Volotea

Volotea brings a fresh perspective to European air travel by focusing on what many major airlines overlook: connecting small and mid-sized cities directly. Instead of forcing passengers to transit through busy, congested hubs, this "airline of the regions" flies point-to-point, linking beautiful destinations like Strasbourg, Olbia, and Bordeaux with ease. Founded by the creators of Vueling, Volotea has quickly established itself as a favorite for leisure travelers seeking convenience, friendly service, and competitive fares across the continent.

Connecting the Unconnected
Volotea's primary mission is to bridge the gap between regional capitals that lack direct connections. By operating routes such as Montpellier to Nantes or Verona to Catania, the airline saves travelers hours of travel time. Their network is specifically designed for European explorers who want to visit charming secondary cities without the hassle of a layover in a massive capital airport.

Modern All-Airbus Fleet
The airline operates a reliable and comfortable fleet consisting entirely of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. This transition to a single manufacturer allows for high safety standards and operational efficiency. Passengers often appreciate the cabin layout, which is known for offering slightly wider rows compared to some other low-cost carriers, enhancing comfort on their short to medium-haul journeys.

Award-Winning Service and Safety
Volotea has consistently been recognized for its excellence in the industry. It has been named "Europe's Leading Low-Cost Airline" at the World Travel Awards multiple times and has received accolades from Skytrax for its service quality. Safety is a top priority; Volotea is an IOSA-registered operator (IATA Operational Safety Audit), meeting the highest international standards for aviation safety management.

As a European low-cost carrier, Volotea focuses its operations within Europe and does not currently maintain a permanent physical presence or dedicated support team in the United Arab Emirates. Travelers based in the UAE are advised to utilize the airline's digital platforms for all reservations, changes, and inquiries.

Official Website

The most efficient way to manage bookings, check flight status, or access support is through the airline's official website. This platform provides comprehensive tools for self-service:

• www.volotea.com

Customer Support Channels

Volotea primarily manages customer service through digital channels to ensure efficiency. Specific phone numbers and email addresses have been replaced by centralized web-based support systems. International calling rates would apply if contacting European centers from the UAE, making digital options the preferred choice.

• Online Chat & Forms: Users are directed to the "Contact" or "Help" sections of the official website for general inquiries and assistance.
• Ticket Booking: Best performed directly via the website or the official mobile app.
• Manage My Booking: The website allows passengers to modify flights, add baggage, and check in online without needing to contact an agent.
• Mobile App: The Volotea app is available for iOS and Android devices, offering a convenient way to manage travel on the go.

Social Media

For the latest updates, travel inspiration, or to reach out via direct messages, passengers can look for Volotea on major social media platforms. These channels are often monitored for customer queries:

• Facebook
• X (Twitter)
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Local Offices

Volotea does not have a local ticketing office or airport counter in the United Arab Emirates. All administrative and operational matters are handled through their European headquarters.

• UAE Address: Not available.
• Headquarters Address: Travessera de Gracia 56, 4ª, 08006 Barcelona, Spain.

Emergency & Online Support

Support teams generally operate during European business hours. For urgent modifications to your itinerary, such as last-minute changes or adding services, it is highly recommended to use the "Manage Your Booking" feature on the official website or mobile app. This self-service option is available 24/7 and is the fastest way to resolve most travel needs.

Carry-on Baggage Policy

Volotea has a straightforward hand luggage policy designed to speed up boarding and ensure comfort for all passengers. The allowance depends on whether you have added Priority Boarding to your booking.

• All Passengers: Every ticket includes one small under-seat bag. This bag must fit strictly within the dimensions of 40x30x20 cm and be placed under the seat in front of you. It is perfect for a purse, a small backpack, or a laptop bag.
• Priority Boarding Passengers: If you purchase Priority Boarding (or if it is included in your fare bundle like Megavolotea), you are allowed a second, larger piece of carry-on luggage. This bag can measure up to 55x40x20 cm and must be stored in the overhead locker.
• Weight Limit: For passengers with both bags, the combined weight of the under-seat bag and the overhead locker bag must not exceed 10 kg.

