Anyone who’s ever hunted for a cheap flight across Europe has probably landed on Vueling’s website. The Spanish low-cost carrier promises affordable fares from Barcelona to more than 120 cities, but between its ownership by IAG (the same group as British Airways) and mixed reviews, it’s not always clear what you’re actually paying for.
Founded: 2004 ·
Headquarters: Viladecans, Barcelona, Spain ·
Parent company: International Airlines Group (IAG) ·
Operating bases: Barcelona–El Prat Airport (main) ·
Trustpilot rating (2024): 2.1 out of 5 ·
Germanwings acquisition year: 2015
Quick snapshot
- Spanish low‑cost airline founded 2004 (Wikipedia historical airline data)
- Owned by IAG, which also owns British Airways and Iberia (Wikipedia corporate ownership)
- No free drinks or meals in standard fares (Vueling Help Centre official policy)
- Whether Vueling will expand long‑haul network post‑pandemic (Wikipedia fleet plans not specified)
- Exact on‑time performance data for all routes (not consistently published by the airline) (Wikipedia fleet plans not specified)
- 2004 founded → 2013 acquired by IAG → 2015 bought Germanwings assets → 2024 20th anniversary (Wikipedia corporate history)
- New loyalty program rolling out in 2024; potential route expansion (Wikipedia loyalty program update)
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Airline name | Vueling S.A. |
| IATA code | VY |
| ICAO code | VLG |
| Headquarters | Viladecans, Barcelona, Spain |
| Parent company | International Airlines Group (IAG) |
| Main operating base | Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) |
| Fleet size | 124 (as of 2024) |
| Destinations | ~120 European cities |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Alliance/Partnerships | None, but codeshares with IAG sister airlines |
Is Vueling a good airline?
Vueling’s reputation sits somewhere between “decent for the price” and “frustrating when things go wrong.” A Trustpilot user review aggregator score of 2.1 stars out of 5 (based on roughly 10,000 reviews) suggests that many passengers have had average or poor experiences. On Tripadvisor travel review platform the airline hovers around 3 out of 5 – “good for the price, but delays are common.”
Overall customer satisfaction ratings
- Trustpilot: 2.1/5 – common complaints about refund delays and cancellation policies (Trustpilot user review aggregator).
- Tripadvisor: 3/5 – praised for crew friendliness, criticised for on-time performance (Tripadvisor travel review platform).
On-time performance and reliability
Vueling does not publish a consolidated on-time performance report for all routes, making it difficult to verify claims. However, FlightStats flight data aggregator data from 2024 indicates that roughly 70–75% of flights arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, which is below the European average of 80% for full-service carriers. “The crew are usually friendly, but the delays are a real problem,” one Trustpilot user review aggregator reviewer noted.
Vueling’s low base fares attract price‑sensitive travelers, yet the same travelers often pay more in delay costs (missed connections, accommodation) than they saved on the ticket.
Is Vueling owned by British Airways?
Ownership structure of Vueling
Vueling is wholly owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), a Spanish‑registered holding company. IAG also owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. As Wikipedia corporate ownership data explains, “IAG was formed in 2011 by the merger of British Airways and Iberia.”
Relationship with IAG and British Airways
Although British Airways and Vueling share a parent, BA does not directly own Vueling. The two airlines codeshare on some routes and share operational benefits under IAG’s umbrella, but they operate independently in terms of pricing, service, and brand. This distinction matters: you won’t get British Airways service on a Vueling flight, even though corporate cousinship sometimes creates confusion.
Budget travelers assume IAG ownership means higher reliability, but Vueling’s operational independence means it still behaves like a pure low-cost carrier.
What country is Vueling Airlines from?
Headquarters and main base
Vueling is a Spanish airline. Its headquarters are in Viladecans, near Barcelona, and its main operating base is Barcelona–El Prat Airport official airport authority. The airline is legally incorporated in Spain and holds a Spanish Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA).
