Austrian Airlines’ cancellation policy offers flexibility depending on ticket type, fare rules, and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the most reliable information from their official website and other sources, ensuring alignment with EU regulations and customer experiences:
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any Austrian Airlines flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided the ticket was purchased at least 7 days before departure. This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, per U.S. Department of Transportation rules and Austrian’s policy.
- Cancellations must be made through the original point of purchase (e.g., Austrian’s website, app, or travel agency) to avoid issues.
Non-Refundable Tickets:
- After the 24-hour window, non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Light, Economy Classic) incur cancellation fees, typically $100–$500, depending on fare type, route, and timing.
- Refunds are limited to taxes and fees for non-refundable fares, issued as cash or travel vouchers. Full refunds are not available unless covered by special circumstances.
- During peak summer season, cancellation fees may vary:
- 30+ days before departure: 100% refund, no fee.
- 15 days before: 10% fee on total fare.
- 2–7 days before: 20% fee.
- 1 day or same day: No refund (no-show), or a €30 fee per segment for discounted tickets.
Refundable Tickets:
- Flexible fares (e.g., Economy Flex, Business Flexible) can be canceled anytime before departure for a full refund to the original payment method, with no fees.
- Refunds are processed within 7 days for credit card payments or 20 days for cash/check payments.
Flight Cancellations by Austrian Airlines:
- If Austrian cancels your flight or significantly changes it (e.g., departure moved by over 1 hour, arrival delayed by 2+ hours, or delay over 5 hours for short-term disruptions), you’re entitled to:
- A full refund, including taxes and fees, for unused segments (pro-rata for partially used tickets).
- Rebooking on the next available flight at no cost, in the same travel class.
- Re-routing at a later date, subject to availability.
- For cancellations within 14 days of departure on EU/UK flights, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 may provide compensation of €250–€600, based on flight distance, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes).
- Additional assistance includes meal vouchers for delays of 2+ hours, hotel accommodation for overnight delays, and free communication options (e.g., phone, email).
No-Show Policy:
- Failing to cancel before departure may result in a total loss of ticket value for non-refundable fares or a €30 fee per segment for discounted tickets.
- Flexible fares may allow last-minute changes or cancellations with minimal or no penalties.
Special Circumstances:
- For medical emergencies or family bereavement, Austrian may waive fees or offer full refunds with documentation (e.g., medical certificates).
- Under Israel’s Consumer Protection Law, cancellations for tickets purchased in Israel incur a fee of 5% or NIS 100 (whichever is lower). New immigrants, seniors (65+), or disabled passengers have extended cancellation rights up to 4 months.
- Weather-related cancellations may qualify for refunds or rebooking, but compensation depends on circumstances.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Contact Austrian’s Service Center ( +1-877-240-6770).
- Airport: Cancel at an Austrian Airlines ticket counter or kiosk, ideal for last-minute changes.
- Travel Agencies: Tickets booked through agencies must be canceled via the agency, as their rules may differ.
- The Austrian Chat Assistant can help check refund amounts or process cancellations.
Refund Process:
- Refunds for unused tickets include the full fare, taxes, and fees; partially used tickets are refunded pro-rata for unused segments.
- Non-refundable tickets only refund taxes and fees unless otherwise specified.
- Travel vouchers, if issued, are valid across Austrian’s network but subject to redemption conditions.
- Avoid duplicate refund requests (e.g., via phone and online), as this may delay processing.
Key Notes:
- Always check fare rules at booking, as they dictate cancellation terms. Non-refundable fares are restrictive unless canceled within 24 hours or due to airline disruptions.
- For codeshare flights (e.g., with Lufthansa or Star Alliance partners), the operating carrier’s policies may apply for specific legs. Contact Austrian for clarification.
- EU/UK passengers have stronger protections under EC 261/2004, including compensation for cancellations or delays, but claims may require persistence.