Important Note: If you bring a larger cabin bag to the gate without having purchased Priority Boarding, or if your bag exceeds the size/weight limits, it will be checked into the hold for a significantly higher fee.

Checked Baggage Allowance

For longer trips or vacations where you need more than just the essentials, Volotea offers flexible checked baggage options. You can purchase checked luggage allowance during booking or add it later via the website or app, which is always cheaper than paying at the airport.

• Weight Tiers: Passengers can typically choose from bags weighing 10 kg, 20 kg, or 25 kg. This flexibility allows you to pay only for what you need, whether you are going on a short city break to Paris or a longer pilgrimage to Lourdes.
• Maximum Weight: No single piece of luggage can weigh more than 32 kg due to health and safety regulations for baggage handlers.
• Accumulative Weight: If you purchase multiple pieces of checked baggage, the total weight allowance is accumulative. However, keep in mind that per-bag weight limits still apply.

Excess Baggage Fees

Travelers should be mindful of their baggage weight to avoid unexpected costs. If your checked bag exceeds the weight allowance you purchased (e.g., your bag is 22 kg but you bought a 20 kg allowance), an excess baggage fee will be charged per kilogram at the check-in counter. These fees can accumulate quickly, so it is highly recommended to weigh your bags at home before departing. If you know you will be over the limit, it is more cost-effective to purchase a heavier bag allowance online in advance.

Special Luggage and Sports Equipment

Volotea welcomes adventurers looking to explore Europe's diverse landscapes, from the ski slopes near Milan to the beaches of Nice. Special baggage can be added to your booking for a fee.

• Sports Equipment: Items such as bicycles, surfboards, golf clubs, and ski equipment can be transported. They must be properly packed in protective cases to prevent damage.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments that fit within the carry-on dimensions (like a violin) can sometimes be taken into the cabin if you have Priority Boarding. Larger instruments (like a cello) may require purchasing an extra seat or must be checked as special luggage in a hard case.
• Weight Limit: Special luggage usually has a maximum weight allowance (often 32 kg), and items exceeding this cannot be accepted.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

To ensure safety on board, certain items are strictly prohibited or restricted. Please review these rules carefully before packing:

• Prohibited Everywhere: Explosives, flammable substances (gas, paint, fuel), fireworks, and toxic chemicals are forbidden in both carry-on and checked luggage.
• Restricted in Cabin: Sharp objects (scissors, knives), tools, and bladed items must be packed in your checked luggage. Liquids, gels, and aerosols in the cabin must be in containers of 100 ml or less and fit comfortably in a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (1 liter capacity).
• Batteries: Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in your hand luggage and are not permitted in the hold.

Tips for Packing Efficiently

Maximize your allowance and minimize stress with these travel tips:

• Book in Advance: Adding baggage at the airport is considerably more expensive than doing so online. Add your bags when you book your flight or via the "Manage Booking" section on the website.
• Wear Your Heaviest Clothes: If you are close to the weight limit, wear your heavy coat and boots on the plane instead of packing them.
• Soft-Shell vs. Hard-Shell: For carry-on, soft-shell bags are often easier to fit into sizers if they aren't overpacked. For checked luggage, hard-shell suitcases offer better protection for fragile items.
• Check Liquids: Ensure all your toiletries meet the liquid restrictions or pack the larger bottles in your checked bag to speed up your passage through security.

Traveling with Pets on Volotea

Volotea is known for being a pet-friendly airline, allowing passengers to bring their small companions along on their journeys. Unlike many low-cost carriers that have stricter weight limits, Volotea offers a generous allowance for pets in the cabin, making it a popular choice for owners of small dogs and cats. The airline focuses primarily on in-cabin travel to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet, with very specific limitations on larger animals.

