Vueling Airlines, a Spanish low-cost carrier, has a cancellation policy that varies based on fare type, booking method, and add-ons like the Flex Pack. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from Vueling’s official website
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any Vueling flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours). This applies to all fare types (Basic, Optima, Family, TimeFlex, Fly, Fly Light, Fly Grande), including non-refundable tickets, and aligns with U.S. Department of Transportation rules (14 CFR § 259.2) for U.S.-origin bookings. Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days.
- For third-party bookings (e.g., through agencies like Omio), cancellations must be processed via the agent, and the 24-hour policy may not apply unless enforced by the agent.
Cancellations After 24 Hours:
- Standard Fares (Basic, Optima, Family, Fly, Fly Light): These are non-refundable and cannot be canceled after the initial 2-hour grace period post-booking, except for unused airport taxes and fees, which can be refunded up to 48 hours before departure via Vueling’s virtual assistant. No cash refunds are provided; cancellations are not permitted unless specific conditions apply
- Cancellation Insurance: If purchased, allows cancellations with a refund as Flight Credit (not cash) for the entire booking, subject to insurance terms.
- Cancellation Fees: Without Flex Pack or Fly Grande, cancellations are not permitted, but taxes/fees can be refunded with a processing fee (typically €30–€50 per person, per segment).
- Name Changes as an Alternative: Instead of canceling, you can change the passenger name up to 2 hours before departure for €50–€70 per person, per segment, plus any fare difference. Within 24 hours of booking, name changes are free (excluding fare differences). This allows ticket transfer via platforms like SpareFare.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations:
- For EU departures, if cancellation is announced less than 14 days before departure and is within Vueling’s control (e.g., technical issues, not weather or strikes), you may claim €250–€600 ($260–$650 USD) per person under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, based on flight distance (≤1500 km: €250; 1500–3500 km: €400; >3500 km: €600). No compensation is owed if notified more than 14 days in advance or if a comparable alternative flight is provided. Claims must be filed within 5 years (Spain’s statute of limitations).
- Recent data shows Vueling canceled 37 flights in a 24-hour period (0.63% domestic, 1.08% international), with 54.58% of flights on time.
- Under Mexico’s Civil Aviation Law (for applicable routes), passengers may receive a refund plus 25% compensation for airline cancellations, though enforcement varies.
No-Show Policy:
- Failure to cancel at least 48 hours before departure (or check-in, typically 1–2 hours prior) results in a no-show, forfeiting the ticket value. Taxes/fees may be refunded via the virtual assistant, minus a processing fee. Subsequent itinerary segments may be canceled.
Special Circumstances:
- Full refunds or Flight Credit (without fees) are available for cancellations due to justified reasons, such as illness, surgery, high-risk pregnancy, court summons, or death of the passenger or immediate family member, with documentation submitted via the Customer Services Centre.
- During COVID-19 (up to April 21, 2021), Vueling offered free cancellations with refunds as Flight Credit. Some passengers report issues with voucher-only offers instead of cash refunds.
Refund Process:
- Refunds for eligible cancellations (within 24 hours or airline-initiated) are processed within 7–10 business days to the original payment method. Flight Credit (for Flex Pack/Fly Grande) is issued instantly and valid for 18 months, usable for new bookings for yourself or others.
- Non-refunded items include Flex Pack fees, credit card charges, and optional service fees (e.g., baggage, seats).
