Vueling is Spain’s largest low-cost airline and a popular choice for UK passengers flying to Barcelona, Madrid, and other Spanish destinations. The Vueling baggage allowance follows the budget airline model: a small free bag under the seat, pay for anything bigger. If you have flown Ryanair or Wizz Air, the system will feel familiar.
Vueling is part of the IAG group alongside British Airways and Iberia. The prices are low but understanding the baggage rules is essential to avoid fees at the airport.
Vueling Baggage Allowance Summary
| Fare Type | Underseat Bag | Overhead Cabin Bag | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Light / Basic | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Not included | Not included |
| Fly (with luggage) / Optima | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) | 25kg included |
| TimeFlex | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) | Not included |
| Fly Grande / Family | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) | 25kg included |
Note: Vueling uses both bundle names (Fly Light, Fly, Fly Grande) and traditional fare names (Basic, Optima, Family) depending on the booking channel.
Cabin Baggage
Free Underseat Bag (All Fares)
Every Vueling ticket includes one underseat bag:
Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (including handles and pockets)
Weight: No official limit, but must fit under the seat
This is the same size as Ryanair and Wizz Air allow. A small backpack, laptop bag, or handbag fits comfortably.
Overhead Cabin Bag (Optima, TimeFlex, Family)
With Optima, TimeFlex, or Family fares, you also get an overhead cabin bag:
Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight: 10kg maximum
This is a proper carry-on size — similar to what Ryanair and Wizz Air offer with Priority. You can fit a week’s clothes in this bag.
Adding a Cabin Bag to Fly Light/Basic Fares
If you book the Fly Light or Basic fare, you can add an overhead cabin bag:
| Add-on | Price (online) | Price (airport) |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10kg) | €24-59 | €55-75 |
Prices vary by route and booking time. Adding during initial booking is cheapest — up to 50% cheaper than at the airport.
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L at 45 x 36 x 20 cm fits within Vueling’s overhead cabin bag allowance (55 x 40 x 20 cm) with room to spare. At just 0.5kg, it maximises your 10kg weight limit. Opens flat like a suitcase for easy packing, with a padded laptop compartment. Works as a Priority cabin bag for weekend trips to Spain.
Checked Baggage
Fare Inclusions
| Fare | Checked Bag |
|---|---|
| Basic | Not included |
| Optima | 25kg included |
| TimeFlex | Not included |
| Family | 25kg included |
Adding Checked Bags
If your fare does not include checked baggage, add it during booking:
| Bag Size | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| 15kg | €15-25 | €40-50 |
| 20kg | €20-35 | €50-65 |
| 25kg | €25-45 | €55-75 |
| 30kg | €35-55 | €70-90 |
Checked bag dimensions: Maximum 158cm total (length + width + height), including handles and wheels.
Maximum single bag weight: 32kg. Bags heavier than this will not be accepted.
Always add bags online. Airport prices are significantly higher — sometimes double the online rate.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Issue | Fee |
|---|---|
| Underseat bag oversized at gate | €60-75 |
| Overhead cabin bag oversized at gate | €110-140 |
| Overweight checked bag (per kg) | €12 |
| Extra checked bag at airport | €50-75 |
Gate fees are severe. Vueling staff check cabin bags at the gate. If your underseat bag exceeds 40 x 30 x 20 cm, you pay €60-75 to check it. If your overhead bag exceeds 55 x 40 x 20 cm, you pay €110-140.
How to Avoid Gate Fees
- Measure your bag at home. Include handles and wheels.
- Use a soft bag. Rigid cases that are borderline will fail.
- Weigh your overhead cabin bag. The 10kg limit applies.
- Do not overstuff. A bag that fits empty may not fit when packed.
Vueling Fare Types
Vueling offers fares under both traditional names and “bundle” names. Here’s what each includes:
Fly Light / Basic
The cheapest fare, includes:
- Underseat bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) — no weight limit
- No overhead cabin bag
- No checked bag
- No seat selection (assigned at check-in)
Good for short trips if you pack very light.
Fly (with luggage) / Optima
The most popular fare, includes:
- Underseat bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
- Overhead cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10kg)
- 25kg checked bag
- Seat selection
- Priority boarding
Best value for most travellers needing luggage.
TimeFlex
For flexible travellers, includes:
- Underseat bag + overhead cabin bag
- No checked bag
- Flexible ticket changes
- Priority boarding
Good for business travellers with carry-on only.
