Low-cost carrier Vueling Airlines is based in Barcelona. Like most low-cost airlines, the company prefers to sell tickets over the Internet, which significantly reduces costs. Transportation is carried out mainly in Europe. There are also flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Brief information
Vueling is the second largest airline in Spain after Iberia Airlines. The company was founded in February 2004 and the first commercial flight took place on July 1. Then the fleet consisted of only two aircraft, which served the direction of Barcelona-Ibiza. But after a year and a half, the carrier began to make a profit.
In the ranking of budget companies in Western Europe, Vueling ranks third after EasyJet and Aer Arann.
The airline's headquarters are located at El Prat Airport (Barcelona, Spain). Additional hubs are located in Bilbao, Madrid, Malaga, Seville and Valencia. The carrier has offices in many large cities in Europe, in particular, there is a representative office in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
The cost of the travel document includes only carry-on baggage. Baggage must be checked in at an additional cost. You can check in for the flight online on the official website of the carrier, but this service is not available at all airports. You can also check this information on the airline's website. It should be noted that for Russian-speaking passengers there is an official website in Russian - https://www.vueling.com/ru.
The main directions of flights
Vueling aircraft fly to the following countries:
- Austria;
- Belarus;
- Belgium;
- Croatia;
- Greece;
- Malta;
- Morocco;
- United Kingdom;
- Russia;
- Ukraine, etc.
There is a flight St. Petersburg - Barcelona - St. Petersburg. Also from St. Petersburg there are flights to Malaga and Alicante. From the capital of the Russian Federation, Vueling aircraft fly directly to Mallorca, Ibiza, Barcelona and Alicante.
Air fleet of the company
Vueling's fleet consists of the following vessels:
- Airbus A319-100 - 5 aircraft;
- Airbus A320-200 - 92;
- Airbus A321-200 - 15;
- Airbus A320neo - 1.
The average age of the airline's cars is 6.6 years, all of them undergo regular technical inspection and are in good condition. Some planes even have their own names. For example, an aircraft with registration number EC-KBU is named “Be Vueling my friend”.
All seats in the cabins of the company's airliners are of economy class only.
How to buy a ticket: detailed instructions
You can book and purchase tickets on the company's website. Note that you can only pay with a bank card. To find the required travel document, you must use the search form on the main page of the web resource. At the same time, you can omit the exact dates in order to choose the time when the flight is cheapest.
So, to buy a ticket, you need to follow these steps:
- On the main page, in the search bar, indicate the points of departure and destination, the date of departure, the number of passengers (adults, children).
- Choose a flight and fare from the proposed ones.
- Enter the passenger's personal data.
- Indicate your preferences.
- Enter payment details.
After the successful completion of the procedure, a notification will be sent to the e-mail that was indicated during the registration of the travel document, which must be printed and presented along with the passport at the airport.
Online check-in
Registration via the Internet is popular today. Such check-in allows the passenger to check-in from any place convenient for him, so as not to waste time at the airport later. Vueling also offers this service on its website.
However, this form of check-in is not possible at all airports, so you should clarify in advance whether online check-in is possible in the city from which you are flying.
In order to register on the airline's website, you need a booking code (PNR).
This is the order identification number found in the confirmation email you receive after purchasing your tickets.
So, for online check-in, you need to go to the corresponding page on the carrier's web resource and enter the booking code and the email address to which the boarding pass will be sent.
Check-in must be done no later than 4 hours before departure. The coupon must be printed or saved on a mobile device.
If the check in online service is not possible for technical or other reasons, the boarding pass can be obtained free of charge at the airport on the day of departure. Check-in counters open 2.5 hours before and close 40 minutes before aircraft departure.
Airfare
The carrier offers its passengers different travel options. Thanks to this, each passenger can choose the most suitable level of comfort for themselves.
Basik is the lowest rate, which only includes free space allocation during online check-in. It also allows you to earn miles. For all other services on board, including baggage transportation, you will have to pay extra. For this reason, this tariff cannot be called too profitable.
Optima is a fare that justifies its name, providing the passenger with an optimal set of services for a comfortable trip. The cost of the travel document includes:
- instant boarding pass;
- space for checked baggage (up to 23 kg);
- free allocation of space in the first or last rows;
- the possibility of exchanging a ticket for an earlier flight;
- accumulating miles.
There are no deluxe seats in the cabins of Vueling's airliners, but there is a business class service in the airline. At Vueling, Business Class is called Excellence.
By choosing this fare, passengers receive services (additional space for luggage, improved meals on board, etc.) that differ from those provided in Economy Class. When forming business class seats, the center seats in the first rows of aircraft cabins remain empty to increase the comfortable space for passengers.
There is no multimedia entertainment system on board the Vueling low-cost airliners. The seats are equipped with connectors for recharging mobile devices, which can only be used in the cabin in Flight mode.
