If you’ve ever missed an important occasion due to a delayed or cancelled flight, you know the frustration. You needed to make that business meeting or family event—what are you supposed to do now?
Fortunately, airlines provide refunds and compensation for most flight disruptions. This article is your comprehensive guide for receiving refunds and compensation for cancelled Austrian Airlines flights. It will explain compensation eligibility and how to deal with challenges during the process.
Passenger Rights When Flying With Austrian Airlines
Every airline has different policies, but regarding Austrian Airlines compensation, passenger rights are relatively straightforward.
In the event of a delay or cancellation, passengers can cancel their tickets and receive a full refund and compensation. Skycop can guide you through the claim compensation process and ensure the airline compensates you properly.
Passengers are entitled to compensation for delays and cancellations resulting from circumstances the airline can control. Austrian Airlines supplies meals to passengers grounded at the airport and, if applicable, a hotel and transport to and from the airport.
When Are You Eligible for Compensation or Refunds?
Situations in which passengers are eligible for refunds and compensation for Austrian Airlines flights include:
- Delay
- Cancellation
- Denied boarding due to overbooking
- Downgraded seating type.
Austrian Airlines’ Compensation Policy
Compensation policies can be confusing, so 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 is due to a circumstance within the airline’s control.
Payment is determined by distance:
- €250 for 1,500 kilometers or less
- €400 for flights within the EU between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers
- €600 for 3,500 kilometers or more
Cancellation
Compensation for cancellation is also determined by distance. Amounts are the same as the policy for delays, but are reduced by 50% if there is an alternative flight that lands within three hours of the original arrival time.
You are not eligible for compensation if you are informed of the cancellation within a reasonable time and there is an alternative flight that doesn’t drastically change your schedule.
Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking
If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you have the right to compensation for the amount determined by distance. However, the compensation amount is reduced by 50% if the airline offers another flight arriving no more than 3 hours later than originally planned.
Austrian Airlines’ Refund Process
To request a refund, you must fill out the contact form. You will be asked to provide personal details, Austrian Airlines booking info and an explanation of your refund request. 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. You must record the type of disruption you experienced, how your travel plans changed and your personal details.
You can also upload receipts for food, accommodation, and transport to and from the airport if the airline doesn’t provide these services.
Airplanes experiencing delays due to poor weather. / Pexels
Issues with the Compensation Process
You may encounter some challenges during the compensation process, such as:
Understanding Eligibility
Policies can be complex and difficult to understand, so it may be difficult to know if you are eligible for compensation. Before starting the application process, ensure your circumstances meet the policy criteria.
Response Wait Time
Austrian Airlines processes refunds and compensation through a contact form, meaning you will have to wait for a response. This may be a source of worry, especially if the provided timeline passes and you have no refund or contact with the airline.
Legal Assistance in Receiving Refunds and Compensation
Sometimes, an airline will avoid giving refunds and compensation. It may claim 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 you are eligible, you can hire the services of a company like Skycop. Just fill out a simple form and Skycop will advocate and negotiate with the airline on your behalf. They understand the compensation process and the tricks airlines use to avoid payout, so if you are entitled to compensation, they will make sure you get it.
Key Takeaways
Airport disruptions can be incredibly frustrating. No matter the purpose of your trip, your travel plans are important and the airline should treat them as a priority.
Thankfully, if your Austrian Airlines booking was delayed or cancelled, you may be eligible for a refund or compensation! If you face difficulties with the compensation process, Skycop can help you get the compensation you deserve.
