Claims against Austrian Airlines: delays, cancellations and refunds

Austrian Airlines is Austria's national airline and part of the Lufthansa Group, with its hub in Vienna. Its flights are covered by Regulation 261/2004 when they depart from the EU or fly into the EU. Claims are mostly about delays, missed connections through Vienna, cancellations and refunds.

Delay and cancellation compensation: Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (and its UK copy, UK261), passengers can claim fixed compensation for long delays at arrival, late cancellations and denied boarding, unless the airline shows the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions. The amount depends on the flight distance.
Refunds and care: When a flight is cancelled, passengers are entitled to choose between a refund and re-routing, and to care (meals, and a hotel if an overnight stay is needed) while they wait. Customers have brought complaints where refunds were slow or only vouchers were offered.
Baggage: Lost, delayed or damaged luggage is covered by the Montreal Convention, which has short notice periods: report it at the airport and send a written claim to the airline quickly.
Deadlines: There is no single EU deadline for flight compensation: the limitation period is set by the law of the country where you bring the claim, and it varies considerably between countries. Baggage claims under the Montreal Convention have much shorter notice periods (days, not years) and a two-year limit for court action. Use the limitation checker for an indicative deadline in your country, and act early: evidence such as boarding passes and emails is easier to gather now. Indicative period in Austria (contract claims): 3–30 years.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to claim compensation from Austrian Airlines?

Usually not for the first step: you can claim directly with the airline for free. A claim company or no-win-no-fee lawyer can help if the airline refuses or does not reply, in exchange for a share of the compensation.

Does Austrian Airlines have to pay if the delay was caused by weather or strikes?

Not if the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided with reasonable measures, such as severe weather. Courts have held that strikes by the airline's own staff are not normally extraordinary, while strikes by third parties such as air traffic controllers can be. Each case depends on its facts.

How much compensation can I get?

Under EU261 the fixed amounts are 250, 400 or 600 euros depending on distance (UK261 uses pounds). Our flight compensation calculator shows which band applies. Refunds and expenses for care are separate from compensation.

JuriMatch | Lawyers | Pricing | About