Vueling Airlines

When it comes to European discount airlines, it’s easy to be led astray by too-good-to-be-true prices and misleading baggage regulations. Spain-based Vueling Airlines, however, built its sterling reputation on low fares and better-than-average customer service.

Vueling.com is designed in an unorthodox fashion, but it is fairly easy to use. All passengers are allowed to have one checked bag for free and a second carry-on bag for overhead bins. Bins fill up quickly, though, so it may be best to rush your way to the front of your boarding queue.

With online check-in, a visit to the desk upon arrival to the airport is not necessary. Print your tickets ahead of time or save paper by downloading the Vueling app and storing your boarding passes on your mobile device or Passbook.

Once on board the aircraft, leg room is sparse, but when it is not? The on-board menu offers sandwiches (hot and cold), snack boxes, Spanish wines from the Rioja region and Catalonia’s prized cerveza, Estrella. There’s no in-flight entertainment aside from Ling magazine, but flights to European destinations are rarely longer than three hours.

The magazine’s relevant features chronicle what’s new and happening in destinations to where Vueling flies. You may get lucky and see an article about the city you are on your way to visit!

For the price, ease of reservation and straightforward policies, Vueling ranks high among European budget carriers.