Vueling is one of Europe's leading low-cost carriers. The headquarters is in Spain. The home airport is Barcelona's El Prat. Not so long ago, the airline began to work on the Russian market. What services does it provide, what reputation does it have with Russian travelers?
History
The Spanish airline Vueling was established in 2004. The first commercial flights under the flag of the company began to operate from 2004-01-07. Initially, the fleet included only two aircraft, and only the direction from Barcelona to Ibiza and back was served. The company began to make a profit only by the end of 2005. In the same year, the carrier began to be based at Madrid airport, and in 2007 - in Paris and Seville.
In 2006, the carrier confidently took the third position in the ranking of the best low-cost airlines in Europe after Air Berlin and EasyJet. But in 2007, this position was lost due to financial difficulties. In 2008, a cooperation agreement was signed withSpanish low-cost carrier Clickair, which was terminated a year later. In 2009, Vueling (airline) was ranked third among Western European low cost carriers by Skytrax consulting company.
Since 2011, the carrier has been based in Toulouse and Amsterdam. After that, the rapid development of the enterprise begins: new directions are opened, the fleet is replenished. In 2012, the number of air passengers carried was over 14 million.
Air accidents
In 2015, the only serious incident in the entire period of the airline's existence occurred. During the flight from Ibiza to Paris, the pilots declared an emergency on board. The plane descended and flew to the Paris Orly airport. Investigation underway.
Fleet
Vueling Airlines has one of the youngest fleets in Europe. A photo of one of the airliners, namely the Airbus 320-200, is presented below.
The company's aircraft fleet has the following types of aircraft:
- Airbus A319-100 - 5 airliners with 144 passenger seats.
- Airbus A320-200 - 91 airliners (+36 ordered) with 180 passenger seats.
- "Airbus A321-200" - 6 airliners with 220 passenger seats.
On board the airline's aircraft there is only one economy class of service. In 2015, the average age of aircraft was just over 6 years. Notable is the fact thatsome airliners have names. For example, an aircraft with tail number ECKBU is called Be Vueling my friend.
Route network
Vueling Airlines has a large geography of flights. Air tickets can be purchased for direct flights within Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Passengers are also offered tickets for flights with transfers at the airports of Rome and Barcelona. Flights are made to 38 countries. The air carrier also operates flights from Russia (from Kazan, Kaliningrad, Moscow, Samara and St. Petersburg). During the spring and summer period, with an increase in demand for air travel, additional flights are added to the schedule.
Baggage allowance
Each passenger has the right to carry one piece of baggage in hand luggage, provided that its weight does not exceed 10 kg and dimensions - 55 x 40 x 20 cm. norm, he needs to pay an additional fee of 35 euros.
Passengers should also note that the airfare does not include fees for checked baggage. To carry luggage, you need to pay a fee of 12 euros when buying a ticket or 35 euros at the point of departure if it weighs no more than 23 kg. It is also important to remember that one piece of baggage weighing more than 32 kg cannot be carried. The total weight of all baggage items for one passenger must not exceed 50 kg. It is best to pay for your checked baggage when purchasing your ticket.
WhenWhen traveling with a child under the age of 2, it is allowed to carry a baby stroller additionally free of charge. Passengers intending to carry sports equipment will be charged an additional fee of EUR 45 for each piece of checked baggage.
Loy alty program
Vueling Airlines, like many carriers, has its own frequent flyer reward programs. They are called IberiaPlus and Punto. Since the demand for low-cost transportation is great, the number of program participants is increasing every day.
To participate, you need to have a personal card, which will subsequently be credited with points for each completed flight. The number of points depends on the distance of the flight and the cost of the ticket.
As part of the Punto program, passengers are allowed to pay for airline tickets with accumulated points. The IberiaPlus program allows you to receive a discount on the services of Vueling and its partners, as well as the right to priority check-in at the airport.
Additional company services
What else can Vueling offer passengers? The services of the carrier, first of all, must be pre-agreed and paid for. Since low-cost travel means that passengers want to save on their airfare, fees for additional services will be significant. Their cost must be clarified in advance.
Online check-in is currently provided by almost all major carriers. Notexception and "Wueling". You can register on the official website of the company, but this service is not available for all destinations. This information must be clarified when purchasing a ticket. Some fares allow passengers to check in for a flight a week before departure. Online check-in closes 4 hours before aircraft departure. If a passenger is traveling with children, needs assistance with pre-flight formalities, or is carrying oversized luggage, remote check-in will not be possible.
In addition, the airline sells comfortable seats on the plane.
Eating on the plane is also possible only for a fee. You can order meals on board, including children's and vegetarian, only when buying a ticket. On the plane you can buy light snacks, hot and cold drinks. The menu can be found in the seat pocket in front of the seated passenger.
In flight, passengers can watch TV shows, movies, read books, popular magazines.
Vueling (airline): representative office in Moscow
The airline's office is located at Domodedovo Airport, which you can call at +7 (495) 204-16-11. In addition, passengers can contact the call center by phone +34 (933) 78-78-78. There are also representative offices at the airports of Kazan, Kaliningrad, Samara and St. Petersburg. You can also ask your questions on the official website of the company.
Vueling (airline): reviews of travelers
Russiantravelers generally respond well to the airline. In particular, they note that all the planes are new, and cleanliness is always maintained in them. The staff is always polite, but at the same time demanding. Passengers are also attracted by the low price of air tickets and punctuality. Delays occur mainly during high seasons for air travel. Some passengers speak negatively about the need to pay for additional services.
Vueling Airlines is one of the leading European low-cost airlines. It was created in 2004. Over the 12 years of its existence, the carrier has significantly replenished its fleet and expanded its route network. The aircraft fleet includes only new Airbuses, whose age does not exceed 6 years. All additional services are provided to passengers only for a fee. Loy alty program is provided for regular customers. In general, passengers speak well of the work of the airline, but note a large number of delays.
