Vueling vs. Ryanair: Which Is Best? – NerdWallet

In the world of European low-cost air carriers, it sometimes feels like a competition in nickel-and-diming the customer. Every part of your flight experience costs extra, from seat assignments to checked bags.

However, as long as you know what to expect, you can score great deals on flights across the continent.

If you’re browsing Google Flights and have found multiple budget flight options for your trip, you might want to know which one to book.

For example, which one is best when it comes to Ryanair versus Vueling? Both are no-frills, budget airlines designed to get you from point A to point B inexpensively.

Let’s take a look at where they fly, what types of fares they sell and how much you might have to pay in extra fees.

Where they’re based and where they fly

Both airlines fly to an impressive number of locations — primarily in Europe. Vueling wins this round because it flies to two dozen more destinations in seven more countries than Ryanair.

Ryanair began operations in 1985 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The airline flies to nearly 120 destinations in 40 countries.

Its two largest hubs are at London-Stansted and Dublin. The airline advertises that they have an additional 80 bases at airports across Europe and North Africa, among them:

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Vueling started flying in 2004 and is based in Barcelona, Spain. It serves 145 destinations in 47 countries.

Vueling’s focus airports are in:

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

• Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Considering Ryanair doesn’t yet have a frequent flyer program — and thus no mechanism to earn or redeem miles — Vueling wins here. As an added bonus, Vueling flyers earn Avios, which can be redeemed on other airlines.

Unfortunately, Ryanair doesn’t offer a loyalty program. However, those who create a myRyanair account — which is free and required for anyone booking a flight — receive access to special deals and advance notice of flash sales. Additionally, myRyanair members receive 5% of any hotel booking made through their account as a redeemable credit on international Ryanair flights.

On the other hand, Vueling does have a loyalty program called Vueling Club, which earns Avios at the following rates:

• Basic fares earn 2 Avios per 1 euro spent (2 Avios for every $1.00-$1.20 spent, depending on the exchange rate).

• Optima, Family and TimeFlex fares earn 4 Avios per 1 euro spent.

• Premium members of the Vueling Club earn Avios at double the normal rate.

Finally, Vueling offers its customers who are Spanish residents two co-branded credit cards: the Vueling Visa and the Vueling UP! Visa. Both earn Avios on everyday purchases.

The bread and butter of low-cost carriers is the upsell at checkout, which includes anything from additional carry-on bag fees to airport check-in costs. Some add-ons are sold separately, and others are bundled into different fare types.

When comparing Vueling versus Ryanair fare types, both offerings are similar for most passengers. However, if you’re traveling with children, Vueling’s family fares might make your life easier.

When you fly Ryanair, the fare types you’ll have to choose from are Value, Regular, Plus and Flexi Plus. Here’s what you get with each fare type.

• One small bag (must fit under the seat).

• Two cabin bags, one up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and one small bag.

• Reserved seat in specific sections.

• Reserved seat in specific sections.

• One checked bag, up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms).

• Free check-in at the airport.

• Two cabin bags, one up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and one small bag.

• Reserved seat in any section.

• Free check-in at the airport.

• No flight change fee (just pay the fare difference).

Vueling has the same business model as Ryanair and provides multiple fare options when you book a flight on its website: Basic, Optima, Family and TimeFlex. Here’s what you can expect from each fare type.

• One small bag (must fit under the seat).

• One checked bag, up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms).

• Priority boarding (with children under 2).

• Dedicated check-in lines (at main airports). 

• One 55-pound checked bag (25 kilograms) per passenger, excluding infants.

• Two cabin bags, one up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and one small bag.

• Unlimited flight changes.

• Dedicated check-in lines (at main airports).

• Fast track through security.

Both airlines allow you to add just the items you want, such as one checked bag without a seat selection, which may be useful if the flight is short and you don’t care where you sit.

Both airlines are going to charge you to check bags, whether it’s bundled into your fare type or paid for separately. When it comes to luggage allowance, Vueling offers more options — so you only pay for what you’re checking. It also allows for slightly larger bags in the cabin.

When you pay an extra fee for the privilege, Ryanair allows you to check bags of the following sizes:

• 22 pounds (10 kilograms) with the following dimensions: 22 x 16 x 8 inches.

• 44 pounds (20 kilograms) with the following dimensions: 47 x 47 x 32 inches.

The small carry-on bag that fits under the seat can’t be larger than 16 x 8 x 10 inches.

When you purchase a ticket with Vueling, you can add on a checked bag. Fees vary depending on the weight of your bag. The weight categories are:

• 33 pounds (15 kilograms).

• 44 pounds (20 kilograms).

• 55 pounds (25 kilograms).

• 66 pounds (30 kilograms).

You’re also allowed a small carry-on bag that fits under your seat. This bag can’t be larger than 16 x 8 x 12 inches (40 x 20 x 30 centimeters).

As mentioned, extra fees are where most of the low-budget airlines’ revenue comes from, so you’ll be expected to pay for most things on your flight. It’s worth mentioning that many of these extras cost less when you prepay for them online instead of at the airport, so plan ahead if you want to save money on your upcoming flight.

Ryanair vs. Vueling, recapped

When considering flying Vueling versus Ryanair, Vueling has the edge.

Its route map reaches more destinations, it has a loyalty program with an easily transferable currency and its luggage allowance is more generous than Ryanair’s. Still, both carriers charge additional fees for even mundane travel amenities.

At the end of the day, choose the airline with a better flight schedule that charges you less for the airfare — after you add up all the extras.