Quick verdict
Ryanair and Vueling Airlines both offer competitive pricing within the €20–€150 range, with standard fares often falling between €40–€90. Ryanair operates a significantly larger fleet of 450 Boeing 737-800 aircraft compared to Vueling’s 124 Airbus A320 family jets, supporting an extensive network of more than 230 destinations primarily throughout Europe and nearby regions. While both airlines provide economy-only cabins with a comparable seat pitch of approximately 30 inches, Vueling distinguishes itself by offering an additional 'Excellence' class featuring extra legroom and priority services, as well as more flexible modification policies depending on fare class. Neither carrier includes complimentary meals or dedicated lounge access, though Ryanair provides purchasable priority boarding and reserved seating options, while Vueling offers access to lounges for Excellence class passengers or via purchase. Both airlines maintain solid safety records and competitive on-time performances, with Ryanair slightly ahead at around 80% punctuality versus Vueling’s 78%. Overall, cost-conscious travelers and those seeking a broad route network may prefer Ryanair, whereas passengers valuing greater comfort options and flexible booking conditions may find Vueling better suited to their needs.
At a glance
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Ryanair and Vueling Airlines are two prominent low-cost carriers, each serving as significant players in their respective markets of Ireland and Spain. This comparison highlights their key strengths to assist travelers in making informed decisions regarding budget travel options in Europe.
About Ryanair Read more
Overview
Ryanair is an Irish ultra-low-cost airline headquartered in Swords, County Dublin. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1984 by Christopher Ryan and Tony Ryan, and began flying on 8 July 1985 between Waterford and London Gatwick. It is the largest airline in Europe by scheduled passengers carried, fleet size and number of flights. The parent company, Ryanair Holdings plc, is listed on Euronext Dublin and Nasdaq. Its airline subsidiaries are Ryanair DAC, Buzz, Malta Air, Lauda Europe and Ryanair UK. Michael O'Leary is group chief executive. Ryanair does not belong to any airline alliance.
Network and hubs
The group serves around 230 airports in 36 countries and operates more than 3,500 short-haul flights a day. Its main bases are Dublin, London Stansted (the largest base) and Milan Bergamo. It also has bases across the UK, Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Morocco and many other countries. Wikipedia lists Berlin as ending on 24 October 2026 and Thessaloniki on 25 October 2026. The network is point-to-point and focuses on Europe, North Africa and nearby regions. There are no long-haul services.
Fleet
As of April 2026, Wikipedia lists a group fleet of 651 aircraft:
- 410 Boeing 737-800
- 210 Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 (197 seats)
- 26 Airbus A320-200, operated by Lauda Europe
- 1 Boeing 737-700, operated by Buzz
- 4 Bombardier Challenger 3500 business jets for engineering and crew transport
There are 150 Boeing 737 MAX 10 on order, with deliveries scheduled from 2027 to 2033. An earlier snapshot from Flightradar24 counted 611 aircraft in February 2026, so totals vary by source and date.
On board
Ryanair operates a single economy cabin. Seat pitch, in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi and meal details were not confirmed in the sources reviewed. Food and drink are generally sold on board rather than included, but check the airline's website for current offerings.
Good to know
- Baggage: since August 2018, passengers must buy Priority Boarding to carry both a large and a small cabin bag, according to Wikipedia. Current bag sizes, weights and checked-bag fees should be checked on ryanair.com before travel.
- Punctuality: Ryanair lost landing slots at Eindhoven in November 2025 after repeated delays, according to Wikipedia. No on-time figure is quoted here because none was verified.
- Lounges and upgrades: none were identified in the sources reviewed.
- Group operators: some flights are operated by Buzz, Malta Air, Lauda Europe or Ryanair UK under the Ryanair brand.
About Vueling Read more
Overview
Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline based in Viladecans, in Greater Barcelona. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in February 2004 and began flying in July 2004. Since 2013 it has been part of International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns about 97.5% of it. Vueling is not a member of an alliance, but its Vueling Club programme earns Avios.
Network and hubs
The main base is Barcelona–El Prat, with Rome Fiumicino as a secondary base. Other bases include Paris Orly, Amsterdam Schiphol, London Gatwick, Alicante, Bilbao, Florence, Ibiza, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville and Valencia. The network is mainly European and Mediterranean, with some routes to North Africa and the Middle East.
Fleet
As of August 2025, Wikipedia lists an all-Airbus A320-family fleet of 142 aircraft:
- 6 Airbus A319-100
- 92 Airbus A320-200
- 22 Airbus A320neo
- 18 Airbus A321-200
- 4 Airbus A321neo
In July 2025 it was confirmed that 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft ordered by IAG (25 MAX 200 and 25 MAX 10, with 100 options) are intended for Vueling, with deliveries from 2026.
On board
All flights have a single economy cabin. Food and drink are sold on board. In March 2026 Vueling launched a free streaming entertainment platform with Viasat, available on more than half of the fleet. Passengers use their own devices, and no Wi-Fi is needed. Future Travel Experience notes this complements Wi-Fi already available on much of the fleet. Seat pitch was not confirmed in the sources found.
Good to know
- Baggage: a free underseat bag is allowed. According to Opodo, a 10 kg cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) is included with the TimeFlex fare. Basic, Optima and Family fares can add it for a fee. Checked bags of 15, 20, 25 and 30 kg are sold separately, and airport prices are usually higher than online prices.
- Changes: third-party guides report fees of roughly €50 to €70 plus any fare difference on standard fares. TimeFlex and the Flex Pack add-on allow free date changes. Check vueling.com before booking.
- Loyalty: Vueling Club lets members earn and redeem Avios with Vueling, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Level.
- Lounges: no Vueling-branded lounges were found.
Ranking
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