The Process of Getting Refunds and Compensation from Austrian Airlines

If you’ve ever missed a crucial occasion due to a delayed or cancelled flight, you know how frustrating it is. That business meeting or family event was important to you and many others—what do you do now?

Thankfully, airlines provide refunds for most types of flight disruptions. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to getting compensation for Austrian airlines flights, including what situations are eligible and how to deal with common difficulties in the process.

Specific Rights When Flying With Austrian Airlines

Every airline has different policies, especially when it comes to passenger rights. The specific rights of Austrian airlines compensation are relatively simple.

In the event of delays or cancellations, passengers can cancel their tickets and receive a full refund and compensation.

Passengers are entitled to compensation for delays and cancellations resulting from circumstances the airline can control. The airline will supply meals and refreshments to passengers stuck at the airport. If applicable, a hotel and transport to and from the airport will also be provided.

Circumstances Eligible for Compensation or Refunds

The situations that create eligibility for refunds and compensation for Austrian airlines flights include:

• Delay
• Cancellations
• Denied boarding due to overbooking
• Downgraded seating type

Austrian Airlines’ Compensation Policy

Policies regarding compensation can be confusing—let’s break it down.

Delays

Compensation for delays is applicable if arrival at the destination airport is delayed by more than three hours and results from a circumstance in the airline’s control. Payment is determined by distance:

• EUR 250 for 1,500 kilometres or less
• EUR 400 for flights within the European Union between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres
• EUR 600 for 3,500 kilometres or more

Cancellation

Compensation for a cancellation is also determined by distance. Amounts are the same as the policy for delays but are reduced by 50% if an alternative flight is offered that lands within 3 hours of the originally scheduled arrival time.

Additionally, suppose you are informed of the cancellation a reasonable time before the flight and given an alternative option that doesn’t drastically change your schedule. In that case, you are not eligible for compensation.

Denied Boarding due to Overbooking

If you are denied boarding due to overbooking and no volunteers give up their seats, you have the right to compensation with the amount determined by distance, like with delays. However, the amount is reduced by 50% if an offer to re-route is no more than 3 hours later than the original schedule.

The Refund Process With Austrian Airlines

To request a refund, you can fill out the contact form. You will have to provide your information, passenger and Austrian airlines booking data, and a message explaining why you are requesting a refund. It may take up to 15 business days to process.

How to Claim Compensation from Austrian Airlines

To claim compensation, you must fill out the compensation application. The form will ask you what type of disruption you experienced, how your travel plans were changed as a result, and your personal details.

You will also have the opportunity to upload receipts for food, hotel accommodation, and transport to and from the airport if the airline did not provide these services at the time.

Airplanes experiencing delays due to poor weather

Dealing With Difficulties in the Compensation Process

Difficulties in the compensation process include:

1. Knowing If You Are Eligible

Policies are complex and difficult to understand, so you may have trouble knowing if you are eligible for compensation. Before going through the tedious application process, ensure your situation meets the criteria by reading the terms and conditions.

2. Waiting for a Response

Since Austrian Airlines processes refunds and compensation through a form instead of a call, you will have to wait for a response. This can cause worry, especially if the expected timeline passes and you’re left with no refund or alternate method of reaching the airline.

Legal Assistance in Getting Refunds and Compensation

Sometimes, the airline will try to avoid providing refunds and compensation. Often, it will claim that the situation was out of its control or that the passenger was offered an alternate flight when, in reality, they weren’t. 

If you know your situation qualifies, you may have to reach out for legal assistance to get what you have the right to.

In Conclusion

Airport delays and cancellations are some of the most frustrating circumstances you can find yourself in. Whether you’re on the way to a business meeting, a family gathering, or anything else, your trip is important and should be treated as a priority for the airline.

Thankfully, if your Austrian airlines booking was delayed or cancelled, you might be eligible for a refund or compensation!