Transport Options

In cabin (carry-on)
This is the primary method for traveling with pets on Volotea. It is designed for small animals that can remain with you throughout the flight.

• Carrier dimensions: The maximum allowed size for the pet carrier is 50x40x20 cm.
• Maximum pet weight: The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 10 kg.
• Allowed pet types: Only dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin.
• Container type: The carrier must be a soft, non-rigid bag (not a hard crate) that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. It must be fully closed, ventilated, and have a waterproof bottom.
• Limit per passenger: Each passenger is allowed to bring only one pet. There is also a strict limit of 5 pets total per flight, so early booking is essential.

In cargo hold (checked baggage)
For the vast majority of Volotea's network, transporting pets in the cargo hold is not available.

• General Policy: Volotea does not generally transport animals in the aircraft hold. Passengers with pets larger than the 10 kg cabin limit typically cannot fly with them on standard tourist routes.
• Exceptions: Rare exceptions may exist only for specific "Territorial Continuity" routes (e.g., domestic flights connecting islands), where dogs up to 75 kg might be accepted. This must be verified and booked exclusively through the Customer Service Call Center.
• Requirements (if eligible): If permitted under the exception, a rigid IATA-compliant travel crate is mandatory, and the pet must have enough space to stand, turn, and lie down naturally.

As cargo (for large animals)
Volotea does not offer a separate air cargo service for live animals.

• Availability: This service is not provided.
• Recommendation: For moving very large animals or unaccompanied pets, you must use a specialized pet transport company or a major legacy carrier that operates a dedicated cargo division.

Required Documentation

To ensure smooth boarding, you must present the following original documents at the airport check-in counter:

• Pet Passport: A valid pet passport identifying the animal.
• Health Certificate: A veterinary health certificate confirming the animal is fit for travel.
• Vaccinations: Proof of valid vaccinations, specifically against Rabies (administered at least 21 days before travel).
• Microchip: The animal must be identified with a microchip or a clearly readable tattoo (if applied before 2011).

Service Costs

The cost for adding a pet to your booking depends on the channel used to purchase the service:

• Web/App Booking: Approximately €39 to €40 per flight/segment.
• Airport/Call Center: Approximately €60 per flight/segment.
• Note: Fees are non-refundable and subject to change. It is always cheaper to add this service online in advance.

Preparation Tips

Traveling can be stressful for animals, so proper preparation is key to a calm journey:

• Familiarize with the Carrier: Let your pet spend time in the travel bag days or weeks before the flight so they feel safe inside.
• Feeding: Avoid feeding your pet a large meal within 2-4 hours of departure to prevent motion sickness.
• Hydration: Offer small amounts of water before the flight, but avoid over-drinking.
• Calming: Place a familiar blanket or toy inside the carrier to reduce stress. Natural calming remedies can be used if recommended by your vet.

Restrictions

Please be aware of the following strict limitations:

• Restricted Destinations: Pets are strictly prohibited on flights to or from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malta.
• Age Limit: Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
• Behavior: Animals showing aggressive behavior or those that are visibly ill will be denied boarding.
• Service Animals: Recognized assistance dogs travel free of charge and are subject to different rules, but they must be notified to the airline at least 48 hours in advance.

Important: Availability for pets is limited to a small quota per plane. We strongly recommend contacting Volotea or adding the pet to your booking immediately after purchasing your ticket to guarantee space.

Volotea Loyalty Program

Volotea operates a unique subscription-based loyalty program known as Megavolotea. Unlike traditional airlines that require passengers to fly thousands of miles to earn status, Volotea allows travelers to purchase immediate access to elite perks and discounts for an annual fee, making it ideal for leisure travelers looking for instant value.

Membership Tiers

The program consists of two paid membership levels, each offering instant benefits that apply to the member and their travel companions on the same booking.

