Real experience from 4+ flights: The good, the bad, and the cramped back seats

f you’re researching flying with dogs Vueling or looking for budget pet-friendly airlines Spain, let me give you the unfiltered truth. I’m Daisy, a 5.5kg Shih Tzu who’s flown Vueling 4+ times, and while they make some things easy, this airline earned only 3.5 out of 5 stars from me. Here’s why, and everything you need to know about Vueling pet policybefore you book.

Bottom line upfront: Vueling gets the basics right but treats pet owners like second-class passengers. The booking is simple, the fees reasonable, but being stuck in cramped back seats with zero choice? That’s where they lose me.

Let me break down exactly what it’s like flying with dogs on Vueling so you can decide if it’s worth it or if you should look elsewhere.

My Background: Budget Airline Reality Check

I’m a one-year-old Shih Tzu who’s been exploring airports since three months old. I love busy terminals and charming airport staff, but my carrier when it’s closed? Not so much. I’ve flown Vueling four times now, mostly through Barcelona, and I’ve got some strong opinions.

Why this review matters: Low-cost airlines like Vueling hook you with cheap base fares, but pet owners quickly learn those prices add up fast. More importantly, you need to know about the seat assignment nightmare before you book.

Vueling Pet Booking: The Easy Part

How to add pets to Vueling flights: This is actually where Vueling shines. Adding me to reservations was as simple as selecting “Pet in Cabin” in their mobile app. Super straightforward, no phone calls needed.

Important booking notes:

• Must confirm at least 24 hours before departure
• If “Dog in Cabin” doesn’t show up during booking, that flight is full
• Barcelona is SUPER popular for pet travelers, so book early
• I’ve seen more dogs at Barcelona gates than any other airport

Vueling pet capacity: Here’s something interesting, Vueling allows multiple types of pets: dogs, cats, birds, and even turtles. Up to two cats or dogs of the same species can share one carrier, provided total weight stays under 8kg.

Vueling Pet Fees: The Double-Charging Problem

Current Vueling pet fees 2025:

• Per flight segment: €30-50 depending on route
• The catch: Like baggage, you pay per segment on connecting flights

Here’s what really frustrates me: If you’re flying Barcelona to Madrid to Lisbon, you pay pet fees TWICE. Same with baggage fees. It’s not a “hidden” fee, but it’s annoying nickel-and-diming that adds up fast.

New weight restriction: Vueling recently lowered their limit from 10kg to 8kg combined pet and carrier weight. Pro tip: Most carriers have removable inner linings to save weight. You WILL be weighed at check-in, no exceptions.

Documentation Requirements: Standard Stuff

Required paperwork for Vueling pet travel:

• Microchip ID (ISO standard)
• Pet passport or certified veterinary health certificate
• Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old)
• Worming medication for destinations like Ireland & Malta

Nothing unusual here compared to other European airlines.

Barcelona Airport Experience: Actually Pretty Good

Check-in process: Pet check-in doesn’t work at self-service kiosks, but the staffed counter was quick. Daisy and I cleared it in under 10 minutes with no fuss. Rating: 5 stars for check-in.

Pet relief areas at BCN: Barcelona has two designated pet relief zones:

• Terminal 1: Outside by T1A curb
• Terminal 2: Near Gate B13 after security Both are fenced, clean, and easy to find.

Security screening: You carry your pet through the metal detector while the empty carrier goes through X-ray. Allow extra time, this can add 5-30 minutes depending on crowds.

The Seat Assignment Nightmare: Where Vueling Fails

Here’s where everything falls apart: Vueling does NOT let pet owners select seats. Ever. You get assigned at check-in, and guess where they put you? The cramped window seats at the very back of the plane.

My actual experience: I was sweating getting on at the end of boarding, trying to wedge my carrier under the seat while everyone watched. When I’ve been assigned front seats before, everything was so much easier. But when I’m stuck in the last row? It’s stressful, everyone has to get up, and it triggers anxiety in a hot cabin. It’s a nightmare.

The contrast is huge:

• Front seats: Room for legs, easy boarding, comfortable experience
• Back seats: Cramped, hot, stressful, no legroom

Why this matters: The seat is the MOST important part when flying with a dog. You want room to maneuver, space to get settled, and comfort for both of you. Being denied any choice is unacceptable.

