Flight cancellations are frustrating enough — but when the airline doesn’t offer you any alternative travel options to reach your destination, the situation can become even more stressful. Fortunately, EU Regulation 261/2004 protects you in such cases, ensuring that you have clear rights to a cancelled flight refund, right to care, and reimbursement if you have to make your own travel arrangements.
Here’s what to do if your airline fails to provide alternative travel options.
Check your compensation online.
What Happens if Your Austrian Airlines Flight Is Cancelled?
When Austrian Airlines cancels a flight, the airline must contact you, usually via email.
You’ll be informed about the reason for cancellation and the available options.
According to EU flight compensation rules, Austrian must offer you a choice between:
- Alternative travel options (rebooking) – flight (or other transport) to your destination at the earliest opportunity; or
- A full refund of your unused ticket.
What to Do If Austrian Airlines Doesn’t Offer Alternative Travel Options?
Ask for Rebooking or a Refund Immediately
If you haven’t been offered an alternative flight, contact the airline directly as soon as possible. Use the airline’s app, website chat, or customer service number to request rebooking.
If the airline confirms that no suitable alternative travel options are available, you can request a full refund instead.
Tip: Always request written confirmation (such as an email or chat transcript) of what the airline offered or refused. This helps later if you need to file a complaint or claim reimbursement.
You Can Arrange Your Own Transport
If the airline fails to provide rebooking within a reasonable timeframe, you have the right to organize your own travel — for example, by booking another flight, train, or bus to your destination.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, the airline must reimburse reasonable costs for reaching your destination if it didn’t fulfill its duty to offer an alternative.
Keep in mind:
- You should choose the most comparable and reasonable option (for example, an economy ticket on a similar route).
- Avoid booking expensive or luxury alternatives unless absolutely necessary.
- Always keep all receipts and booking confirmations.
After your journey, you can submit a claim for reimbursement directly to the airline.
Don’t Forget Your Right to Care
Even if no alternative travel options are offered, your right to care still applies while you wait.
This means the airline must provide:
- Meals and refreshments after a reasonable waiting period.
- Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel if an overnight stay is required.
- Access to communication, such as phone calls or emails.
If the airline doesn’t provide these services, you can purchase them yourself and later claim reimbursement — as long as you keep receipts and the expenses are reasonable.
You Might Be Entitled to Flight Cancellation Compensation
In addition to rebooking or a refund, you may also qualify for flight cancellation compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure and the reason was within the airline’s control (for example, operational or technical issues).
Compensation amounts under EU261/2004 are:
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km
However, compensation does not apply if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather or air traffic control strikes.
Read more: How to Claim Austrian Compensation?
Check your compensation online.
Summary: Your EU Passenger Rights in Simple Terms
If the airline cancels your flight and doesn’t offer you an alternative travel option:
- You can request rebooking on the next available flight.
- You can choose a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
- You can arrange your own travel and claim reimbursement for reasonable costs.
- You retain your right to care (meals, accommodation, and transport).
- You may still be entitled to financial compensation depending on the reason for cancellation.
Featured photo by Shane Kell from Pexels