• Megavolotea: The entry-level subscription (approx. €49.99/year) offers flight discounts, up to 25% off baggage fees, and benefits for up to 4 companions.
• Megavolotea Plus: The premium tier (approx. €99.99/year) includes all previous perks plus Priority Boarding, higher discounts (up to 50% on seats/bags), and benefits for unlimited companions.

Earning Credits

Volotea does not use a traditional "miles per distance flown" system. Instead, the program focuses on direct monetary savings and "Volotea Credit."

• Flight Discounts: Members strictly "earn" savings on every booking rather than collecting points.
• Birthday Bonus: Members receive annual Volotea Credit on their birthday (€20 for Basic, €35 for Plus).
• Referrals: Occasional promotions allow members to earn credit by inviting friends to join the program.

Redeeming Credits

The "redemption" process is straightforward and flexible, using the credits accumulated from bonuses or refunds.

• Flight Bookings: Volotea Credit operates like cash and can be used to pay for base fares on any route.
• Ancillary Services: Credits can often be applied toward baggage fees or seat selection during the booking process.
• No Blackout Dates: Since credit acts as a voucher, it can typically be used on any available flight.

Alliance Membership

Volotea is an independent carrier and does not belong to a major global alliance like Star Alliance or SkyTeam. However, it maintains strategic partnerships to expand its reach.

• Partnerships: Volotea has commercial agreements with airlines like Eurowings and Aegean Airlines to offer connected flights.
• Status Recognition: As an independent program, Megavolotea perks are valid only on Volotea-operated flights.

How to Join

Becoming a member is instant and entirely digital, allowing you to use benefits immediately on your next trip.

• Sign Up: You can join via the official Volotea website or mobile app during the flight booking process.
• Activation: Simply select the "Megavolotea price" on your ticket search and add the subscription to your cart.
• Trial Period: The airline occasionally offers a free trial period (e.g., 15 days) for new users to test the benefits.

Service Classes

As a low-cost carrier committed to offering competitive fares, Volotea operates a single-class Economy configuration across its entire fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. While you will not find traditional Business or First Class cabins, the airline offers flexibility through its fare bundles and seat selection options. Passengers can tailor their experience by choosing standard seats or upgrading to premium seating options for added comfort.

Seat Configuration and Comfort

Volotea’s cabins are designed to maximize space and comfort for short to medium-haul regional flights. The interior features modern, slimline seats arranged in a standard 3-3 layout. Despite being a budget airline, Volotea is often praised for a seat pitch that feels comparatively generous against other low-cost competitors.

• Standard Seats: These seats constitute the majority of the cabin and offer a comfortable pitch suitable for flights averaging 1 to 2 hours.
• Front Row Seats: Located in the first row, these seats provide the quickest exit upon arrival, ideal for business travelers on tight schedules.
• XL Seats: Situated primarily in the emergency exit rows, these seats offer significantly more legroom (up to 50% more space) for passengers who desire extra stretch-out room during their journey.

In-Flight Entertainment

Volotea embraces the modern "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) trend. You will not find seatback screens on their aircraft. Instead, the airline offers an onboard entertainment portal accessible via Wi-Fi on your personal smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

• Content Selection: The platform typically features a selection of movies, TV series, cartoons for children, music playlists, and travel guides.
• Access: Passengers can connect to the onboard network once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude. It is highly recommended to bring fully charged devices and headphones, as charging ports are not standard on all aircraft in the fleet.

Food and Beverage Services

Volotea offers a "Buy on Board" service rather than complimentary meals. The in-flight menu is updated seasonally and features a variety of snacks and refreshments designed to cater to European tastes.

• Snacks and Light Bites: The menu includes sweet and savory options such as sandwiches, tapas boxes, nuts, chips, and chocolate bars.
• Beverages: Passengers can purchase soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, and tea. A selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, is also available for purchase.
• Kids' Menu: Special snack combos are often available for children, featuring kid-friendly treats and juices.

