How to claim Austrian compensation?
How to claim flight delay compensation?
The process to claim compensation from Austrian Airlines varies based on the compensation type. There may be various methods to claim in certain situations – you can choose to pursue the claim yourself or work with a flight compensation company. In other scenarios, however, your only choice will be to manage the claim personally. It’s important to differentiate between a refund and compensation, as they are not the same. Depending on the situation, you may be eligible for compensation, a refund, or both.
How to Claim Austrian Compensation?
How to claim Austrian compensation for a disrupted flight?
The process to claim compensation depends on the sort of compensation you’re claiming.
Here are some common situations:
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: Austrian
Keep in mind that technical issues with the aircraft and staff strikes are the airline’s responsibility.
These are not classified as extraordinary circumstances.
1.1 Long Flight Delay
Criteria for receiving flight delay compensation from Austrian:
- Delay must be 3 or more hours long (at the time of arrival);
- Delay must be due to the fault of the airline;
- Flight must be within/to/from Europe.
If you need to file a compensation claim with Austrian, you can reach their customer service center through their website and fill out the claim form. Don’t forget to refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and be consistent in your correspondence.
On the other hand, you can file a claim with experts.
Read more:
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.
1.2 Flight Cancellation
For Austrian Airlines to be liable to pay you compensation, your flight needs to be:
- Cancelled last minute (within 14 days prior to the flight);
- Cancelled due to a fault on Austrian Airlines’ part (not due to extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather);
- Originating from, heading to, or within Europe.
You can lodge a compensation claim by reaching out to the Austrian Airlines customer support center on their website.
Ensure you mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and your rights under it to evade any rejection of your claim by the airline.
Alternatively, you can make a claim with experts.
For more information:
- Austrian Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Your Austrian Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking
How to claim Austrian compensation for denied boarding?
Certain conditions must be met for you to be eligible for compensation for denied boarding:
- You were involuntarily denied boarding because of overbooking;
- The denial of boarding was due to the airline (i.e., overbooking), and no issues with your passport, visa, etc.;
- The flight was departing from/within Europe or arriving in Europe.
Remember, passengers who lack the correct travel documents, like valid visas, are not eligible for denied boarding/overbooking compensation. Passengers voluntarily choosing alternative arrangements, such as a later flight, may not be entitled to compensation.
How can you claim denied boarding compensation?
Reach out to the Austrian Airlines customer support centre through their website.
Mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with experts.
More details: Austrian Airlines Denied Boarding Compensation
1.4 Missed Connection Flight
If your first flight is delayed or cancelled, causing you to miss your next flight and reach your final destination 3 or more hours later than scheduled, you might be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
However, this is only applicable if:
- The delay is Austrian Airlines’ responsibility, and not due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., severe weather or global pandemics);
- The flight departs from or arrives in Europe.
To lodge a compensation claim with Austrian Airlines, you can contact their customer support centre via their website, and be sure to cite Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Alternatively, you can work with experts.
For more details: Austrian Airlines Missed Connection Compensation
1.5 Downgrading
If you are involuntarily downgraded on your flight, you are entitled to compensation from the airline. The compensation amount depends on the flight distance and could be between 30% to 75% of the ticket price. The airline is obligated to provide this refund immediately.
If they fail to do so, you should contact Austrian Airlines and lodge a claim. Remember, you don’t have to accept any vouchers or coupons that the airline might offer. Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 in case of any issues.
Read more: Austrian Flight Downgrade Compensation

2. Baggage Compensation
How to claim Austrian compensation for baggage-related issues?
There are two methods available for compensation for baggage issues. You may choose to approach your insurance firm to process the claim or submit a claim directly via the Austrian Airlines website.
Note that typically, flight compensation firms do not deal with baggage claims.
2.1 Damaged Baggage
In the event of your baggage being damaged, here’s the protocol to follow.
The process is as follows:
- Lodge a report of the damage at the airport within 7 days of receiving your bag;
- Provide the necessary details;
- Make a claim online;
- Receive compensation of up to €1300.
Read more: Austrian Airlines Damaged Baggage Compensation
2.2 Delayed Baggage
If your checked bag has been delayed, here’s a guide on what to do:
- Register the delay of your baggage at the airport;
- Secure the Property Irregularity Report or PIR which includes a personal reference number;
- Monitor the status of your bag online using your reference number;
- Receive a refund for your expenses (required purchases due to the delay).
