Vueling: Rome to Gran Canaria

The carrier: Vueling

About

Vueling is a Spanish budget airline with several hubs and destinations throughout western Europe. 

While there are many complaints about the airline's planes and customer service, it remains a favorite for its easy pricing system and its brand aesthetics, which are bright, appealing and fun.

Upside

Nice destination tally in an appealing brand. Friendly and energetic cabin crew and staff.

Downside

Recently found itself in financial trouble.  Cramped planes and very little legroom. 

Baggage

* Carry-on: One piece of carry-on luggage, not to exceed 10 kg.
* Checked: Up to 23 kg of luggage at the rate of €10 per bag. Over this, you will be charged €10 per kg. Note that you must pre-register your checked luggage in advance of your flight. Otherwise, a penalty fee (€20) applies for each unregistered bag.

* Please visit Vueling’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You can quickly and easily choose a seat once you've booked your flight on-line. "XL" seats with more legroom are available from €10 to €13, depending on the duration of the flight.

Check-in and Ticketing

Passengers can check-in online from 7 days to 3 hours hours before departure.  It is available for passengers with or without checked baggage.  Those with special needs are encouraged to check-in at the airport. 

Fun Fact

Vueling was the first Spanish airline to allow customers to choose where they wish to sit at the time of booking.

Departure: Rome, Italy - Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino (FCO)

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport or "Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino," also commonly known as Rome-Fiumicino International Airport, its former name, is Italy's largest airport and second-largest international air gateway and Rome's primary airport. While the focus at Fiumicino is on long-haul routes flown by conventional airlines, the airport also hosts several budget airlines. Among these, Blu-express, Vueling, and Air Berlin fly the most routes.

Fiumicino may not be one of the most exciting big city airports in Europe, but it does, unsurprisingly, sport some of the best espresso bars we've ever found.

Location: Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport is situated 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of the city, in the coastal city of Fiumicino.

Transport:

- Rail: Fiumicino benefits from a fab airport train connection, which drops passengers off at Rome's massive Termini train station. To take the train, follow the signs at the airport marked "Treni." The train runs every half hour, from 6:37 a.m. until 11:37 p.m. and takes about 35 minutes. Tickets cost €9.50 and can be purchased from one of the (sometimes unreliable) ticket machines or at the train ticket office. If you're pressed for time, you can buy a ticket on the train for €11.

Another option, especially good for visitors staying in Trastevere, is to take one of the local trains, Orte or Fara Sabina. A journey on either train lasts 45 minutes and costs €5. Orte and Fara Sabina trains depart from the airport station for Rome's Stazione Tiburtina. At Tiburtina, you can catch the B subway line. Stops on the B line include Trastevere and Ostiense.

- Bus: Another way to get into the center of Rome from Fiumicino airport is on the Terravision express bus. The Terravision bus connects Fiumicino airport to Rome's Termini Station. Tickets cost €7 one-way and €12 round-trip. Visit the Terravision booking engine to book bus tickets in advance.

- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. The official taxis are white and identified by the illuminated Taxi sign on the roof. Ensure the meter is running, and check the approximate price of the journey beforehand. Expect to pay a whopping €60 per ride, not including supplementary charges for luggage, nighttime travel, and Sunday travel. (Stick to the train, folks!)

Service: There are information desks located in all three terminals. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and bars located throughout the airport. There are numerous first-class shopping centers that have exclusive stores selling quality goods, as well as the duty-free shops. Other facilities include first aid, a chapel and prayer room, a Bureau de change, and 24-hour cash machines (ATMs).

Arrival: Gran Canaria, Spain - Las Palmas (LPA)

Gran Canaria Airport or "Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria," formerly known as Gando Airport is located on Gran Canaria Island, Spain, in the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. The airport is Spain's fifth busiest as well as the largest in the Canary Island (the only airport with more than one runway). It also serves as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle. This airport is an essential part of the tourism in the Canary Islands. Location: Gran Canaria Airport is located to the east of Gran Canaria on the Bay of Gando or "Bahía de Gando," about 18 km (11 mi) from the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and 25 km (15 mi) from the popular tourist areas in the south. Transport: - Bus: The location of bus stops for buses from the city are in zones A and C (departures) and at the center of the terminal (arrivals) for buses to the city. For specific information regarding scheduling and fares consult the bus company’s Official Website. - Taxi: Gran Canaria taxis can be found outside all three arrival zones. Service: There are multiple shops and places to eat for travelers at the airport. Other services include ATMs, a bank, an internet café, and a currency exchange. There is an information desk in each zone as well as a tourism desk in the EU Arrivals Hall. There is also a 24-hour medical service, a pharmacy, baby rooms, a children’s play room, a chapel, and a mini-supermarket. Gran Canaria Airport also offers airport tours which give travelers tips and bits of the island's aviation history. more...