Special Services

Volotea prides itself on being an accessible and family-friendly airline, offering several services that are sometimes absent in the low-cost sector.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Unlike many budget carriers, Volotea offers a dedicated service for children between the ages of 12 and 17 traveling alone, ensuring they are supervised from check-in until they are handed over to a designated guardian at the destination.
• Families with Infants: Parents traveling with infants (under 2 years old) can check in two items of baby equipment (such as a stroller or travel cot) for free. The crew can also assist with warming baby bottles on board.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM): Comprehensive assistance is available for passengers with disabilities. Requests for wheelchair assistance or other support must be made at least 48 hours before departure to ensure a smooth airport experience.

Volotea is a European low-cost airline known for connecting small and mid-sized cities, offering a convenient alternative to major hubs. With its primary base located in Athens, the carrier has a strong presence in Southern Europe and continues to expand its network. The following table highlights some of the most frequent routes operated by the airline.

Securing the best fares with Volotea often comes down to timing and planning. As a general rule for low-cost carriers, it is advisable to book your tickets as early as possible, ideally several months in advance, especially if you are planning to travel during the peak summer season or major holidays. Keeping an eye on their official website or subscribing to their newsletter is a great way to stay informed about flash sales and seasonal promotions, which are frequently released for their extensive network of regional connections.

For frequent flyers, it is worth exploring the carrier's membership programs, such as Megavolotea. These subscriptions often provide access to exclusive discounts, early booking privileges, and benefits on baggage or seat selection. If you are planning multiple trips within Europe, particularly to their major bases like Athens, these savings can accumulate significantly over time.

Online check-in is a crucial step when flying with Volotea. To avoid potential fees for airport check-in, make sure to complete this process via their website or mobile app. The check-in window typically opens several days before departure for those who have not purchased a specific seat, and much earlier for passengers who have booked a seat assignment. Downloading your boarding pass to your mobile device is highly recommended for a smoother experience at the airport.

Regarding seat selection, travelers who wish to sit together or require extra legroom should consider reserving seats during the booking process. While this usually incurs an additional fee, it guarantees your preferred spot on board. If you choose not to pay for a seat, one will be randomly assigned to you during check-in. For added peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers flight cancellations or delays, ensuring your trip is protected against unforeseen circumstances.

Finally, the Volotea mobile app is a handy tool for managing your journey. It allows you to book flights, make changes to your itinerary, add services like extra luggage, and access your boarding passes offline. Using the app also ensures you receive real-time notifications regarding your flight status, gate changes, or boarding announcements directly on your phone.

Volotea was founded in 2011 by Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros, the entrepreneurs who had previously established Vueling. Identifying a gap in the European market for direct connections between medium and small-sized cities, they launched the airline with a strategy to avoid the congested hubs used by legacy carriers. Operations officially commenced in April 2012, with the inaugural flight departing from Venice Marco Polo Airport, which served as the carrier's first operational base.

For the first decade of its operations, the airline was notable for being the last major European operator of the Boeing 717. This aircraft type was instrumental in the early development of its regional network. However, to improve efficiency and increase capacity, the carrier initiated a fleet modernization plan. By January 2021, it had fully retired its Boeing fleet, transitioning to an all-Airbus operation consisting of A319 and A320 aircraft. This shift allowed for standardized maintenance and better service on popular routes connecting cities like Nantes and Bordeaux.

Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint significantly across the continent. It has established key bases in diverse locations, ranging from Verona in Italy to Strasbourg in France. A major strategic development was the strengthening of its presence in Greece, with Athens becoming a primary hub. By 2023, the airline celebrated the milestone of carrying over 50 million passengers since its inception, solidifying its position as a leading connector of Europe's regional capitals.

Today, headquartered in Barcelona, the airline continues to focus on its original mission of linking "cities of the capitals" directly. It has received numerous accolades for its service, including recognition as a leading low-cost airline in Europe, driven by its commitment to connecting underserved destinations without the need for stopovers.