
Flight Review: Volotea Airways – Lille to Nice
By Mr Plane Guy
Introduction to Volotea Airways
Founded in 2011, Volotea Airways is a Spanish low-cost airline headquartered in Barcelona. Specialising in connecting medium-sized cities across Europe, the airline offers direct flights that bypass major hubs. Known for its efficiency and customer-centric approach, Volotea has quickly established a reputation as one of Europe's most reliable budget airlines. In 2023, it was honoured as “Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, underscoring its commitment to high-quality service at affordable prices.
Operating an extensive network of over 100 destinations across 15 countries—including France, Spain, Italy, and Greece—Volotea Airlines is particularly popular in regional French cities and is expanding its presence in the UK with direct routes from London Gatwick to Strasbourg and Brest. (Although unfortunatly they have recently announced stopping the London Gatwick to Strasbourg flight!)

My Flight: Lille to Nice
Flight Number: V72524
Aircraft: Airbus A319
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
My recent flight with Volotea Airlines from Lille (LIL) to Nice (NCE) was seamless from start to finish. Despite a last-minute check-in, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an extra legroom seat at no additional charge. Even though the flight was full and busy.
Onboard Experience
Cleanliness & Comfort: The cabin was spotlessly clean, featuring comfortable seats and a modern interior. Volotea’s fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft ensures a spacious and comfortable environment, even for budget-conscious travelers.
Professional Crew: The crew was exceptionally friendly, well-presented, and attentive. Their clear safety instructions and prompt service created a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere onboard.

Volotea Punctuality & Safety
The flight departed and arrived on time—a highlight of my experience. Volotea boasts an impressive on-time performance rate of over 85%, making it one of Europe’s more reliable low-cost carriers. The airline also maintains an excellent safety record, with no significant incidents since its founding.
Volotea’s Route Network
Volotea has carved a niche by connecting regional cities underserved by larger airlines. Its extensive network spans France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, with popular domestic routes across France. Recent expansion into the UK includes routes from London Gatwick to Strasbourg and Brest. By linking smaller cities directly, Volotea Flights eliminate the need for passengers to connect through busy hub airports, making travel more convenient.

Volotea Luggage Policy
Volotea Airlines offers flexible fare options to accommodate different traveller needs:
Hand Luggage:
Your ticket price includes a small carry-on bag at no extra cost (maximum size: 40x30x20 cm) that should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
If you've chosen the Priority Boarding service, you're welcome to bring an additional hand luggage item (maximum size: 55x40x20 cm). Just make sure the combined weight of both bags doesn't exceed 10 kg.
Checked Luggage: Options range from 20 kg to 30 kg for an additional fee, with discounts available for advance online booking.
Excess Baggage: Airport charges are higher, so pre-booking is recommended.
Here are a few bag suggestions specifically for Volotea baggage rules.
Cabin Max METZ 20L Underseat Bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
Now this bag actually fits Ryanair and Wizz Air that have stricter and smaller free personal baggage allowance.
You can find more information about this bag Right Here
The Cabin Max METZ 20L is my go-to under seat bag for Volotea, Vueling, EasyJet and Ryanair flights. It’s perfectly sized for Volotea free personal item allowance and comes packed with features:
Lightweight and Durable:Weighs only 500g, making it easy to carry around even when fully packed.
Comfortable for Travel: Extensive padding ensures comfort, whether you’re navigating airports or exploring your destination.
Organised Storage: Multiple compartments, including a front organiser pocket for travel documents, pens, and tickets, make staying organised a breeze.
Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled plastic bottles (Rpet polyester), it’s a sustainable choice for eco-conscious travellers.
This bag is also compatible with most major airlines, making it a versatile travel companion beyond Volotea.
It comes in so many different colour options
The Metz 20L is also compliant with a vast amount of other carriers EVEN Ryanair!
(The other carriers) My Metz on the back of Dave the camel in Morocco,
Yes 3 nights in Morocco with the Metz no problem!
This is perfect if you have purchased Volotea Priority Boarding (only 15€ per flight!) or Ryanair Priority Boarding or even EasyJet Speedy boarding or have paid for a bag to carry onboard, option.

Paid Cabin Baggage Option
Size: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels) the Perfect fit for Volotea bag requirements (must be a maximum of 55x40x20)
I find this option for paying for a paid carry on bag on with low cost airlines is a great feature for me for trips up to a week away. Usually a-lot cheaper than buying hold luggage fee's. (Prices vary depending on which route and low cost airline flight.) Plus I can keep the bag with me and I don't have to stress at the luggage carousel! I take my 40L Cabin Max Anode and it can fit plenty of items for a week away.
I've been using the Cabin Max Anode for over a year and it's the perfect fit for Speedy boarding or Priority Boarding where you get extra luggage allowance or as a paid carry on luggage item.
It is so light weight, it has 360 spinning wheels so I can push or pull it around the airport and place my small under seat bag on top of it. It has a well made lock to keep all my items secure. For the price as well it is excellent quality!
For those who need more space, the Cabin Max Anode 40L is a fantastic option.
Spacious and Lightweight: Perfect for trips up to 7 days, with enough room for clothing, toiletries, and extras.
Durable and Stylish: Available in various colours, so you can travel in style.
It's also a perfect fit for Ryanair, Voltea Priority or EasyJet Speedy Boarding: No worries about your bag arriving separately, as you can keep it with you.
Volotea Check-In
Volotea offers several check-in options to suit travellers’ preferences. Passengers can check in online, via the mobile app, or at the airport counters. Online check-in typically opens several days before departure, offering a convenient and time-saving option for passengers.
Volotea In-Flight Service
As with most budget airlines, Volotea features a buy-on-board service offering snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Prices are competitive with other low-cost carriers, and the selection includes regional specialties, adding a local touch to the menu.

Volotea Fleet Information
Volotea operates a fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, with plans to transition entirely to Airbus by 2025. This move aims to improve fuel efficiency and provide a consistent passenger experience. The aircraft seating capacity ranges from 156 to 180 passengers,
depending on the model.
Check out these Hotel Reviews

Cheap Volotea flights with Trip.com
Why Fly Volotea?
Volotea stands out for its commitment to regional connectivity, punctuality, and friendly service. Unlike many low-cost carriers, it focuses on routes that avoid major hubs, making it a top choice for travelers seeking direct, efficient travel. Recognition as Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline highlights its growing presence in the market, while competitive pricing makes it a compelling option for travellers across Europe.
My journey from Lille to Nice was smooth and enjoyable. From receiving an unexpected extra legroom seat to experiencing a clean and well-managed cabin, every aspect of the trip was efficient. The crew’s professionalism and the airline’s punctuality made for a stress-free experience.
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What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is your golden ticket to airport lounges worldwide. Membership plans start from as little as £69 per year, but with my exclusive 30% discount, you can get started for just £48! Use my link below to sign up (yes, I do get a small kickback, and I appreciate your support).

FAQs
Is Volotea strict with hand luggage? Yes, they adhere strictly to their hand luggage policy, so ensure your bags meet the size and weight limits.
Can you pre-select seats on Volotea? Yes, for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can be assigned a seat at check-in, sometimes landing an extra legroom seat like I did!
What’s Volotea’s on-time performance? They maintain an impressive on-time rate of over 85%.
What routes does Volotea offer from the UK? Currently, Volotea Airlines flies from London Gatwick to Strasbourg and Brest, with more routes expected in the future.
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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed Flight Review: Volotea Airways – Lille to Nice, do let me know in the comments if you have any questions about it.
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