Fly Grande / Family
The premium fare, includes:
- Underseat bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
- Overhead cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10kg)
- 25kg checked bag
- Seat selection
- Priority boarding
- Flexible cancellation (up to 48 hours before departure for Flight Credit)
Sports Equipment and Special Items
| Item | Price (online) |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | €40-55 |
| Skis/snowboard | €45-60 |
| Bicycle | €50-70 |
| Surfboard | €45-60 |
| Musical instrument (checked) | €30-45 |
Book special items online before your flight. Maximum total dimensions: 270 cm (length + width + height). Maximum weight: 32kg.
Pushchairs and car seats: Free. Checked at the gate.
Musical instruments in cabin: Small instruments can travel as your underseat bag if they fit within 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Larger instruments require a seat purchase.
Vueling Routes from UK
Vueling flies from several UK airports to Spain:
London Gatwick:
- Barcelona (main hub)
- Bilbao
- Alicante
- Seville
London Heathrow:
- Barcelona
Manchester:
- Barcelona
Edinburgh:
- Barcelona
Birmingham:
- Barcelona
Cardiff:
- Barcelona (seasonal)
Barcelona El Prat is Vueling’s main hub. From there, you can connect to destinations across Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, and beyond.
Vueling vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Free Bag | Size | Paid Cabin Bag | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vueling | Underseat bag | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | With Fly/Optima/add-on | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) |
| Ryanair | Personal bag | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | With Priority | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10kg) |
| easyJet | Cabin bag | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | With add-on | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (15kg) |
| Iberia | Cabin bag | 56 x 40 x 25 cm | Included | — |
| British Airways | Cabin bag + personal | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | Included | — |
Vueling’s Basic fare is similar to Ryanair’s standard fare. Optima is comparable to Ryanair Priority + checked bag combined.
Vueling vs Ryanair to Spain
For UK to Spain routes, you often have a choice between Vueling and Ryanair. Key differences:
Vueling advantages:
- Flies to more Spanish cities
- Barcelona hub connections
- Part of Avios loyalty scheme (BA/Iberia)
- Often nicer airports (Gatwick vs Stansted)
Ryanair advantages:
- More UK departure airports
- Often cheaper base fares
- More frequencies on popular routes
Baggage comparison:
Both have similar policies — small free bag, pay for overhead and checked. Compare the total cost including bags, not just the base fare.
Tips for Flying Vueling
1. Compare Fly Light + bags vs Optima. If you need an overhead and checked bag, Optima/Fly (with luggage) is usually better value than adding bags separately.
2. Book bags at booking time. Prices are up to 50% cheaper than at the airport.
3. Measure your bag carefully. Gate fees are severe — €60-75 for an oversized underseat bag, €110-140 for an oversized overhead bag.
4. The underseat bag has no weight limit. Pack heavy items in your 40 x 30 x 20 cm bag if flying Fly Light.
5. Connect through Barcelona. Vueling’s hub has connections across Spain and Europe.
6. Check in online. Vueling charges for airport check-in on some fares.
7. Join Vueling Club. Earns Avios points that work with BA and Iberia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the free bag size on Vueling?
All fares include an underseat bag of 40 x 30 x 20 cm with no weight limit. This is similar to Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Does Vueling Optima include a checked bag?
Yes. Optima (also called Fly with luggage) includes an overhead cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, 10kg) plus a 25kg checked bag.
Can I take a handbag and a cabin bag on Vueling?
Only with Fly/Optima, TimeFlex, or Fly Grande/Family fares. These include both an underseat bag and an overhead cabin bag.
How much does Vueling charge for checked bags?
Online prices range from €15 for 15kg to €55 for 30kg. Airport prices are roughly double.
What are Vueling’s gate fees for oversized bags?
Gate fees are severe. An underseat bag exceeding 40 x 30 x 20 cm costs €60-75 to check. An overhead bag exceeding 55 x 40 x 20 cm costs €110-140.
Does Vueling weigh cabin bags?
Yes. The overhead cabin bag has a 10kg limit that is enforced. Staff may weigh bags at the gate.
Is Vueling part of British Airways?
Yes, both are part of IAG. You can earn and spend Avios points on Vueling flights.
Related
- Ryanair Cabin Bag Size 2026
- easyJet Baggage Allowance
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
- Luggage Scales
- Cabin Bag Backpacks
