Austrian Airlines missed connecting flight compensation.
Are you aware that if your Austrian Airlines flight has been cancelled or delayed due to the airline’s fault, and this caused you to miss a connecting flight, EU regulations state that you may be able to receive compensation from the carrier? In this article, we will tell more about what is required for getting compensation as well as how one can go about requesting it. Additionally, we’ll provide some advice on avoiding delays and missed connections in the future.
It applies to all Austrian Airlines flights to and from Europe.
Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online.
UK / EU Flight Compensation
We have several articles on these topics.
Here is a full guide on UK / EU flight compensation regulation. There we talk about all situations, when you can get compensation from the airline and when you have a right to care. We also have separate guides on what to do if you miss connection due to delay, strike, or cancellation of one of your flights.
Here, in this article, we will focus more on the compensation – UK / EU Missed connecting flight compensation.
1. Austrian Airlines Missed Connecting Flight Compensation
Austrian Airlines is a full-service traditional airline registered in Austria.
If it is Austrian Airlines’s responsibility for a flight delay or cancellation, you are entitled to compensation. You may also receive compensation if your connecting flight was missed due to the incident. It’s referred as “missed connection compensation”, but in reality it is a regular flight delay compensation.
If you experience problems while flying with Austrian Airlines that results in your arrival being delayed by at least 3 hours, then you are entitled to receive compensation from the airline. Plain and simple!
There are two conditions that must be met though:
- Your flight must be at least 3 hours late. Keep in mind that flight delay time should be calculated at the moment of arrival.
- It must be an airline-protected connecting flight. These rules don’t apply to self-transfer flights (DIY connecting flights). A self transfer is when you book several flights separately. Self transfer connections are not airline’s responsibility.
1.1 European and non-European airlines
The country of origin of your airline matters.
When you choose to fly with a European airline such as Austrian Airlines, customers can have peace of mind that their rights will be protected regardless if they are travelling to or from Europe. As a European carrier, Austrian Airlines is committed to upholding the highest standards and guarantees all passengers on board its flights exceptional protection.
But if your flight is with a non-European carrier such as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines – the European laws only apply when travelling FROM Europe but not on journeys originating from a country outside of Europe.
| EU/UK to EU/UK | EU/UK to Other countries | Other countries to EU/UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU airlines | + | + | + |
| UK airlines | + | + | + |
| Other airlines | + | + | – |
1.2 Self-Transfer Flights
With self transfer, it’s not as easy and stress-free.
For example, one of your flights is with Austrian Airlines and one with Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet or any other airline. This would be considered a self transfer.
Taking a self transfer carries uncertain risks; for example, if your flight is delayed less than three hours and you consequently miss the next plane, neither compensation nor another ticket will be issued to you. Before booking a self transfer, it’s essential to take this significant potential risk into account.
- Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get a complimentary flight for your transfer since it is self-arranged. This connection was created solely by you, not any airline carrier; thus, no airlines are held accountable for this journey.
- Although your flight may have arrived late and caused you to miss a subsequent connection, since the delay was less than three hours, you will not receive any monetary compensation for this inconvenience. Because it’s a self transfer, and your flights are considered separate entities.
When it comes to air passenger rights, unless otherwise stated, we talk about air passenger rights in the EU, EEA and UK. When we say Europe or European, we mean EU, EEA or UK. This is done for the simplicity, since the according laws in these countries are about the same.
2. How Much Can You Claim for Missed Connecting Flight?
Mostly it’s 250, 400 or 600 euro per person.
The amounts are regulated by flight compensation regulations.
The longer the flight, the more you can get.
- 250 EUR – if the flight distance is less than 1500 km;
- 400 EUR – if the flight distance is between 1500 and 3500 km;
- 600 EUR – if the flight distance is more than 3500 km.
3. How to File a Claim for Missed Connection Compensation?
There are two options:
- You can file a claim with compensation company.
- Or, you can do it all on your own.
If you choose the latter (option number 2):
- Gather information about your flight. You will need to provide the flight number, date of travel, and a description of the delay or cancellation that occurred.
- Contact Austrian Airlines directly by phone or email to initiate the claim process. Alternatively, use a special form on their website to register your claim.
- Prepare your paperwork required by Austrian Airlines. Include a copy of your boarding pass, and mention how much later did you arrive at your destination. Be sure to provide all relevant information about your flight when you contact them.
- Don’t forget to enter all of your personal information including name, address, email address, and any other requested personal information in order to submit a request for missed connection compensation from Austrian Airlines.
- Wait for the reply for Austrian Airlines. They will provide an initial response within a few weeks.
- Depending on your situation, the airline may require additional evidence or paperwork in order to fully process your request.
- If your claim is rejected or you are unhappy with the outcome, you can contact a flight compensation company.
4. Right to Care from Austrian Airlines
On all Austrian Airlines flights you have a right to care.
According to the EU Regulation 261/2004 airline should provide:
- Free food and drinks in a reasonable relation to the waiting time.
- Free hotel accommodation if a stay of one or more nights is necessary;
- Free airport transfer to hotel and back.
- Plus, two telephone calls, telex or fax messages, or e-mails. You will need to get in touch with your family and friends to let them know you are coming home later, right? Or that your travel plans has changed. This is why the airline has to provide means for communication.
It applies to all domestic and international flights with Austrian Airlines. Again, it’s because Austrian Airlines is a European airline. With non-European airlines it applies only to flights departing from European airports.
5. Tips on Flight Delays and Missed Connections
The more informed you are, the better.
- To ensure a smooth journey, never book connecting flights with too-short layover times. Allowing extra time between your flights will significantly reduce the chances of delays or cancellations derailing your trip.
- Before you depart for the airport, be sure to take a quick peek at your airline’s or the airport’s website in order to ensure that there are no potential delays or cancellations. Of course, this won’t prevent any kind of delay from occurring — however it will help reduce wasted time and make you feel more in control when arriving informed!
- Stay ahead of the game with FlightStats. With this flight tracking app, you can be sure to always have updates about any changes that could impact your travel plans.
- Buying travel insurance is a smart move. Not only can it cover the cost of rebooking tickets and associated fees such as hotels and transport, but if you are flying on multiple airlines, you will also be provided with extra peace of mind that your journey has been safeguarded (this will make your self transfer safer).
- Familiarize yourself with your rights! If you experience a problem during your flight, rest assured that European laws provide assurances and support from airlines. Knowing this in advance can bring peace of mind during times of potential travel disruption and enable more effective problem solving. Most of us need that – to feel in control of a situation.
What is your experience with Austrian Airlines? Have you ever missed a connecting flight with Austrian Airlines? How did the airline solve this? Did you receive missed connection compensation from Austrian Airlines?
