Dealing with flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the bright side is that the European Union has laws to assist travelers when things don’t go as planned. If you’re flying in the EU, it’s wise to be aware of these regulations. They can be useful if your flight goes off course. Being aware of your options can make dealing with travel complications less stressful. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can make you more relaxed when things go wrong. Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 When you’re flying in the European Union, rest assured that there’s help available in the case of a flight disruption. EU laws ensure airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong. When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you: Refreshments and snacks Accommodation if you’re stranded overnight Transportation to and from the hotel Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes If you’re experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also get: A refund A different flight option Compensation to make up for the inconvenience Remember to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They have to tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation. Austrian Airlines Flight Delay Compensation Travel setbacks from Austrian Airlines can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re stranded for more than three hours because of the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation. Regulations in the UK and EU are on your side. You could receive up to €600 per person. What matters is when you arrive, not when you depart. So pay attention to your arrival time if you want to seek compensation. How much you get depends on how far you’re flying. A brief trip won’t be compensated as highly as a long one, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time. Curious about exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see how much money you might get: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km Austrian Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation The EU has regulations to assist you if your flight is cancelled. Here’s what you need to know: If your flight is cancelled within two weeks of your planned travel date, you might get compensation as much as €600. But there’s a catch – the airline can avoid paying if they can get you on another flight that aligns closely with your original schedule. The airline may not need to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that meets the following conditions: Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements14 DaysNone7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flightLess than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight If you choose to board a different flight from the airline, you can still get compensation. The most important thing is your arrival time at your destination. How much money you might get is determined by two things: The length of your flight The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival As a result, even if you arrive later than planned, you might still get some compensation. Refer to the following table to understand better: Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km The airline might not have to compensate you if they can provide a transfer to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be entitled to compensation. How to Claim Compensation from Austrian Airlines It’s crucial to understand how to request the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to do: Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case. Remember that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational issues or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation. Which Austrian Airlines Flights are Covered by EU261? The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers have a wide-ranging scope. They apply to all flights departing from a European Union member state airport and any flight coming into an airport in an EU member state provided the airline is based in the EU. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing EU airports✅ CoveredFlights arriving at EU airports✅ Covered These regulations also include airlines from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re flying with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you probably have these rights. It’s good to understand these laws – they’re in place to help you if something goes wrong with your flight. They guarantee you’re not stranded when your travel plans fall through. When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation Austrian Airlines isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, things happen that the airline can’t control, like extreme weather or unexpected problems. For example, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an airport emergency, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Austrian Airlines isn’t responsible. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about. When these events take place, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t viewed as doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues arise.