shared flight code or merged operations.
If you’re flying Vueling and expecting British Airways-level service, you’ll be disappointed. The operational separation means you get a strict low-cost experience, regardless of the IAG ownership badge.
How do I check in for Vueling Airlines?
Online check-in and mobile app
Online check-in opens 7 days before departure and closes 2 hours before the flight. You can also use the Vueling mobile app, available for iOS and Android, which handles check-in, boarding passes, and real-time flight status. Passengers without checked baggage can head straight to security if they’ve checked in online.
Baggage policy and fees
Vueling’s baggage policy depends on your fare type. One personal item (40x20x30 cm) is always included. The standard cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) is only free with an Optima fare or higher. Checked baggage fees vary by route and fare, with rates starting from around €30–€50 for a 23 kg bag.
Managing your booking
You can manage bookings via vueling.com official airline site: change seats, add baggage, or cancel with restrictions. Vueling also offers a contact number (from Spain: 911 220 541; international lines available).
The most common complaint among passenger review sites is unexpected price hikes after booking — for example, being charged for baggage or seat selection that wasn’t clearly communicated at checkout. Double-check your fare terms before paying.
Related reading: **Lufthansa Airlines: Reviews, Baggage, Meals & vs Emirates Guide**
airadvisor.com, uk.trustpilot.com, flight-report.com, ie.trustpilot.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, knaviation.net, norgeaktuelt.com
For a deeper look at how Vueling compares to other budget carriers, check out our detailed Vueling review.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vueling’s baggage allowance for checked luggage?
Checked bag fees depend on the route and fare type. A standard 23 kg bag typically costs between €30 and €50 when added before check-in. Check the official Vueling baggage page for exact rates by route.
How do I cancel a Vueling flight?
Cancellation policies depend on the fare. Basic fares are non-refundable but may allow a voucher. Optima and Time fares have more flexibility. Manage cancellations on the official Vueling website.
Does Vueling have a loyalty program?
Yes, Vueling Club is the airline’s loyalty program, and it’s part of IAG’s broader loyalty system, allowing members to earn and spend Avios points across IAG airlines including British Airways and Iberia.
What airports does Vueling fly from?
Vueling primarily operates from Barcelona–El Prat, but also has bases at Paris Orly, Rome Fiumicino, and serves 122 destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Is Vueling part of any airline alliance?
No, Vueling is not part of a global alliance like Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam. However, as an IAG subsidiary, it has interline and codeshare agreements with other IAG airlines.
How can I check Vueling flight status?
Use the Vueling mobile app or the official website for real-time flight status. Third-party flight trackers also work with Vueling’s flight numbers (prefix VY).
Can I choose my seat on Vueling?
Yes. Seat selection is available for a fee during booking or via Manage Booking. Optima fares include free seat selection.
What is the difference between Vueling Basic and Optima fares?
Basic fare includes a personal item only; Optima adds a cabin bag, seat selection, priority boarding, and more flexible change policies.
The bottom line for European travellers looking for affordable, no-frills flights from a major hub: Vueling’s safety record and IAG backing make it a credible choice. The trade-off is clear: you get operational reliability and a vast network, but you trade away the comfort and service of legacy carriers. For the budget-conscious flyer who packs light and plans ahead, Vueling works. For anyone who expects flexibility or hand-holding, the decision is to book elsewhere, or pay up for the Optima fare.
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.