How long does Vueling have to respond to complaints?

Officially, they aim for a few weeks, but in reality, it can feel like forever. You'll get that instant automated email saying they have your request, and then you might not hear from an actual human for a month or more. Patience is not a virtue here; it's a requirement.

Can I file a complaint against Vueling online?

Yes, and you should. Their online contact form is the main channel they push you towards. Pro tip: write out your entire complaint in a separate document and then copy and paste it into the form, because I swear that page timed out on me once and I lost everything I had written.

What documents do I need for a Vueling complaint?

Get everything together before you start. You'll need your booking reference number, flight numbers, dates, passenger names, and any receipts for extra expenses you incurred. Don't forget screenshots of any error messages you got on their app or website, those are gold.

Is there a fee to file a complaint against Vueling?

No fee. It just costs you your time and a little bit of your soul.

Can complaints affect my Vueling service?

Legally, they can't retaliate against you for filing a complaint, so you don't have to worry about them putting you on some secret blacklist for complaining about a lost bag. That said, don't expect the flight crew to roll out a red carpet for you on your next flight either. It's just business.

What happens after I file a complaint with Vueling?

First, an automated reply hits your inbox with a case number. Then, you wait. It's a waiting game. After a while, which could be days or weeks, a support agent might get back to you asking for the same information you already provided, and you start to wonder if anyone actually read your original message.

Can I escalate my Vueling complaint to a regulator?

Absolutely. If your flight touched the US, file with the Department of Transportation (DOT). For European flights, look into the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes. The airlines have to respond to these bodies, so it's your best move when they're ignoring you.

What is EU Regulation 261/2004 and does it apply to Vueling?

Think of it as your secret weapon. It's the European passenger rights law that can get you up to €600 in compensation for major delays, cancellations, or being denied boarding. Since Vueling is a Spanish airline, it absolutely applies to their flights within, to, or from Europe. Mentioning it shows you mean business.

Complain About Vueling - File a Complaint Today

Flight canceled with no explanation? Good luck getting a refund. Vueling has a shocking 1.3-star rating on Trustpilot from over 40,000 reviews, with 87% of them being 1-star. It's not just a few angry customers. The Better Business Bureau has logged 111 complaints against them in the last three years, giving them an F rating. Common issues flagged constantly are about refunds, flight cancellations, and customer service that seems designed to make you give up. If you're tired of being ignored after a delayed flight or a baggage issue, you're in the right place. It's time to get the resolution you deserve.

Official site: Visit Vueling

Last Edited on 09 Dec, 2025

Olivia Harper, Senior Content Manager

10 min read

Best ways to complain to Vueling

Contacting Vueling can feel like a maze, but using the right channel for your issue can make a difference.

Contact Method	Details & Availability	Why use this instead...
Phone	US Number: +1 (845) 459-0724 (International rates may apply). Check site for hours.	Best for urgent issues like a problem at the airport or a flight cancellation within 24 hours.
Online Form	Available on their 'Contact Us' page.	Good for non-urgent complaints where you need to attach documents like receipts or booking confirmations.
Social Media	Twitter (X): @vueling.	Use this for public visibility. They often respond faster to public posts to manage their reputation.
App	Via the 'Help and contact' section in the Vueling app.	Convenient for issues related to a booking made through the app, but can be clunky.

⏱️ Estimated Response Times from Vueling After Complaining

Getting a response can take a while. Honestly, 'immediate' is not in their vocabulary.

Method	Expected Wait Time
Phone	15 minutes to 2+ hours on hold
Online Form	7 days to over a month
Social Media	24 to 72 hours
App	3 to 10 business days

🔍 Tips to Get a Quicker Response from a Complaint

Call Early: Try calling right when their lines open to avoid the longest queues.
Have Everything Ready: Keep your booking reference, flight numbers, dates, and passport details handy before you contact them.
Be Specific: Instead of saying 'my flight was late,' say 'Flight VY1234 on May 15th was delayed by 4 hours, causing me to miss my connection.'
Use Twitter (X): A public tweet often gets a faster, albeit generic, initial response than a private form submission.

How to Escalate Your Complaint

If Vueling is ignoring you or has given you a final decision you disagree with, it's time to escalate. Don't just give up.

First, make sure you have given Vueling a reasonable amount of time to respond internally and that you have a final response or case number from them. Regulators usually require this.

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): If your flight itinerary included a stop in the United States, you can file a complaint with the DOT. They log complaints against airlines and will forward your case to Vueling, requiring a response. This puts official pressure on the airline. The DOT process is thorough, but prepare to wait. It's not a quick fix.
European ADR Schemes: Since Vueling is a Spanish airline, you can use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body in Europe. These are independent bodies that handle disputes between consumers and traders. For aviation in Spain, you might be directed to the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA). This is a formal process but can lead to a binding decision.

Email Template to Complain to Vueling

Subject: Formal Complaint: Unresolved Issue for Booking Ref [[Booking Reference Number]]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing again regarding my booking with the reference number [[Booking Reference Number]]. This is my third attempt to get a resolution for an issue that occurred on [[Date of incident]].

My original flight, [[Flight Number]], from [[Departure Airport]] to [[Arrival Airport]] was canceled with less than 24 hours' notice. I was not provided with a suitable alternative, and I had to book a new flight with another airline at a significant personal cost. Having to chase this refund and spend my time dealing with this has been incredibly frustrating.

To resolve this, I require a full refund of my original ticket price of [[$Amount]] and compensation for the last-minute cancellation as mandated by EU regulations. I have attached a copy of my original booking confirmation and receipts for the alternative travel I was forced to arrange.

If I do not receive a satisfactory response and confirmation of my refund within 10 business days, my next step will be to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation and initiate a chargeback with my credit card company.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

[[Your Name]] [[Your Contact Information]]

Additional Helpful Tips to get Your Complaint Resolved

Mention 'EC 261'. If your flight was within, to, or from Europe, mentioning this specific EU regulation shows them you know your rights regarding compensation for delays and cancellations. They take these claims more seriously.
Ask for a 'Deadlock Letter'. If they refuse to help, ask for a final written statement saying they cannot resolve your issue. This letter is often required to escalate your complaint to an ADR scheme or ombudsman.
Keep a Log. Note down the date, time, and name of every person you speak to, plus a summary of the conversation. This timeline is invaluable if you need to escalate.
One Reddit user suggested using the Spanish version of their contact form. It's a long shot, but they claimed they got a response from the Spanish team faster than the general international queue. Worth a try if you're desperate.

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