Flight from Barcelona to Rome

[lorimay]

We are finishing up our TA cruise in Barcelona in May and are planning on flying to Rome for 5 days.
Anyone have experience with these airlines?
Ryanair
Alitalia
Vueling

TIA

 

[StarSeven7]

I've flown Ryanair a few times but it's been 10-15 years. They're fine if you know what to expect going in - they're a budget airline and you have to pay extra for everything. Even when factoring that in, I still found them to be significantly cheaper than other airlines.

 

[Karin1984]

Ryanair and Vueling are really budget airlines, Alitalia is a regular airline. If price/schedule doesn't make a difference, I would chose Alitalia.

 

[lorimay]

Ryanair and Vueling are really budget airlines, Alitalia is a regular airline. If price/schedule doesn't make a difference, I would chose Alitalia.

I was looking at them, but then I saw a story that they are being carried by "Italy" now since having monetary issues. I wasn't sure if it was too risky to book with them.

 

[MarcIsMe]

Did this leg on Ryanair back in 9/17 with carry on baggage; short flight, on time, no issues.

 

[Karin1984]

I was looking at them, but then I saw a story that they are being carried by "Italy" now since having monetary issues. I wasn't sure if it was too risky to book with them.

They have had money issues for years, so I am not that worried. The Italian government will try to keep them as an independent airline as long as possible, but as soon as they can reach an agreement with a major airline, the airline will be sold. Both Lufthansa in Germany as Air France / KLM would like to buy Alitalia and I belief the Gulf Carriers in the Middle East are also interested.

Also, in the unlikely event Alitalia would go bankrupt, they have the SkyTeam alliance full of airlines to take over passengers.

 

[Cynth]

Ryanair and Vueling are budget airlines. If you read all the fine print you will be good. Keep in mind that you need to bring a printout of your boarding pass or have it on your smartphone. they will charge you if they have to print it at the airport. Their baggage policy is pretty strict, as always it is cheaper to buy add-ons in advance and not at the airport.
I never had issues with them, they are quite punctual and service is very nice. You need to pay for your drinks and meal onboard or prepay. I like their sandwiches better than most other airline food.
Make sure to check if it is the exact airport that you need, because they often use smaller, lesser known airports.
I use them often for short city trips and never had a problem with them.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

I flew Alitalia Athens to Rome in 2016. Just like flying on an US legacy carrier. No issues and we booked a fare that allowed us to check our bags.

 

[braysmommy]

We flew Vueling from London to Barcelona last year and it was fine. Check in was easy and flight was good. Would fly with them again.

 

[mmmears]

DD and her friends flew both Veuling and Ryan Air this year. She said she's never been on a plane with less room (seats wise) but they were fine. These were all college kids so they didn't mind being squished, plus the flights were short. I've flown Alitalia and it's like a typical American carrier.

 

[Deb T.]

One major thing to consider is luggage. European airlines are strict about size and weight of luggage. Their fees can add up quickly, as well.

 

[lorimay]

One major thing to consider is luggage. European airlines are strict about size and weight of luggage. Their fees can add up quickly, as well.

I know! We will two bags each, so we will be hit with the extra charges for them. Gonna be in another $150.

 

[mousefan73]

Me personally as an airline employee will not support Ryanair anymore . There employee treatment and customer service practices are the lowest of the low. Plus I have heard stories that question their safety standards, mainly fueling the bare minimum for flights to save money. They have been know not to pay EU fines to passengers for delays even though they have to. I have flown them years ago, no more. Read the fine print. I’d support Vueling over them. Check out Iberia.