Austrian Airlines is a globally recognized airline, headquartered in Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, Austria. As a part of the Lufthansa Group, it follows EU261 guidelines that allows passengers to claim compensation for the flight disruptions such as delays, overbooking, cancellations and more. In this particular guide, we will explore Austrian Airlines Compensation policy, and your rights as a passenger.
Scenarios in Which You’re Eligible for Austrian Airlines Compensation
1) Flight Disruptions: If flight disruptions occur at the airline's end such as delays, Austrian Airlines cancellations, and overbooking or other reasons, then you will be compensated for the inconvenience by Austrian airlines.
2) Changes In Flight Schedule: If Austrian Airlines changes your flight timings without giving any prior notice, then you will be eligible for Austrian Airlines compensation. This depends on how changes in flight timings affect your overall travel plans, and specific conditions set by the airline.
3) Flight Cancellations: If by any reason Austrian Airlines cancels your upcoming flight, and informs you about the same in less than 14 days before the set departure, then you will receive compensation as per EU regulation 261/2004.
4) Unavoidable Circumstances: If your flight gets cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances such as air traffic control strikes, natural disasters, harsh weather, then you can apply for the compensation up to 600€ as per EU guidelines.
5) Compensation In Case Of Accident: If you met with an accident during an Austrian Airlines flight, then the airline is obligated to provide you compensation for that. Moreover, there is no upper limit in the amount you can claim from Austrian airlines. Once you become eligible, the airline will credit the amount within 15 days of the incident. For more information, you can contact Air Ticket Changes at +1-866-410-8128.
6) Seat Downgrade While Flying: If in case Austrian Airlines fail to provide you your chosen business class seat, and give you an option to travel on economy one, then you have the right to file a compensation claim of the percentage amount you paid for the business class seat. These are explained as follows.
a) 30% of the ticket price for flights covering 1,500 km or less.
b) 50% of the ticket price for flights within the European Union that are over 1,500 km, as well as all other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
c) 75% of the ticket price for flights not included in categories (a) or (b), including those between European Union member states and French overseas departments.
Austrian Airlines Compensation In Case Of Lost Baggage
Passengers are also eligible for compensation if their baggage is lost and not found within 21 days from the scheduled delivery date. However, to proceed with the compensation, travelers must ensure they file a report of the same within a 7 days period from the flight's arrival date. Not following the process can result in delay in compensation claim or straight rejection.
Note: You must wait until the lost and found team finds your lost baggage. If in case the Austrian Airlines team fails to locate your lost item within 21 days of the period, then it will be counted as lost, and then you can proceed with your compensation claim.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive from Austrian Airlines?
AS per the EU regulation 261/2004, if by any reason your flight is delayed or cancelled at Austrian Airlines end, then you will be eligible for compensation up to €600. However, the compensation you will receive totally depends on the flight delay and the flight distance. Here is the list of compensation amounts you may be entitled for.
DISTANCE DELAY AMOUNT
What Documents Are Required to Claim Compensation for Delayed or Cancelled Flights?
Flight Confirmation Number: In order to find out that you're the real owner of the flight ticket, Austrian Airlines representatives may ask you for your booking confirmation number. If you don't remember the number, then you can find it in your email as well.
Your Identification Proof: To begin with the compensation claiming process, you may submit the proof of your identity such as passport, Govt. ID or residence card, etc. Also, such documents are crucial at the time of boarding or going through the check-in process.
Boarding Pass or Email Acknowledging fault: In case of experiencing any flight delays or cancellations at airline's end, then your boarding pass works as a reliable proof to apply for the compensation claim. If you also discussed the same matter with the Austrian Airlines agents, then that too can work as a proof to apply for the claim.
Incurred Expenses: If due to flight delays or cancellations, you incurred some expenses such as booking a hotel, purchasing meals, etc, then you will be eligible for the compensation. However, make sure you carry all the required receipts or invoices before filling the Austrian Airlines Compensation form.
How To Check Austrian Airlines Flight Status?
Checking the flight status of Austrian Airlines is simple and straightforward.
First go to the website, then click on the "Check Flight Status" option, enter the booking confirmation number, and then you will be able to check your current flight status.
Apart from that, you can also download the Austrian Airlines app as well to check your flight status on your mobile. Also, contacting their customer service team is also a viable option.
What's The Process Of Claiming Compensation From Austrian Airlines?
In order to proceed ahead with the compensation claim, you may need to follow the step by step guide mentioned down below.
1) Check If You're Eligible For The Compensation
In order to find your compensation eligibility, you have to use the compensation checker. Enter flight information, and you will be able to see if you're eligible for the compensation or not.
2) Submit The Form
If you find that you're eligible, then you have to proceed with the compensation request. The system will go through your provided details, and will help you with the next process.
3) Receive Your Compensation
Once the process is completed, then you will receive your compensation. On average, passengers receive up to $500 in compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions On Austrian Airlines Compensation
What do I need to do in case of flight delays and cancellations?
Firstly, you need to confirm the reason why the flight was delayed or cancelled. Once you know the reason, then gather documents related to the delays, and any other expenses incurred. After that proceed with the claiming process. You can also take assistance from reliable experts to claim your compensation.
Is there a deadline for filing a compensation claim?
Yes, you may need to file a claim within 1 to 6 years, depending on the jurisdiction. It’s advisable to file your claim as soon as possible.
What if the Austrian Airlines refuse to proceed with my compensation claim?
If your claim is rejected, then you can take assistance from reputed compensation experts such as Airhelp.
Will I get any compensation if my luggage is lost or delayed?
Under international agreements like the Montreal Convention, you may claim up to €1,400 for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.
Is it compulsory to accept travel vouchers instead of cash?
No, passengers can refuse to accept the vouchers. If their flight meets the compensation criteria, then they can go for cash compensation instead of a voucher.
How much compensation can I receive if the flight is delayed?
Passengers can receive up to €250 to €600 in compensation for delayed flights. However, it depends on the flight distance and duration of the delay.
What are the types of flight disruptions where I can receive compensation?
Scenarios such as overbooking, denied boarding, cancellations, flight delays and missed connections are some of the factors to apply compensation claims for.