Anyone have any personal experience with either of these airlines? In particular, do they have normal-range luggage allowances? (flying madrid to rome.) Other airline possibilities are Air Europa and Alitalia. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! thanks. kawh Sebastopol, CA

I flew on Vueling in Feb 08. I can't remember what the size/weight restrictions on the checked luggage (since mine is quite small and not too heavy), but you have to pay a fee for each piece of checked luggage. The fee is cheaper if you pay for it when you buy your plane ticket. If you wait until you're at the airport, the checked luggage fee is higher.

Alitalia is having a bit of a problem at the moment, like facing imminent bankruptcy. Maybe the Italian government won't allow it, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

I flew Air Comet Express from Rome-Madrid about 3 years ago. It was a perfectly fine flight. A bit of a line at the ticket counter because many of the passengers were South Americans who had been working in Italy and were returning home via Madrid with lots and lots of luggage.

Other than that, the flight was fine. I had one small wheeled suitcase and I think I checked it. I don't remember any unusual baggage restrictions. However, my friend in Spain actually booked that ticket for me, so maybe I paid a baggage fee that I was unaware of.

Have you checked out their website?

Copied from Vueling.com website:

BAGGAGE

How much baggage can I take?
Each passenger can check in up to 20kg of luggage at a cost of €5 per flight and suitcase when doing so via our website.
It is important that during the purchase process you indicate the exact number of suitcases you will check in because, once at the check-in counter, unregistered suitcases will incur a cost of €10 per flight and suitcase.

Any excess weight will be charged at 8€ per kg, up to a maximum of 50 kg per passenger.
The maximum weight admissible per package is 32 kg.

You are allowed to take 1 piece of carry-on luggage weighing up to 10kg with the maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm.

These conditions are subject to space availability.

At the boarding gate, hand luggage that does not comply with the company’s regulations – that is, exceeding stipulated amount, weight or dimensions (55x40x20) – will incur a cost of €15 per suitcase.

thank you so much for the information, especially on Alitalia! we had no idea... and in light of the recent airline problems, seems prudent to stay clear... now must choose between the small airlines...
k.