Regulatory authority
As a Spanish carrier, Vueling is regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Spanish authority. This means passengers are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004 for denied boarding, delays, and cancellations. European Commission official passenger rights portal details these protections.
Which is better? Vueling vs Ryanair vs easyJet
Three low‑cost carriers, three different approaches to baggage and fees. The comparison below shows how policy differences affect your total trip cost.
| Feature | Vueling | Ryanair | easyJet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free cabin bag (basic fare) | 1 personal item (40x20x30 cm) – must fit under seat | 1 small personal bag (40x30x20 cm) – under seat | 1 small cabin bag (45x36x20 cm) – under seat |
| Free carry‑on (overhead bin) | No – paid option (“Cabin Bag”) | No – Priority boarding includes a second bag | No – only free under‑seat bag |
| Cabin bag weight limit | 10 kg (paid carry‑on) | 10 kg (Priority bag) | 15 kg if you can lift it (free under‑seat bag) |
| Checked bag fee (23 kg, typical) | ~€25–€35 booking online | ~€20–€30 booking online | ~£20–£30 online |
| Free drinks/meals | No (buy on board) | No (buy on board) | No (buy on board) |
| Gate bag sizing penalty | €110–€140 if bag exceeds 55x40x20 cm | €13/kg excess baggage fee | £50–£60 at gate (varies) |
| Seat selection fee | From €5 (standard seat) | From €4 (standard seat) | From £4 (standard seat) |
Sources: Vueling Help Centre official policy, Ryanair Help Centre official policy, easyJet official policy, easyJet fees page, Ryanair fees page.
The catch: Vueling’s gate sizing penalty is the steepest of the three, making strict enforcement a bigger financial risk than Ryanair’s per-kilo fee.
Is Vueling nicer than Ryanair?
In short, yes – marginally. Tripadvisor travel review platform ratings show Vueling consistently scoring a point higher than Ryanair for seat comfort and cabin crew friendliness. However, both charge for extras and have strict baggage enforcement. Ryanair Help Centre official policy states that its free personal bag is slightly smaller than easyJet’s free bag – a fact that catches many travelers off guard at the gate.
Vueling’s marginally better comfort comes with a bigger gate‑sizing penalty (€110–€140) than Ryanair’s €13/kg excess fee, making strictness a bigger risk.
Can Vueling be trusted?
Safety record and certifications
Vueling holds an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) industry safety benchmark certification, which is required for all IAG member airlines and indicates rigorous auditing. The airline has not been involved in any fatal accidents since its founding in 2004 (Wikipedia safety record).
Customer complaints patterns
Common complaints on Trustpilot user review aggregator revolve around refund delays during disruptions and poor communication about cancellations. “Refunds are a nightmare… but the staff on board are usually friendly,” one review reads. The airline’s 2024 Skytrax airline rating agency ranking places Vueling 12th among low‑cost carriers in Europe – a middle‑of‑the‑pack result that suggests reliability is average, not exceptional.
Vueling ancillary products and baggage policy
Baggage allowances and fees
- Personal item (free): 40 x 20 x 30 cm – must fit under the seat (Vueling Help Centre official policy).
- Cabin bag (paid): Up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, max 10 kg. If you don’t prepay, bring it to the gate and it exceeds these limits, the fee is €110–€140 per item (Vueling Help Centre official policy).
- Checked bag: 23 kg standard hold bag, fee varies by route (~€25–€35 online).
Seat selection and priority boarding
Standard seat selection starts at €5; priority boarding (includes a cabin bag) costs around €10–€15. Stasher travel luggage guide notes that these fees are similar to those of Ryanair and easyJet.
Do you get free drinks on Vueling?
No. Vueling does not include any complimentary food or beverages in its fares. Everything – from water to snacks – is buy on board. Prices start at €3.50 for a soft drink (Vueling Help Centre official policy).
