One of the most common factors behind flight disruptions is flight strikes, which can be initiated by airline staff, an airport itself, or an airline. As a passenger, you should be aware of EU Regulation 261, according to which you may be eligible for compensation of up to 600 Euros.
Learn more to find out how you can get compensation and when you qualify.
Your Passenger Rights
The good news is that any passenger is protected by EU Regulation 261. The EU 261/2004 is a European Union regulation that sets the rules for assistance and compensation for travelers in cases of flight disruptions. Now, let’s take a closer look at passenger rights, under EU 261:
- The airline has to provide travelers with information about their rights.
- In the event of flight cancellation, a passenger has the right to select one of the following options: either a ticket refund or rerouting to the final destination under similar conditions;
- Passengers can expect to receive meals and drinks; they are also entitled to have two free phone calls, e-mails, or faxes.
- If you choose an alternative flight, and it involves an overnight stay, the airline is required to provide hotel accommodation, as well as transportation between the the hotel and airport.
- Compensation between 250 to 600 euros per passenger
When You Are Entitled to Austrian Airlines Strike Compensation
Frequently, Austrian Airlines strikes involve their workers. These could be flight attendants, pilots, engineers, or other essential personnel. As you’re now aware, you may be eligible for airline strike compensation, if your trip was disrupted. The compensation will then cover the inconvenience you encountered because of the strike.
It is also important to understand what “extraordinary circumstances” are. These are events outside of the airline’s control. If a strike is considered one of these circumstances, the airline is not required to provide compensation. It is important to note if a staff strike happens, the airline could have potentially foreseen and managed such incidents, thus such cases are within the airline’s control. That is when flight disruptions are caused by the airline’s own employees, they are not cases of extraordinary circumstances. As a result, passengers are entitled to claim flight compensation.
However, you need to be aware that each incident is individual, meaning that every flight disruption caused by a strike must be carefully analyzed to determine whether the airline will pay compensation.
Austrian Airlines Strike Compensation
Before claiming the airline strike compensation, it’s important to understand the requirements and the amount of compensation you might receive.
Austrian Airlines Strike Flight Delay Compensation
The longer a flight is delayed, the more trouble it causes passengers. When airline staff go on strike, it can disrupt passengers’ plans and make them arrive at their final destination much later than expected. It is essential to be aware that if your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours due to a strike, you can claim compensation from the airline for the inconvenience caused.
When assessing the potential sum of compensation, passengers should take two critical factors into account: the flight’s distance and the duration of the delay. It’s essential to understand these details, as only that is how you can be calm regarding the fair flight delay compensation you are entitled to. In the following, you can find a table with the amounts of compensation you can receive.
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Austrian Airlines Strike Flight Cancellation Compensation
Sometimes, it also happens that airline strikes cause flight cancellation. According to EU Regulation 261, you may receive compensation of up to 600 Euros. Note that the regulation also states that you are entitled to compensation in the case when the airline notified you about the cancellation less than two weeks before your travel.
However, there are always some exceptions to the rules, and here is the case. The airline has a right to avoid paying compensation if it provides the passenger an alternative flight. This flight must meet the conditions listed below:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Importantly, if you used an alternative flight but your final arrival time at your destination was still delayed, you have a right to claim compensation.
The amount of the compensation is determined by the flight distance and the time of delay in arriving at the final destination. Check the table below for additional information:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Which Austrian Airlines Flights Are Covered by EU261?
EU261 regulation applies to every flight departing from EU airports, regardless of the airline, as well as flights arriving in the EU from outside the EU when operated by airlines based in the EU. It also applies to flights to/from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway.
The following table shows which Austrian Airlines flights are covered by EU 261/2004:
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing the EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ✅ Covered |
How to Claim Austrian Airlines Strike Compensation
If you’ve faced flight cancellations or delays at least once, you know how annoying it can be.
Travelers who experience any of these issues on Austrian Airlines flights are entitled to claim compensation, according to the EU regulations. Follow these steps to claim compensation:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.