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When are you entitled to Vueling cancelled flight compensation?
European regulation EC 261/2004 requires compensation in the event of a cancelled flight.
To be entitled to compensation, the cancellation must be made with less than 14 days' notice.
In the case of cancellations notified longer than 14 days in advance, it is only possible to claim a refund of the unused ticket.
In the case of a cancellation with short notice, the reason must be assessed. If the cancellation is due to technical problems or operational issues, Vueling will be liable and will therefore have to pay the agreed amount.
If the cancellation is due to one of the following reasons, compensation is not due:
- Adverse weather conditions
- Bird strikes
- Air traffic
- Strike
These reasons are also referred to as 'exceptional circumstances' because they cannot in any way be foreseen by the company.
How much is the compensation for a cancelled flight?
If the flight cancellation occurs with less than 14 days' notice, the Vueling compensation will be as follows:
- 250€ for routes of less than 1500 km
- 400€ for flights of more than 1500 km
- 600€ for flights of more than 3500 km
The amount of compensation is considered as indemnity for damages caused to the passenger, while the refund of the ticket means the refund of the amount paid for the purchase of the route.
If the flight is cancelled and rescheduled in the following hours, during the waiting time Vueling will assist the passenger by offering vouchers for the purchase of meals and drinks.
In case the flight is cancelled without rescheduling, the passenger will be placed on a later flight. Alternatively, the amount of the flight ticket will be refunded to allow the passenger to make their own arrangements.
If the flight is cancelled at short notice, even if the passenger is reimbursed the amount of the ticket, he/she will still be entitled to compensation as stipulated in EC Regulation 261/2004.
If the cancellation takes place with due notice, the passenger may only request a refund of the unused ticket.
Assistance at the airport when your flight is cancelled
Vueling provides assistance to its passengers in the event of a flight cancelled a few hours before departure.
If the flight is rescheduled during the day, within the next two hours, vouchers will be given for the purchase of basic necessities at the airport.
If the plane is ready to depart, it will be considered whether it is more convenient to speed up boarding manoeuvres at the expense of issuing the voucher
It is the company's responsibility to assist the passenger throughout the waiting time.
What happens if the flight leaves the day after?
If the flight is cancelled a few hours before departure and rescheduled for the day after, the assistance at the airport remains the responsibility of the company.
Transfer to a nearby hotel for the night will be organised, and transport to the airport for the flight will be arranged the next day.
In the event that the company does not cover the overnight stay and transfer, you must keep all documents relating to the expenses.
This will enable you to claim a refund of the costs incurred in addition to the amount of compensation for the cancelled flight.
Time limit for claiming compensation
As stated in the Passenger Charter of Rights, the maximum time limit for requesting a Vueling compensation is five years from the date of the cancelled flight. This limit is imposed from the moment that the company's head office is located in Spain.
Once this time limit has passed, it will no longer be possible to claim any compensation from Vueling.
Requirements for claim Vueling cancelled flight compensation
In the event of a Vueling cancelled flight, it is possible to request a refund if the following conditions are satisfied
- cancellation with less than 14 days' notice;
- liability attributable to the company;
- flight not older than five years.
How to claim compensation for a Vueling cancelled flight
Obtaining a Vueling refund is easy.
First of all, take note of the main information, such as departure airport, arrival airport and flight number (usually recognisable by the abbreviation VY).
It is important to keep a copy of the email received from the company where the cancellation is notified. If the e-mail is not notified and the passenger is at the airport, it is convenient to take a photo of the board where the problem is reported.
Once these data have been collected, it is possible to fill in the
complaint form by attaching an identity document and a copy of the boarding pass. Alternatively, a copy of the cancellation email.
With these two simple steps you can immediately find out whether you are entitled to compensation and the amount.
The amount of compensation does not correspond to the ticket price but is paid as follows
- 250€ for flights less than 1500 km
- 400€ for flights more than 1500 km
- 600€ for flights over 3500 km