Read more: Austrian Airlines Delayed Baggage Compensation
2.3 Lost Baggage
In some unfortunate instances, your bag may not be delivered at all.
If this occurs, here’s the course of action:
- File a report about your missing luggage at the airport;
- Obtain the Property Irregularity Report with a personal reference number;
- Keep track of your bag’s status online, using your reference number;
- If your checked baggage is not located after 21 days, submit a list of items that were in your bag, to receive compensation of up to €1300;
- You also have the option to file a claim for any extra expenses.
Read more: Austrian Airlines Lost Baggage Compensation

3. Austrian Refund For Cancellation
If your flight with Austrian Airlines is cancelled, you have the option to receive a refund of the amount you paid for the flight. However, depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible for compensation.
To claim your refund or compensation, it is important to contact Austrian Airlines as soon as possible. Follow up after a couple of weeks if necessary.
You can read more about this process in the linked article.
Read more: Austrian Refund For Cancellation
3.1 What If You Cancel Your Austrian Airlines Flight?
If you cancel your Austrian Airlines flight, the refund process is relatively straightforward.
To start, you need to cancel your reservation; this can be done online through the Austrian Airlines website or by calling their customer support. Following the cancellation, a refund request must be submitted. The refund amount will depend largely on the fare conditions of your ticket.
Do note, that not all tickets are refundable. If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you might not receive a refund, or there might be heavy cancellation charges. It’s important to read and understand the fare rules before purchasing a ticket.
It’s also important to know that while you may be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling your own flight. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 only applies when the flight is cancelled by the airline, not when the passenger chooses to cancel.
So, in conclusion, while you may get a refund for your ticket depending on the fare conditions, you cannot get compensation for self-cancelled flights.
Do Not Agree to Austrian Vouchers
When you are entitled to European flight compensation or a refund from Austrian Airlines, it is important to know that you do not have to accept vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to request a monetary refund instead.
When dealing with Austrian Airlines customer service, you should always make sure to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and make it clear that you are not willing to accept vouchers as compensation. If the customer service agent does not offer a refund in cash, ask for further assistance from their supervisor or manager.
Yes – you have the right to receive your compensation or refund from Austrian Airlines without having to accept Austrian vouchers as payment.
Claiming Austrian Flight Compensation Independently
How to claim Austrian compensation on your own?
Negotiating Austrian flight compensation on your own requires tenacity and a good understanding of your entitlements. It’s not uncommon for airlines to try and circumvent paying compensation by magnifying difficulties or classifying mechanical problems as extraordinary circumstances (this is inaccurate – technical faults are not deemed extraordinary circumstances). They may also propose vouchers in lieu of compensation.
This behaviour is not unique to Austrian; it’s a common practice among airlines globally.
In a nutshell, if you wish to secure Austrian flight compensation autonomously:
- Establish your right to compensation. Based on EC Regulation No. 261/2004, decide if your situation grants you eligibility for flight compensation or reimbursement.
- Retain all pertinent documents. This encompasses boarding passes, tickets, invoices, and any other proof of your flight and expenses.
- Engage Austrian. Directly file your claim to Austrian’s customer service. You could do this through email, telephone, or via their website.
- Be unyielding. If you encounter resistance at first, don’t surrender. Persist in your dealings with the airline and insist on your right to compensation.
- Decline vouchers. Always remember, you are entitled to financial compensation. Do not consent to vouchers if proposed.
- Escalate if required. If the airline rejects your compensation claim, contemplate escalating the matter to a National Enforcement Body or initiating legal proceedings.
While following these steps can help you navigate the process of claiming flight compensation on your own, bear in mind that it can be a challenging process, and professional assistance is available if need be.
Court Action – Austrian
If your compensation claim is dismissed by Austrian, you might have to consider taking the airline to court. However, before initiating legal proceedings, you can escalate your claim to NEB, which may prevent the need for a court case. A positive decision by NEB can bolster your case and enhance your chances of a successful outcome, even if the airline continues to refuse compensation.
If, in spite of your best efforts, the airline persists in their refusal to compensate, filing a lawsuit against Austrian could be your next step. This should be seen as a last resort, having exhausted all other methods of mediation and escalation. Keep in mind that legal actions can be time-consuming and financially taxing.
Hence, it’s imperative to be prepared and fully aware of what you’re stepping into. Nevertheless, if your claim is legitimate under EC Regulation No. 261/2004, and you have the appropriate documentation to back it up, a court may indeed be your next course of action.
What is your experience with Austrian compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from Austrian? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.