Upon discovering through an online flight status check that your Vueling flight is delayed, you might be contemplating your next course of action. The question of whether to proceed to the airport as originally planned or wait at home or your hotel may arise. Flight delays can encompass a spectrum, ranging from a brief 30-minute delay to a 23-hour delay, potentially stranding you at the airport for an entire day. Consequently, the question emerges as to whether you truly need to endure a 23-hour wait until Vueling devises a solution.
The answer is not straightforward and depends on a few factors.
However, in most cases, the answer is quite simple.
Should You Wait or Proceed as Planned?
Where are you right now? At your home? Or at the airport?
1. You Are at the Gate, Waiting for Your Flight
In the event that you are presently waiting at the gate for your flight and an announcement is made about a delay, the recommended course of action is to continue waiting at the gate.
Stay put until further updates regarding your flight status are provided.
2. You Haven’t Gone Through Airport Security
If you are at the airport and waiting to go through security, and you discover that your flight has encountered a delay, it is advised to remain where you are. Before taking any further steps, ensure that you check for any updates regarding your flight’s check-in time.
If the check-in time has been postponed, it is best to postpone going through security as well.
Have you already completed online check-in?
Regardless, wait and refrain from proceeding until the designated check-in period starts.
3. You Are at Home or Hotel
Determine whether the check-in time has been altered or not.
You can accomplish this by contacting Vueling or inquiring at the airport information desk.
If the check-in time has been delayed, there is no need to rush to the airport immediately. You can wait at your hotel or home. However, if the check-in time remains unchanged, it is advisable to adhere to your original plans and head to the airport as scheduled.
If check-in is delayed — wait at home or hotel.
If check-in is not delayed — proceed to the airport as planned.
How to Check Vueling Flight Status Online?
Here are some options to check your flight status online:
- Airport website. Visit the website of the airport from which your flight is scheduled to depart. Look for the flight status section, usually available under the “Departures” or “Flights” tab. Search for your flight number or destination to access the latest updates.
- Airline website. Access the official website of Vueling (vueling.com) and navigate to the flight status page (under the “Flying info” tab). Locate the designated area to enter your flight details, such as flight number or departure city. This will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding your flight.
- Flight trackers. Utilize flight tracking services like Flightradar24. Visit their website or download their mobile app and search for your Vueling flight using the provided search bar or filters. These platforms offer real-time flight updates, including delays, cancellations, and estimated arrival or departure times.
It is highly recommended to check your flight’s status before heading to the airport, especially for early morning departures. Avoid the inconvenience of arriving at the airport early in the morning, only to discover delays or cancellations that could entail hours of waiting. To optimize your travel experience, check the status immediately after waking up to avoid getting up excessively early.
Additionally, it is advisable to recheck the flight status right before leaving your home or hotel to ensure there have been no last-minute changes.
Usually travellers find out about the delay:
- By SMS or email notifying of the delay;
- When checking the flight status online;
- Already at the airport, or even at the gate.
What If You Are Going to Miss Connecting Flight?
Your Vueling flight is delayed. And you may miss your connecting flight.
In the event that you miss your connection, Vueling has you covered.
They will make arrangements for a new flight at no extra cost, alleviating the need for you to secure an alternative flight independently. Simply approach the Vueling staff at the airport for assistance if you find yourself in this situation.
Keep in mind that this applies only to airline-protected connecting flights! If you have a self-transfer itinerary and happen to miss your connection, the responsibility falls upon you to make the necessary arrangements. In such cases, you will need to purchase a new flight to continue your journey. However, if your Vueling flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to Vueling flight delay compensation or Vueling flight cancellation compensation for this particular flight, depending on the circumstances.
Right to Care at the Airport
Your Vueling flight is delayed. And you are stuck at the airport.
Passengers who find themselves waiting at the airport due to flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding are entitled to specific benefits, commonly referred to as the “right to care.”
- In the case of a relatively short delay lasting 3 hours or more during daytime hours, Vueling is obliged to provide certain provisions. These include complimentary food and beverages, as well as two forms of communication (such as phone calls, emails, or faxes), typically facilitated through coupons or vouchers.
- For overnight delays, Vueling is required to offer free hotel accommodation, transportation to and from the airport, and one or two meals, all at no expense to the passenger.
If you have not received any of these entitlements, it is advisable to contact Vueling directly for assistance and to ensure that your rights are upheld.
Could You Be Entitled to Vueling Flight Delay Compensation?
Absolutely, you may be owed Vueling flight delay compensation.
Should your flight experience a delay exceeding three hours, or in the event that it gets cancelled without a minimum of 14 days’ notice, you could be entitled to compensation up to 600 euros under EU law. This is irrespective of the cost of the ticket and the nationality of the passenger.
Please remember to retain your boarding pass and other travel documents as you may need them while filing for compensation. If you require assistance with this process, there are services available that can help you in claiming your compensation from Vueling – our partners are one such service provider.
Can You Get Flight Delay Compensation in Case of a Vueling Strike?
In the unlikely event of a delay or cancellation of your Vueling flight due to a strike, the outcome splits into two possibilities – the strike could be carried out by Vueling staff or by an external party.
Typically, if the strike is instigated by airport personnel, air traffic management, or if it’s a general labor strike that doesn’t directly involve Vueling, you will likely be ineligible for compensation. This scenario is considered an extraordinary circumstance, and airlines are not generally held responsible.
On the other hand, if the strike is conducted by Vueling’s own employees, the airline will most likely be held accountable to compensate its passengers. Always review the specific circumstances of your delay or cancellation, and validate any information provided by the airline.
Read more: Vueling Strike Compensation
Can You Get Delay Compensation in Case of Technical Problems with the Airplane?
Yes, if your Vueling flight is delayed due to technical complications with the aircraft, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
In most cases, these issues do not fall under the category of extraordinary circumstances.
However, few exceptions may arise, such as in cases where the technical problems originate from concealed manufacturing defects.
What is your experience with Vueling flight delays? Have you ever experienced a flight delay with Vueling? How did the airline resolve the situation?
Featured photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels