EasyJet is the better choice if you want a broader European network and are flying from the UK or northern Europe. Vueling is better if you’re flying to or from Spain, the Mediterranean, or want to earn Avios. Both are standard European budget carriers with similar fee structures. The base fare covers only a small personal bag, with everything else purchased separately.
Table of Contents
Route Networks
EasyJet is one of Europe’s largest budget airlines by passenger volume, operating over 1,000 routes across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Strong bases across the UK (Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh) and continental European airports (Amsterdam, Berlin, Geneva, Milan). Good option for UK-Europe routes and routes that bypass traditional hubs.
Vueling is a Spanish low-cost carrier owned by IAG (the same group as British Airways and Iberia). Around 340 routes, primarily within Spain, between Spain and the rest of Europe, and Mediterranean connections. Its main hubs are Barcelona El Prat and Rome Fiumicino. Strong for anyone traveling within Spain or to/from the Mediterranean. Vueling also operates some routes on behalf of Iberia as part of the IAG group structure.
If your route involves Spain or the Mediterranean, check both. For northern European or UK routes, EasyJet is more likely to have the frequency and options you need.
Baggage Fees and Fare Structure
Both airlines use a base fare plus fees model. Always compare total cost including bags before booking.
- EasyJet: Base fare includes only a small under-seat personal bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm). A large cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) costs extra and must be booked in advance. Checked bags are purchased separately, starting around €15 to €30 depending on route and timing. Seat selection also paid separately.
- Vueling: Similar structure. Base fare includes one small cabin bag. A larger cabin bag or checked bag requires purchasing a higher fare tier or paying as an add-on. Seat selection charged separately on base fares.
Pricing for add-ons fluctuates with booking timing. Buying bags at booking is almost always cheaper than adding them later or at the airport. Both airlines charge airport drop fees, so always pre-select bags online.
Loyalty Programs
- Vueling: Earns Avios through the IAG Avios program (the same currency used by British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus). If you already have a British Airways Executive Club or Iberia Plus account, Vueling flights earn into your Avios balance automatically. This is a meaningful advantage for frequent European travelers already in the IAG ecosystem.
- EasyJet: No traditional frequent flyer program. EasyJet Plus is a paid subscription (around £199/year) that provides fast-track security at some airports, dedicated overhead bin space, and free seat selection. Useful if you fly EasyJet frequently, but it’s a subscription rather than a miles program.
If you’re accumulating Avios for future British Airways, Iberia, or partner flights, Vueling has a clear loyalty advantage. If you don’t use Avios, the difference is minimal.
On-Time Performance
Both carriers have had operational issues in recent years. European summer disruptions have affected all budget carriers. EasyJet has historically had a slightly better overall on-time average than Vueling based on industry tracking, but performance varies significantly by route and season. Spanish airports in summer (Palma, Ibiza, Malaga) are delay-prone regardless of carrier. Check recent OAG or FlightAware data for your specific route before attributing on-time performance to the carrier.
Passenger Rights Under EU261
Both EasyJet and Vueling are EU carriers subject to EU261/2004 passenger rights regulations. If your flight is delayed over 3 hours, cancelled with less than 14 days notice, or you’re denied boarding, you may be entitled to compensation of €250 to €600 depending on flight distance, plus meals and accommodation if the delay requires an overnight stay. Both airlines have faced criticism for initially refusing valid EU261 claims. If your claim is rejected, escalate to the National Enforcement Body (CAA in the UK, DGAC in Spain) or use a claims service.
Verdict
Choose EasyJet if: You’re flying from the UK or northern Europe, you want more route options and frequency, or you don’t care about earning Avios.
Choose Vueling if: You’re flying to or from Spain, connecting through Barcelona or Rome, or you want to earn Avios for future travel on British Airways, Iberia, or other IAG carriers.
Always compare total prices including bags on both airlines. One airline’s lower headline fare can easily be offset by higher bag fees on your specific route. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner and add your bag requirements to see the real total.
EasyJet vs Vueling: Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: EasyJet or Vueling?
Depends on your route. EasyJet has a larger network across Europe, stronger from UK airports, and more frequency on northern European routes. Vueling has better coverage of Spain and the Mediterranean, and earns Avios if you are in the British Airways or Iberia loyalty ecosystem.
Does Vueling earn Avios points?
Yes. Vueling participates in the IAG Avios program. Flights booked via your British Airways Executive Club or Iberia Plus account will earn Avios directly. This is one of Vueling’s main advantages over EasyJet for loyal travelers.
Does EasyJet have a loyalty program?
Not a traditional miles-based program. EasyJet Plus is a paid annual subscription that provides benefits like dedicated overhead bin space, fast-track security at select airports, and free seat selection. It is useful for very frequent EasyJet flyers but is not a miles-earning program.
What is included in EasyJet’s base fare?
Only a small under-seat personal bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm). A large cabin bag, checked luggage, and seat selection all cost extra and are purchased as add-ons.
What is included in Vueling’s base fare?
A small cabin bag (40 x 20 x 30 cm on most fares). Larger cabin bags, checked luggage, and seat selection require a higher fare tier or paid add-ons.
Does Vueling fly to the UK?
Yes. Vueling flies from several UK airports (London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, others) primarily to Spanish and Mediterranean destinations. Routes are more limited than EasyJet’s UK network.
Are EasyJet and Vueling covered by EU261 compensation rules?
Yes. Both are EU-registered carriers subject to EU261/2004. Passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance for significant delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. EasyJet is also covered under UK261 (the UK equivalent post-Brexit) for UK-departing flights.