What To Do When Vueling Goes on Strike: 6 Steps to Prepare

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  April 29, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

Have you noticed how airline strike compensation policies are crucial to know during the busiest travel times? Well, you’re not imagining things. Vueling strikes are strategically planned to make the biggest impact which is why airline strike compensation rules matter most to passengers. So, what do you do when you hear that a strike is scheduled when you plan to fly?

This guide will walk you through the most important information about Vueling strikes and give you helpful compensation for airline strikes tips so you can plan accordingly.

What Happens When Vueling Goes on Strike?

When airline employees try to negotiate for better pay or working conditions and fail to reach an agreement with Vueling, then they will announce that a work stoppage will take place on a particular date. This is what happens during a strike.

It’s important to understand that sometimes airport or air traffic control workers will go on strike, and while this certainly affects many flights, it is distinctly different from Vueling employee strikes, especially when it comes to your airline strike compensation rights as a passenger.

Vueling Strikes: Your Passenger Rights

As a Vueling passenger, your rights are protected by Regulation EU261/2004, which sets the basis for claiming airline strike compensation. This set of rules requires the airline to repay you for flight disruptions caused by strike actions if you end up arriving at your destination at least 3 hours past the time you were scheduled to or if your flight is cancelled within 2 weeks of your scheduled departure.

If your flight is affected by an airport, air traffic control, or other strike, and the employees are not Vueling’s, then these rules do not apply in the same way. This is because other kinds of strikes are beyond Vueling’s control. In short, if Vueling could have prevented the strike, then they are liable for EU airline strike compensation.

Confused about whether your flight is eligible for airline repayment? Let us help. Just enter your flight details below to find out!Check Your Flight

Can You Get a Refund or Cancel?

As long as Vueling cancels your flight, you can get a ticket refund, and, in some cases, additional airline strike delay compensation, if the rebooking they offer doesn’t work for your travel plans. Be cautious about cancelling your own flight when a strike is announced because it may affect your eligibility for strike cancellation compensation.

Non-refundable tickets may not be eligible for strike refunds even when a strike has been planned. Instead, contact the airline to see if they will waive the change fees in light of the situation. This way you can alter your flight and not be charged the fees you would under normal circumstances. Otherwise, wait until your flight is cancelled by the airline because you’ll get an automatic refund.

6 Steps to Prepare for a Vueling Strike

1. Stay updated by regularly checking the Vueling website or mobile app. 
2. Sign up for SMS alerts. Vueling will notify you by email and SMS if your flight will be affected.
3. Check the refund policy for your ticket.
4. If you have a non-refundable ticket, check to see if you can make changes because of the pending strike without the typical fees.
5. If you can’t make changes without incurring a fee, wait for the airline to cancel your flight and get an automatic refund instead.
6. Pack accordingly. Be prepared for delays.

When Your Trip is Underway

If you’re already enroute, then getting stuck at the airport is a real possibility. Should this happen, remember that you’re protected by EU261 rules that require Vueling to give you coupons or vouchers for meals and refreshments if your wait extends at least 2 hours.

Stranded until the next day? You should also be given hotel lodging and transport. If you aren't, then keep all your receipts for reimbursement.

In Closing

If you haven’t already, download the Vueling app so you get the most up-to-date information about your flight. Also, don’t hesitate to contact Vueling customer service to help you. You can also relieve a lot of stress by checking your ticket policy to see if it’s refundable. And finally,  don’t forget to see if you have any travel insurance offered through the credit card you used to purchase your flight. This perk can really save the day in some cases. Safe travels!

• Vueling Compensation

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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