Confused about whether your backpack fits under the seat or if you need to pay for a carry-on? You aren’t alone.
Vueling’s baggage rules can be tricky, with different allowances depending on your fare type (Fly, Fly Grande, Optima, TimeFlex). Get it wrong, and you could face steep fees at the boarding gate.
Vueling Baggage Policy at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, here is a quick summary of what you can bring.
| Baggage Type | Dimensions | Weight Limit | Cost | Notes |
| Underseat Bag | 40 x 20 x 30 cm | No specific limit (must fit under seat) | Free for all passengers | Must fit entirely under the seat in front. |
| Cabin Bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | Max 10 kg | Included in TimeFlex & Family fares. Fee for others. | Must go in the overhead locker. |
| Checked Bag (15kg) | Linear 158 cm | Max 15 kg | €10 – €95 (Online) | Online exclusive option. Cheaper than 25kg. |
| Checked Bag (25kg) | Linear 158 cm | Max 25 kg | €18 – €99 (Online) / €50+ (Airport) | Standard option. Included in Optima & Family fares. |
| Checked Bag (30kg) | Linear 158 cm | Max 30 kg | €25 – €120 (Online) | Best for long trips. |
Hand Luggage Allowances (Cabin Bags)
Vueling has a strict two-tier system for hand luggage. What you are allowed to bring on board depends entirely on the fare you purchased or the extras you added.
1. The Underseat Bag (Free for Everyone)
Every single passenger, regardless of fare, is allowed one small underseat bag free of charge.
- Max Size: 40 x 20 x 30 cm.
- Placement: Must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Includes: Backpacks, laptop bags, handbags, or duty-free bags.
Important: If this bag exceeds the dimensions or doesn’t fit under the seat, you will be charged a gate fee (approx. €30-€40) and it will be checked into the hold.
2. The Overhead Cabin Bag (Max 10kg)
This is the standard carry-on suitcase (55 x 40 x 20 cm) that goes in the overhead bin.
- Who gets it for free? Passengers with TimeFlex, Family, or Premium fares.
- Basic Fare passengers: You must pay extra to add this bag. It is not included in the cheapest ticket price.
Pro Tip: If you are traveling on a Basic fare, booking a “Cabin Bag” online in advance is significantly cheaper than paying at the gate. Gate fees for undeclared cabin bags can run as high as €75.
Checked Baggage Rules & Fees
If you need more than 10kg, you’ll need to check a bag. Vueling offers flexible weight options so you only pay for what you carry.
Weight Tiers
- 15 kg: Great for short weekend trips. Available to purchase online only.
- 20 kg: Standard option for light packers.
- 25 kg: Included automatically with Optima and Family fares.
- 30 kg: Ideal for longer holidays.
Fees: Online vs. Airport
Vueling encourages digital booking. Adding a bag online or via their app is up to 50% cheaper than paying at the airport check-in counter.
- Online Price: Ranges from €10 to €99 depending on route and weight.
- Airport Price: Starting at €50 for a 25kg bag.
Oversized/Overweight Fees:
If your bag exceeds your purchased weight allowance, you will be charged €12 for every extra kilogram, up to a maximum of 32kg per bag. No single bag can weigh more than 32kg due to health and safety regulations for handlers.
Special Luggage & Sports Equipment
Planning a ski trip or bringing your guitar? Vueling classifies this as “Special Luggage.”
- Items Allowed: Skiing equipment, snowboards, golf clubs, bicycles, surfboards, musical instruments.
- Cost: Generally starts around €45 per item, per way.
- Packing: Bicycles must be packed in a box or protective case with handlebars fixed sideways and tires deflated.
Smart Move: Add special luggage during your initial booking. Adding it later usually costs more.
Traveling with Infants and Children
Vueling is relatively family-friendly compared to other low-cost carriers.
- Infants (under 2 years): You can check one pushchair, stroller, or travel cot free of charge.
- Carry-on: Parents can bring a designated bag for baby essentials (food, diapers) inside the cabin, provided it fits the underseat dimensions.
- Car Seats: Can be checked in for free as one of the infant items.
4 Tips to Avoid Extra Fees
Measure at Home
Don’t guess. Vueling gate agents measure bags frequently. Ensure your wheels and handles fit within the 55 x 40 x 20 cm limit.
Book the “Optima” Fare
If you know you need a checked bag, the Optima fare often works out cheaper than buying a Basic fare and adding a bag later.
Wear Your Heaviest Clothes
Wear your coat and heaviest boots on the plane to save weight in your suitcase.
Join Vueling Club
Frequent flyers can earn Avios. While this doesn’t strictly waive baggage fees immediately, status tiers eventually offer perks like priority boarding and better allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a handbag included in addition to my carry-on?
No. If you have a Basic fare, you only get one underseat bag. Your handbag must fit inside that bag or replace it. If you have a TimeFlex fare (which includes a cabin bag), you can bring both the cabin bag and the underseat bag.
What happens if my checked bag is 1kg overweight?
Strictly speaking, you will be charged the excess weight fee (€12 per kg). Some agents may be lenient with 1kg, but it is risky. It is safer to buy the next weight tier up online before you arrive.
Can I pool baggage allowance with my travel partner?
Generally, no. Baggage allowance is individual. If you have 15kg and your partner has 15kg, you cannot bring one 30kg bag between you.
Are liquids allowed in Vueling checked baggage?
Yes, you can pack liquids in checked luggage without the 100ml restriction. However, ensure they are well-sealed to prevent leaks.
Can I bring a drone to Vueling?
Yes, drones can be carried in hand luggage if the battery is below 100Wh. The batteries must be carried in the cabin, never in the hold.
Check the latest updates on the Vueling website before flying to ensure no last-minute changes affect your trip.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
