Skift Take
Vueling has pushed the technology envelope in the airline industry, benefiting not only its European customers but airline passengers around the world. That it's not done innovating yet is a very exciting thing for tomorrow's passenger experience.
Can a low-cost carrier transcend the bare bones model and bring added value and convenience to passengers through user-friendly digital platforms, without breaking the bank?
Spanish low-cost airline, Vueling, has.
The airline has defied the traditional definition of a low-cost carrier — that of an independent operator taking market share from legacy airlines — since it became part of the IAG group in 2013. But despite joining ranks with flag carriers British Airways and Iberia, and even joining IATA, it has preserved its unique brand character within the group, and kept its competitive edge sharp.
The Vueling brand is friendly, funny, modern, and creative.
It has crowd-sourced its aircraft names and christened its entire fleet with a heavy dose of word-play, much like JetBlue. It relates to fans by letting the IT department run amok; introducing a Game of Thrones themed bookings engine which lets GoT fans book flights to their preferred destination in the seven kingdoms.
These are more than fun promotions. They reveal the airline’s strong geek culture.
Vueling has used its team's strong geek skills to set many aviation industry firsts in passenger experience improvements, through the practical application of technology.
It introduced the industry’s first fare-locking option, letting passengers reserve a fare for limited time, to discuss travel plans with friends and family, for a nominal fee.
Vueling launched an iPhone app that included bookings features, seat selection and mobile check-in, and gene
