Airline Vueling
Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline. Founded in 2004, it is based at El Prat de Llobrega, Barcelona's international airport. Its name is derived from the Spanish word " vuelo ", meaning " flight ".
It offers destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Like many low-cost airlines, Vueling offers highly competitive fares in exchange for limited services. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, flights are non-refundable.
However, as a European airline, Vueling has certain obligations to fulfil. This includes compliance with Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Is it possible to get a refund from Vueling Airlines?
Unlike other low-cost airlines, Vueling offers more refund options if you need to cancel your trip.
The TimeFlex option offers you a cancellable ticket without fees. However, be aware that this option increases the ticket price to more than double the Basic fare. But it also includes other options.
If you simply want the option to cancel your flight, you can opt for this feature, called FlexPack.
Important detail: in the event of cancellation, Vueling will not refund you in cash. You will receive a credit for a future flight.
You can only expect a cash refund if you have taken out the corresponding insurance policy. This may be offered by Vueling, or included with your credit card (Visa or Gold Mastercard).
The European regulation (EC) No 261/2004 provides for certain situations where a refund is always required.
This applies if your flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, if it is cancelled without reasonable re-routing, or if you are denied boarding due to overbooking.
What are your rights in case of flight disruption with Vueling Airlines?
These three situations are common and regulated by European law.
But it's not just about refunds. European regulation (EC) No 261/2004 also provides for a number of other rights.
These include:
- Re-routing in case of cancellation or overbooking
- The right to meals and drinks in case of significant delay
- The right to overnight accommodation if you have to wait until the next day to depart
- The right to two phone calls covered by the airline
Levels of compensation
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 also provides for a fixed compensation based on the following:
- €250 for flights less than 1500 km with a delay of 2 hours or more
- €400 for non-EU flights between 1500 and 3500 km or EU flights over 1500 km with a delay of 3 hours or more
- €600 for non-EU flights over 3500 km with a delay of 4 hours or more
What types of flights are covered by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004?
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies to:
- Any flight departing from an airport within the European Community (including Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland)
- Any flight to the European Community operated by an airline based in this community (including Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland)
Most Vueling flights depart from or arrive at a European airport. Therefore, you can assume this applies to you.
What to do if Vueling goes on strike?
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 lists strikes as an exceptional circumstance that does not entitle you to compensation.
However, this only applies to strikes by personnel not employed by the airlines.
At an airport, airlines are not the only employers. Air traffic controllers or baggage handlers work for other organisations. If they strike, the airline is not liable.
But if Vueling's staff go on strike, the airline is indeed responsible. It will therefore have to compensate you.
What to do if a Vueling flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation under certain conditions. It will depend on the length of your journey and the extent of the delay.
If the delay is less than two hours, no compensation is due. The longer your journey, the higher this threshold becomes.
Can you claim compensation from Vueling if your flight is cancelled?
When a flight is cancelled, it is simply removed by the airline. The airline must rebook you on another flight. They may have already scheduled it, offer a new one, or even rebook you with another airline.
Unless you arrive at the originally scheduled time, you are entitled to compensation. However, if the delay upon arrival does not exceed certain thresholds, your compensation will be reduced:
- From €250 to €125 for flights less than 1500 km with less than 2 hours delay
- From €400 to €200 for non-EU flights between 1500 and 3500 km or EU flights over 1500 km with less than 3 hours delay
- From €600 to €300 for non-EU flights over 3500 km with less than 4 hours delay
Overbooked flight: Vueling may compensate you
Overbooking means the airline has sold more tickets than there are seats on the plane. There is therefore a risk that they will deny you boarding.
This practice is allowed, but airlines are obliged to offer you an alternative flight.
Moreover, since the airline is responsible, they must compensate you in all cases, on the same basis as a flight cancellation.
What to do in case of a flight issue with Vueling Airlines?
If Vueling has a cancelled or delayed flight, you will be informed, ideally by email alert, or at worst, once at the airport by checking the displays.
In the case of overbooking, unfortunately, you will find out at the last minute, during boarding, when ground staff deny you entry.
In any case, your point of contact is Vueling. They must take care of you until your arrival. You can request the following:
- Request information (such as the reason for the incident)
- Claim meals and drinks if your delay becomes too long
- Cover for your phone calls, if you need to inform someone of your delay (you are entitled to two calls)
- Your accommodation expenses, if you need to stay overnight
A flight disruption with Vueling Airlines? Delayed can assist you with your claims
Has your Vueling flight been significantly delayed or cancelled? Has the airline denied you boarding due to overbooking? Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 provides for fixed compensation. The amount varies depending on the situation.
Would you like to claim this compensation? Delayed, a specialist in air passenger rights, can assist you with your claims.
Contact us and claim up to €600 on your flight ticket.