Austrian strike compensation in Europe.
Are you eligible for it? How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Many travellers don’t realise that strikes aren’t always classified as extraordinary circumstances. If the Austrian Airlines staff (not the airport personnel) initiates a strike, causing flight delays or cancellations, passengers may be eligible for flight compensation from Austrian. This applies to all qualifying flights and travellers. In addition, passengers have the right to care from Austrian Airlines.
You can pursue strike compensation independently or hire a flight compensation agency.
Check your compensation online.
1. Austrian Strike Compensation
In which situations can you get Austrian strike compensation?
It’s really simple. The flight must have been delayed or completely cancelled:
- The flight delay must be at least the 3 hours, from the time the aeroplane doors are opened at the destination, enabling passengers to disembark. If the delay is 3 or more hours past the scheduled arrival time, passengers may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
- The flight cancellation must be a last-minute one. A last-minute flight cancellation is when a flight is cancelled up to 14 days prior to the departure date. In these scenarios, you may be entitled to Austrian flight cancellation compensation (not just Austrian refund for cancellation).
In summary, it’s not specific compensation for Austrian Airlines strikes (such compensations are not available in Europe), but rather compensation for flight delays or cancellations.
Are you going to miss a connecting flight due to delay/cancellation?
Austrian Airlines will provide a free replacement flight to ensure you reach your destination. It’s their responsibility. All airlines operating in Europe are obligated to comply with these rules. In some cases, you are entitled to Austrian missed connection compensation.
These rules apply to all Austrian flights to, within, and from Europe.
Check your compensation online.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances
Remember that airline staff strikes do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
Similarly, technical issues and workforce problems are not regarded as extraordinary circumstances.
Nonetheless, airlines might sometimes label a delay or cancellation as an extraordinary circumstance when it isn’t. It is advisable to reach out to the airline directly to clear up any confusion regarding a delay or cancellation. They favour extraordinary circumstances as it exempts them from the liability to pay.
Thus, it is always wise to cross-check the details provided by the airline before accepting it. Always verify all information pertaining to flight refunds and compensation.
Read more:
- Your Austrian Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your Austrian Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
1.2 Right to Care
Whenever a prolonged wait is caused, you have the right to care.
This entitles you to specific complimentary services. For instance, if you have to wait for over three hours at the airport due to a flight delay or cancellation, you might be eligible for a free meal and a beverage. Furthermore, if the wait is during nighttime, you could qualify for complimentary accommodation and airport shuttle services.
This is a legal obligation for Austrian to offer these services to passengers based on the duration of their wait. If you’ve not been provided with any assistance, please approach Austrian staff at the airport.
Check your compensation online.
2. How to Claim Austrian Strike Compensation?
How can you claim Austrian strike compensation?
There are two methods to place a claim for EU flight compensation.
To claim compensation for an Austrian Airlines strike yourself, you can directly reach out to Austrian by visiting their website and requesting compensation via their customer support team. Please note, however, that the process might take several months and negotiation might be necessary to achieve a satisfactory result.
If you prefer a simpler way — legal help is an option.
If you want to avoid any hassle, you can opt for legal assistance to resolve your problem. There are firms in Europe specialising in flight-related compensation who can handle everything on your behalf. You only need to fill out one form, the compensation claim form. Our partners provide such services.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim Austrian Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What is the expected timeline for receiving compensation?
The process usually spans at least 2-3 months. Lately, there have been instances where the process takes longer, especially if you file a claim independently and the airline decides to overlook your claim.
This is not a quick process, so be prepared for it to take some time.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
How much is the Austrian strike compensation?
The amount of compensation you are entitled to varies from €250 to €600.
This is based on EU legislation which sets these standard compensation rates.
Here’s a guide on how you can estimate the amount of your Austrian Airlines compensation:
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
3.1 Austrian Airlines Voucher Reimbursement or Cash?
A common strategy among airlines is to offer vouchers rather than cash for compensation.
This is often more cost-effective for airlines than disbursing cash reimbursements and compensation. Nevertheless, you are completely within your rights to reject the voucher and ask for a refund in cash or by bank transfer instead. It is mandatory under EU law for airlines to grant compensation and refunds either in cash or via bank transfer, and you should always insist on this form of repayment.
Austrian Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight was cheap. Can I still get compensation?
If your flight is eligible to compensation, the price of your ticket doesn’t matter. You can get compensation even if your ticket was very cheap. Also the price of your ticket won’t affect the compensation amount.
I don’t have insurance. Can I still get compensation?
Yes.
Just like the price of your ticket doesn’t matter, insurance doesn’t matter, too.
You can claim compensation even if you don’t have insurance.
Is my child entitled to compensation from Austrian?
If your flight is eligible, and you are entitled to compensation, your child will be, too. Babies and infants traveling with a special infant ticket also can get compensation.
Your child will get the same amount as you. If you are entitled to compensation of 600 euro, your child/baby will be too.
Can I claim compensation for my friend, relative, family member?
Yes, you can.
You can claim compensation for another person. Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself. There are a few thing to note, however.
You’ll have to ask for their passport copy and boarding pass copy. Also your friend, relative or family member might need to sign a couple of documents.
But other than that, you can do everything on your own.
How far back can I claim flight compensation?
Is there a deadline?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In many European countries the deadline is 2-3 years. So if your flight was disrupted 2-3 years ago, you might still be able to make a compensation claim.
What to do if Austrian is denying my claim?
Austrian is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
Can you still proceed with your claim? Yes. There are two options.
If you don’t want any more hassle, hand over your case to a flight compensation company. They will continue pursuing your compensation on your behalf.
Alternatively, you may contact the respective national enforcement body and ask them to help solve your case. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Is it an Austrian Airlines flight?
If yes, and it is eligible to compensation, you can get compensation.
Because on all Austrian flights you are protected.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
Is it an Austrian Airlines flight?
If yes, and it is eligible to compensation, you can get compensation.
Even if it was a flight from the EU to a country outside the EU.
You are protected on all Austrian flights.
I am not a EU citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
It doesn’t matter what is your nationality.
Other Situations
Austrian provided me with a free hotel room and a free flight to my destination. Am I still entitled to compensation?
Yes.
If you accept a free hotel stay and a free flight, it won’t affect your chances of getting compensation.
Nor it will affect the compensation amount.
Austrian took me to my destination. Am I still entitled to compensation?
Yes.
If you accept a free flight, it won’t affect your chances of getting compensation.
Have you ever had an experience with Austrian strike compensation or refund? Did Austrian pay the compensation in a timely manner? Do you still have questions about Austrian compensation policies? Ask in the comments.