How to Claim Your Vueling Compensation

Vueling is one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe, serving over 100 destinations worldwide. Although the airline is known for its punctuality, delays and cancellations can happen. Luckily, the airline falls under the jurisdiction of EU Regulation EC 261/2004, which establishes certain passenger rights in cases of flight disruptions. Continue reading below to find out what you can do and what you can expect in such scenarios. 

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When Can You Claim Vueling Compensation?

As a Spanish airline, passengers flying with Vueling are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees financial compensation for travellers whose flights get disrupted. Let’s break down every possible scenario and see how much compensation you can claim.

Vueling Flight Delay Compensation

According to Cirium’s OTP Annual Review, 81.20% of Vueling’s flights in 2024 arrived on time. This percentage ranked them 4th among all European airlines and 5th among the low-cost carriers worldwide. But this also means that 19.80% didn't arrive on, entitling tens of thousands of passengers to Vueling flight delay compensation.

To qualify, the Vueling flight delay must be at least 3 hours upon arrival and within Vueling's power to prevent. If this was your case, you may be entitled to the following compensation, depending on the flight distance:

Additionally, you have a right to care if your flight gets delayed by more than two hours. Meals and refreshments must be provided, as well as free accommodation for overnight delays. 

Vueling Flight Cancellation Compensation

Flight cancellations are another possible disruption and your right to Vueling compensation depends on the following factors: 

• Vueling notified you about the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
• Vueling didn't provide a suitable alternative flight, or the new flight resulted in a significant delay upon arrival. 
• The issue was within Vueling's power to prevent. 

The Vueling flight cancellation compensation amounts are the same as for delays — between €250 (£220) and €600 (£520). However, if the airline offers a replacement flight that arrives at a similar time to the original flight, they may reduce the compensation by 50%. 

Vueling Denied Boarding Compensation

Overbooking is a common practice that helps airlines maximize efficiency by selling more tickets than available seats. In rare cases, it can lead to denied boarding if too many passengers show up for a flight. If you get denied boarding involuntarily, you have a right to compensation, as well as a rebooking option or a refund. 

If you did not voluntarily give up your seat and were denied boarding, you can claim the same Vueling compensation as for delays and cancellations: 

• €250 (£220) for short-haul flights up to 1,500 km
• €400 (£350) for medium-haul flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
• €600 (£520) for long-haul flights over 3,500 km 

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Vueling Refund Policy Overview

Since Vueling operates as a low-cost carrier, it means that many of its cheaper fares are non-refundable. They do, however, allow a 2-hour grace period after each booking, during which you can cancel for free. 

Refunds are not allowed for the following fares: Basic, Optima, and Family, while the Fly or Fly Light bundles also fall in this category. However, you can purchase a Flex Pack when booking, which includes the option to cancel up to 48 hours before your flight.

When Can You Get a Vueling Refund?

There are several other cases where a refund is possible. See the full list below:

• If Vueling cancels your flight, and you decide not to take the offered alternative.
• You can request a refund whenever a flight delay exceeds five hours. 
• If you are denied boarding, you can opt for a refund instead of a rebooking.
• You can request a Vueling refund in cases of illnesses, bereavement, or court summons. You will be asked to provide documentation as proof. 

Vueling Compensation: Common issues & Tips for passengers

Below are some of the most common issues passengers face when claiming Vueling compensation or refund, and solutions provided by our flight experts.

Fare Rules & Refundable Tickets

As a low-cost carrier, most of Vueling’s fares are non-refundable. Inexperienced flyers believe that all flights are refundable. And then comes the refund process, which can be difficult for people who have never dealt with a similar situation before. 

Expert Tip: Consider purchasing the Flex Pack service if you aren’t sure you will make it to your trip. And keep in mind that every Vueling refund will be issued in Flight Credits. 

Delayed Processing Times

Even though Regulation EC 261/2004 requires airlines to pay compensation within a reasonable timeframe, Vueling compensation claims may get delayed, especially during peak travel seasons.

Expert Tip: Consider using a legal service like SkyRefund to accelerate the compensation process.

Downgrading 

Most people are unaware that EC 261/2004 also covers situations like downgrading. Getting placed in a lower seat category entitled you to partial reimbursement of the original ticket price, based on the flight distance: 

• 30% refund for flights up to 1,500 km
• 50% refund for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
• 75% refund for flights over 3,500 km

Expert Tip: Vueling may offer Flight Credit instead of a cash refund, even though passengers have the right to receive money. If you are downgraded, do not accept vouchers as compensation.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What compensation can I get if my Vueling flight is cancelled?

You may be entitled to €250 to €600 (£220 to £520) in Vueling cancellation compensation, depending on the distance of your flight. This is in addition to a full refund or a rebooking on another flight. 

Can I get a refund if I cancel my Vueling flight?

Refund eligibility depends on the type of fare you purchased and when you cancelled. There is a 2-hour grace period during which you can cancel. Thereafter, refund eligibility depends on the type of fare you purchased and the reason behind your cancellation request.

Does Vueling have to compensate me if my flight was delayed due to bad weather?

No, Vueling is not required to pay compensation if your flight was delayed due to extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions. 

Why SkyRefund?

Most people are unaware of their full rights under EU Regulation 261/2004, and airlines like Vueling do not always provide clear guidance on how to claim compensation. If you believe you may be entitled to Vueling compensation, you can submit your claim at SkyRefund. Contact us and our team of aviation experts will handle the entire process on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the amount you are owed. 

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