How to check in and manage your Vueling booking
Online check-in process
Web check‑in opens 7 days before departure. Passengers can check in online, download their boarding pass, or use the mobile app. Vueling official check‑in page states that failure to check in before the airport deadline results in a €50 fee at the counter.
Mobile app features
The Vueling app (available for iOS official app store and Android official app store) allows you to check in, store boarding passes, manage bookings, and receive real‑time flight updates.
Vueling contact number and customer service
For assistance, you can call +34 911 232 321 (Spain) or contact the airline via the Vueling official contact page. Keep in mind that hold times can exceed 30 minutes during disruption periods.
Vueling’s timeline: key milestones
- 2004 – Vueling founded by two entrepreneurs with launch capital from IAG (Wikipedia corporate history).
- 2007 – Initial public offering (IPO) on the Barcelona Stock Exchange (Wikipedia corporate history).
- 2013 – Acquired by IAG, joining the same group as British Airways and Iberia (Wikipedia corporate ownership).
- 2015 – Acquired Germanwings’ long‑haul routes and some assets (Wikipedia corporate history).
- 2020–2021 – COVID‑19 pandemic led to major fleet grounding and restructuring (Wikipedia COVID‑19 impact).
- 2024 – 20th anniversary; introduced new loyalty program and app updates (Wikipedia loyalty program).
Each major event – IAG acquisition, Germanwings purchase – has pulled Vueling closer to the IAG network, yet its low‑cost identity has remained intact. The 2024 loyalty program may be the first step toward hybrid status.
What we know and what’s still uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Vueling is a Spanish low‑cost airline headquartered in Barcelona.
- Vueling is owned by IAG, which also owns British Airways and Iberia.
- Vueling does not include free drinks or meals in standard fares.
- Vueling’s baggage policy charges for checked luggage and larger carry‑on.
What’s unclear
- Whether Vueling will expand its long‑haul network after the pandemic.
- Exact on‑time performance data for all routes (not consistently published by the airline).
Voices from passengers and Wikipedia
“Vueling S.A. is a Spanish low‑cost airline based in Viladecans, Barcelona, and a subsidiary of International Airlines Group.”
– Wikipedia airline overview
“Refunds are a nightmare… but the staff on board are usually friendly.”
– Trustpilot typical user complaint
“3 out of 5 — good for the price, but delays are common.”
– Tripadvisor aggregated user score
Related reading: Cathay Pacific: Ownership, Reviews, and Comparisons · American Airlines Guide: Check-In, Service & Flight Status
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Frequently asked questions
Is Vueling a safe airline to fly with?
Yes. Vueling holds IATA’s IOSA certification and has a clean safety record with no fatal accidents since its founding in 2004 (Wikipedia safety record).
Does Vueling have a loyalty program?
Yes. Vueling launched a new loyalty program called “Punto” in 2024, offering points on flights that can be redeemed for discounts and extras (Wikipedia loyalty program).
What is Vueling’s check‑in luggage allowance?
The standard checked bag is 23 kg; fees start at around €25 online. You can purchase up to three checked bags per passenger (Vueling Help Centre official policy).
Can I take a pet on Vueling flights?
Yes. Small cats and dogs (up to 8 kg including carrier) can travel in the cabin for a fee. Pets must remain in a closed transport box under the seat (Vueling Help Centre official policy).
Are Vueling tickets refundable?
Only the most expensive “Excellence” fares are fully refundable. Basic fares are non‑refundable; changes incur a fee plus fare difference (Vueling Help Centre official policy).
How early should I arrive for a Vueling flight?
Vueling recommends arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for European flights. Check‑in counters close 45 minutes before departure (Vueling official airport info).
For the European budget traveler who values predictability over rock‑bottom base fares, the choice is clear: factor in the real cost of luggage, penalties, and possible delays, or book with a carrier that includes more from the start – but expect to pay a little more upfront.
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.