There are no lounges or showers on board Vueling aircraft, and no linen or travel kits are provided. On the other hand, Excellence passengers can wait for their flight in the VIP lounges of airports in Spain and other countries. In addition, these clients are entitled to a quick security check. Another bonus of the tariff is ticket refunds or changes to them.
If you bought a ticket for a Vueling flight, but it was canceled or delayed due to the fault of the carrier, you are entitled to monetary compensation in accordance with the regulation of the European Parliament. Passengers of all European airlines, as well as passengers of any carriers departing from EU countries, can count on payments.
The amount of compensation depends on the length of the flight:
- up to 1500 km - 250 euros;
- from 1500 to 3500 km - 400 euros;
- over 3500 km - 600 euros.
A flight delay of more than 5 hours gives the right to cancel the flight and full reimbursement of expenses from the carrier. If the flight was postponed until the next day, then you should be accommodated at the hotel and a transfer to the hotel and to the airport should be arranged.
To receive compensation, you need to contact the airline with a written or electronic justification. The main thing is to provide a boarding pass for the canceled flight.
If the company sent you a written refusal, you need to draw up a competent response letter, proving that you are still entitled to compensation for the flight cancellation, since the flight did not take place through the fault of the carrier. The last resort is going to court.
Another option is to use the services of intermediary firms. You just need to take into account that any intermediary takes a percentage of payments as payment for their work.
Note that the EU regulation "On the Rights of Air Passengers" provides for reimbursement in cash, but the airline may offer a voucher for a subsequent travel instead of money. It should be borne in mind that you have every right to refuse such a refund, because in this way you will become "tied" to this carrier. In addition, the voucher has a limited validity period, so it is not practical if you do not plan to fly anywhere for a year.
Discounts for regular customers
Passengers who have prioritized Vueling can benefit from the Vueling Club loyalty program. Becoming a member of the club, you get a card on which bonus points "Avio" are credited. You can use them to get various discounts. Points are awarded for flights booked on the carrier's official website or Iberia.com, as well as for purchases from the airline's partners.
You can book tickets for points both for yourself and for your loved ones. Miles can be used to pay for the ticket in full or with a surcharge. Avios are also suitable for hotel bookings, car rentals and other purchases on Avios.com. Miles are retained for another 3 years after account termination.
Passengers who use Vueling 40 times a year receive a Premium Passenger Card. Privileged customers get the most of the flight benefits:
- one ticket per year with a 50% discount;
- special check-in counters;
- fast passage of security;
- priority boarding;
- free reissuance of the ticket for a later date.
Plus, with Premium membership, you earn twice the miles when you buy tickets.
What services are provided on board
There is a duty-free shop on Vueling aircraft. That is, passengers can shop directly in flight.
Meals on board in the Excellence Fare do not include hot meals. In winter, the standard onboard menu may include:
- various snacks;
- vegetarian sushi;
- instant noodles;
- sandwiches with pita bread, chicken and cream cheese;
- vegetable focaccia;
- milk chocolate;
- biscuit with yoghurt filling;
- biscuits;
- chocolate sticks.
In addition, business class passengers are offered alcoholic and non-alcoholic, soft and hot drinks.
Holders of budget flights can get a sandwich and drinks at an additional cost.
The on-board menu can be found in the front seat pocket. Catering also includes vegetarian meals and children's meals.
Airport passenger service
When booking tickets, Vueling offers the possibility to book lounges for VIP passengers. Such rooms are equipped with everything you need to comfortably wait for boarding a flight. This service is especially convenient for those passengers who fly with a transfer.
The VIP lounges have a relaxation area, showers, cafeterias, a children's corner, computers with Internet access, and more. The calm atmosphere allows you not only to relax, but also to work if necessary. There is even an opportunity to hold a meeting here, for which a special room is provided.
You can order the service immediately or at any time on the web resource in the "Lounges for VIP-passengers" section. After payment, a voucher will be sent to your e-mail, which must either be printed or saved on your mobile phone.
Vueling has an extensive network of offices at various airports around the world, where the following services are provided:
- sale of air tickets;
- assistance in case of delay, change of time or cancellation of flights;
- changes to the travel document;
- ordering and paying for additional services;
- assistance to passengers with special needs or those who have Premium status.
In addition, in the information desk, you can view the flight schedule, clarify information about services, tariffs and promotions.
Baggage
In the cabin of the aircraft, in addition to hand luggage, you can carry one more small bag and one bag with goods from the airport shops. If you are traveling with an infant, it is also allowed to take everything you need for your baby in your carry-on baggage. An extra bag or briefcase, according to baggage regulations, must be placed under the front seat.
The size of the bag should not exceed 35 x 20 x 20 cm. The luggage must be placed quickly and in an orderly manner so as not to block the passage and thereby not delay the departure.