Boarding & Cabin Experience: Last and Least

Vueling boarding with pets: Pet owners board in the final group (Group H). While this keeps aisles clear, it leaves you scrambling to get settled before departure.

Cabin conditions: The rear section gets warm, especially on midday flights. With me panting in my carrier and my human stressed about the cramped space, it’s not pleasant.

Connecting flight warning: If you have connections in Barcelona, being seated at the back means you’re last off the plane. Barcelona airport is HUGE, so make sure you have plenty of connection time.

What Vueling Gets Right vs Wrong

BCN has two designated pet relief zones: one outside Terminal 1 by the T1A curb, and another in Terminal 2 near Gate B13. Both are fenced, clean, and easy to find after security.

Security Screening

Pros:

• ✅ Effortless in-app pet booking
• ✅ Clean, accessible relief zones in Barcelona
• ✅ Quick staffed check-in process
• ✅ Reasonable pet fees (when not connecting)
• ✅ Multiple pet types allowed

Cons:

• ❌ NO seat selection for pet owners, ever
• ❌ Pets generally board last with little time to settle
• ❌ Cramped rear cabin assignments
• ❌ Hot, uncomfortable back-of-plane experience
• ❌ Double fees on connecting flights
• ❌ Can’t purchase premium seats even if willing to pay

My Vueling Ratings Breakdown

Based on 4 flights, here’s my honest assessment:

Overall Score: 3.5/5 stars

Vueling vs Other Budget Airlines for Pets

The reality: Take away the seat selection issue and let me book the seat I want, and I’d be the happiest camper flying Vueling. The booking process works, Barcelona facilities are good, but the operational treatment of pet owners is terrible.

Compared to full-service carriers: You definitely get what you pay for. KLM and Air France treat pet passengers like valued customers. Vueling treats us like an afterthought.

Expert Tips for Flying Vueling with Dogs

If you must fly Vueling:

• Book EARLY: Barcelona is super popular for pet travelers
• Weigh everything: Test your setup at home or pet store
• Pack smart: Collapsible bowls, familiar toys, extra pee pads
• Choose shorter flights: Less time cramped = happier pet
• Allow extra time: Account for longer check-in and last boarding
• Prepare for stress: Back seats + hot cabin + boarding last = challenging experience

My honest recommendation: If you can afford the extra cost, choose a full-service airline that lets you select seats and treats pet travelers properly.

• Carrier specs: Soft-sided, flexible, non-rigid, max 45 × 39 × 21 cm, including your pet
• Weight cap: Pet + carrier ≤ 8 kg
• Occupancy: Up to two dogs or cats of the same species in one carrier.
• Behavior: Pets must remain fully inside the carrier, without protruding limbs or heads

Check-in staff will weigh your carrier setup and inspect closures. Be ready to show your documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Vueling Pet Travel

Q: Can I choose my seat when flying with a dog on Vueling? A: No, absolutely not. This is Vueling’s biggest flaw – you’re assigned seats at check-in, usually in the back.

Q: How much does Vueling charge for pets in 2025? A: €30-50 per flight segment, depending on route. Remember: you pay twice on connecting flights.

Q: What’s the weight limit for pets on Vueling? A: 8kg combined pet and carrier weight (recently reduced from 10kg).

Q: How early should I book my pet on Vueling? A: As early as possible, especially for Barcelona routes. It’s very popular for pet travel.

Q: Can I buy premium seats with a pet on Vueling? A: No, pet owners are excluded from seat selection entirely, including paid upgrades.

Final Verdict: Frustratingly Almost Good

My take: Vueling is frustratingly close to being a decent pet airline. They nail the booking process, have reasonable fees, and Barcelona’s facilities are great. But the seat assignment policy absolutely kills the experience.

Would I fly them again? Only if there’s no other reasonable option. The stress of being crammed in the back with no choice isn’t worth the savings for me.

Better alternatives: If you’re flying in Europe, spend the extra money on KLM, Air France, or other carriers that let you choose seats and treat pet passengers with respect.

The bottom line: Vueling gets pet logistics right but fails at basic passenger comfort. Until they fix the seat selection issue, they’ll remain a frustrating 3.5-star experience for pet travel.

Share your best and worst moments in the comments! For complete prep and packing checklists, visit our Ultimate Pet Travel Guide and subscribe to catch Daisy’s next airline review.