Is Volotea A Good Airline?

Volotea is considered the most reliable and safest airline in the world, thanks to a 7/7 safety rating accredited by AirlinesRating.com in 2025. The airline has also witnessed the last 14 years without any crash or fatal accidents and has an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, which is valid through 2025. 

In addition, the airline is ranked 2nd in Europe for on-time performance (75%+) in 2024, and has a 99.5% flight completion rate. These accreditations make Volotea the most reliable low-cost carrier in Europe.

When it comes to passenger satisfaction, Volotea has achieved a Net Promoter Score of 39.2 in 2024, which is 23% up from the previous year. This strong customer rating earned Volotea a 4-star low-cost airline rating from Startrax for two years in a row.

So, is Volotea a good airline for your next trip? This in-depth guide examines its safety, reliability, and sustainability efforts that help you decide if it is the right carrier for your travel needs. 

Overview of Volotea’s Key Strengths and Limitations

Volotea’s strengths and limitations shape its appeal for its budget-conscious travelers. Its strengths include:

• The airline connects to regional destinations like Bilbao to Florence or Nantes to Olbia. For these routes, the fares for each way are as low as 20 USD.
• Feet average 10-15 years.
• Offers 18-inch seats, which are 5% wider than those of its competitors.
• Stands out in punctuality. Its on-time performance is 75%+.
• Adopts Sustainbility Aviation Fuel (SAF) on routes like Bordeaux to Catania, which reduces its emissions by 80%. 

On the other hand, the airline also offers reliable services like the Megavolotea program for €59.99/year, which offers discounted fares, free seat selection, and priority boarding. 

The airline also has certain limitations due to its low-cost, sustainable model:

• Strict baggage policy: one personal item and one 10 kg cabin bag.
• Check-in at the airport costs €65
• Checked bags are paid. It costs between €20 and €50, with €12/kg for excess over 32kg.
• TripAdvisor’s overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 due to its prolonged delays in offering refunds to passengers. 

In addition, the airline has faced minor incidents like a July 2025 engine indication diversion. 

Volotea suits passengers who travel light but lacks flexibility for families or those traveling in larger groups. 

Is Volotea Safe and Reliable?

The safety of Volotea Airlines depends on its operation, as we have to look into its safety record and reliability metrics.

Safety Record

The airline boasts a 7/7 safety rating from Airlineratings.com in 2025. In terms of IATA Operational Safety Standards, it includes:

• 940+ standards and recommended practices, which means it conducts independent audits and complies with rigorous international safety protocols.
• Conducts advanced pilot training in adherence to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
• The airline also conducts scenario-based drills for pilots and ground staff handling adverse weather and emergency procedures. 

These safety protocols add to Volotea’s credibility for a zero-fatality safety record since its launch.

Reliability Metrics

As per Cirum, Volotea’s flight operation completion rate is 99.5% in 2025, with 2025 projections at 99%. In addition:

• Volotea’s on-time performance is 75%+ and has a competitive edge over major European carriers like Vueling (70%) and Ryanair (70%).
• As per EU 261 regulation, the airline offers compensation for flight delays and cancellations up to €600. It’s 85% of the compensation claims that are processed within 30 days.

How Good Are Volotea Flights?

Volotea features economy-only cabins which prioritise comfort for 1-3 hour flights. The seat pitch is 28-31 inches, and it has an edge over Ryanair’s 27 inches. The seats come with reclining backs and have USB ports on A320s.

The airline has a buy-on-board menu that offers sandwiches, snacks, and drinks between €5 and €8, and is rated 4 out of 5 by Skytrax for freshness and hygiene. 

Passengers would be offered free WiFi streaming under Volotea Play’s in-flight entertainment. The crew is multilingual and earns 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor for professionalism. 

Skytrax also mentions 4 out of 5 ratings for hygiene and spotless cabins.

Families and Accessible Travelers

Families and those traveling with children get free gate-checked strollers. However, infants traveling on seats add a €60 surcharge to the ticket price. 

The airline offers free wheelchairs, which are only available if you notify the airline 48 hours before departure, but no priority boarding available to disabled passengers and those with medical conditions.

One of the passengers reviewed on TripAdvisor said: “Everything was on time, with no delays. The seats were comfortable, and the host and hostesses were kind. The whole experience was smooth.”

Passengers who subscribed to the Megavolotea program get free changes, which boosts flexibility. Non-members who have sudden changes in travel plans will get no refund or change flexibility.

Conclusion

Volotea is the most preferred carrier for budget travelers exploring Europe’s regional destinations, and has served 75 million passengers by mid-2025.

With a 7/7 safety rating, 75%+ OTP, 4-Star Skytrax ratings, and affordable fares that start as low as €15, it is ideal for solo trips under 3 hours.

However, additional fees for baggage and occasional flight delays are a bit of concern, but Megavolotea and Volotea Play add value for money.

If you’re one of those who pack light, fly direct, and prefer a mid-week flight for better deals, this airline suits you well for your authentic European adventures. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)