The upper compartments are designed specifically for carry-on baggage. Vueling allows you to carry a bag weighing no more than 10 kg in the cabin. In addition, carry-on baggage must have a maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
If the suitcase does not fit in the luggage compartment, but its dimensions are correct, it will be placed in the luggage compartment at no additional charge. In carry-on luggage, you can carry bottles with a volume of not more than 100 ml, their total volume should not be more than 1 liter. All vials are packed in a transparent tight bag.
If the suitcase does not meet the carry-on baggage allowance, it must be checked in and sent to the hold at an additional cost. Passengers who checked in for the flight online simply leave such baggage at the airport at the check-in counter and go to the aircraft cabin. It should be noted that ordering baggage on the official website of the carrier is cheaper than at the airport. For example, one seat ordered on a web resource will cost from 13 euros, and at the airport - 50 euros.
Each passenger has the right to occupy no more than 3 pieces of checked baggage weighing up to 23 kg each. Baggage check-in cannot be canceled. For exceeding the weight limits, you must pay a fee for each extra kilogram. The maximum weight of one suitcase must not exceed 32 kg.
If your items do not fit in your luggage bag, they are classified as non-standard baggage. Items of special dimensions must be properly registered and packaged. These can be:
- ski kit;
- golf equipment;
- bicycle (assembled);
- set for a snowboard;
- sporting weapons;
- surfboard;
- musical instruments.
In this case, the height of non-standard baggage should not exceed 2.7 m, and the weight - 32 kg.
Passengers with disabilities can take a wheelchair with them, but they can only use it before the boarding gate - according to the rules, the wheelchair is carried as checked baggage. Vueling does not provide space for your own wheelchair in the cabin.
Passengers can travel with their pets. If the animal meets the requirements (its weight together with the transportation bag does not exceed 8 kg, and the dimensions are 45 x 39 x 21 cm), it can be taken on board the aircraft.
The following animals are allowed for transportation:
- dogs;
- cats;
- birds (except for birds of prey);
- fishes;
- turtles.
It is forbidden to transport rodents, lagomorphs, mustelids, farm animals, birds of prey, reptiles.
You can add a pet to your order in the "Individual preferences" section. In addition, on the day of departure, you must contact the check-in counter, where you will be allocated a special seat.
A bag / container with accessories and food by the scanner, and the pet is carried on the hands or held next to them through the frame. Inside, the bag should be placed on the floor between your legs or under the front seat. It is forbidden to let your pet out of the container before the aircraft has landed.
Flight with children
Babies are considered children from 7 days to 2 years old. Such babies should be in their arms during the flight. One adult is allowed to carry two babies if one of them is at least 1.5 years old. In this case, both the parent and the older child, who will fly in a special child seat, need to book a seat on the plane.
Passengers from 2 to 15 years old are considered children, not infants, so they travel in a separate seat on their own ticket.
Note that both adults and young members of the Vueling Club program earn miles for each flight. If the parents already own a club card, they can buy a ticket for the child in their office, and he will be entitled to a discount on the first flight, taking into account the miles earned.
If the baby has his own document, it is advisable to take it with him in hand luggage. Parents of an infant are allowed to take food for the baby on board in 100 ml containers, and they do not need to be sealed in a bag. Also, such passengers are entitled to two free luggage places, where a cot and a stroller are rented. Online registration is also available for children.
In a stroller, a child can be taken directly to the plane. Already at the entrance to the salon, the staff will pick up the vehicle to load it into the luggage compartment. Passengers with infants are entitled to priority boarding.
Spanish Airlines has taken care of the safety and comfort of adults traveling with babies. They are provided with special seats, a seat belt and a life jacket for the child.
It is noteworthy that special child seats can be taken for children from 18 to 36 months. And although a child after 2 years of age can fly without such a seat, if desired, parents can take him with them. There is also a special place for changing diapers on board.
Contact Information
The hotline number for the Vueling low-cost airline in Barcelona is +34 933 78 78 78. Calls are charged according to government tariffs.
If you speak English, you can ask questions using the contact form on the official website: https://www.vueling.com or email: [email protected].
As noted above, the airline has offices in different countries. There is a support service in Russia: +7 495 204 16 11. The carrier's representative office is located in Moscow.
Finally
Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline that offers optimal service at a reasonable cost. The ticket price does not include food and baggage (except for hand luggage), so those who fly light over short distances can save a lot. You must pay extra for special services.
Vueling VIPs have the option to relax and wait for their flight to depart in the Lounges. On board the airliner, they will be offered a varied menu and drinks.
Regular customers can become members of the Vueling Club program and earn miles for each flight, which can then be spent on buying tickets or goods from airline partners at a significant discount.
The carrier provides the opportunity to check in for the flight online on its official website or through a mobile application. Special conditions are provided for passengers with small children. Transportation of animals and non-standard baggage is allowed.
