Austrian Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Austrian Airlines’ missed flight policy is governed by its Airline Passenger Service Commitment and Conditions of Carriage. The policy outlines options for passengers who miss their flights due to personal reasons or airline-related issues, such as delays or cancellations. Outcomes depend on the fare type, ticket conditions, and the reason for missing the flight. As an EU-based airline, flights departing from the EU or operated by Austrian Airlines are subject to EU Regulation 261/2004. Below is a detailed guide on handling missed flights with Austrian Airlines.

Missed Flight Due to Passenger’s Responsibility

If you miss your flight due to arriving late, failing to check in on time, or lacking valid travel documents, the following applies:

• Non-Refundable Tickets (e.g., Economy Light): If you miss your flight and are marked as a no-show, the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including onward and return flights, may be canceled. No credit is issued unless you cancel before departure. Taxes and fees may be refundable if requested within one year of ticket expiry. A no-show fee of €100–€300 may apply for rebooking, depending on fare rules.
• Flexible Fares (e.g., Economy Flex, Business): If you notify Austrian Airlines before departure, you may rebook without a fee, subject to availability and fare differences. If you arrive within 2 hours after departure, you may request standby for the next available flight, subject to availability and a possible fee (€50–€150, waived for Miles & More HON Circle or Senator members).
• No-Show Policy: A no-show without prior notification results in ticket forfeiture. For Miles & More award tickets, missing a flight may lead to mileage forfeiture for the missed segment. Rebooking after a no-show incurs a penalty (up to €300) plus fare differences. Notifying Austrian Airlines before departure can avoid no-show penalties.
• 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly from Austrian Airlines, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund (if booked at least 7 days before departure), even for non-refunded tickets. This applies to U.S. and EU bookings under applicable regulations.

Missed Connecting Flight Due to Airline Delays

If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of an Austrian Airlines-operated flight within the same booking, Austrian Airlines will assist as follows:

• Rebooking: Austrian Airlines will automatically rebook you on the next available Austrian Airlines or Star Alliance partner flight in the same travel class at no extra cost. If no suitable flights are available, you can select an alternative via the Austrian Chat Assistant or “My Bookings” on the website. For significant disruptions, you may be rebooked on other airlines or offered train vouchers for destinations within Austria.
• Right to Care: For delays within Austrian’s control (e.g., technical issues) lasting 2+ hours, Austrian provides meal vouchers, refreshments, and two free phone calls or emails. For overnight delays, a three-star hotel room, including meals and airport transfers, is provided via partners like Booking.com, where local conditions allow. For delays beyond Austrian’s control (e.g., weather), assistance may not be provided.
• Compensation: For EU/UK-regulated flights delayed 3+ hours at the final destination due to reasons within Austrian’s control, you may be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004:
  • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
  • €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
  • €600 for flights over 3,500 km
  Compensation is not available for delays due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes, air traffic control). For non-EU flights, Austrian may offer vouchers or Miles & More miles as a goodwill gesture, but cash compensation is not required. Claims can be filed up to 3–6 years after the disruption, depending on the country.
• Refund Option: If a delay exceeds 5 hours and you choose not to travel, you may request a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, including taxes and fees, even for non-refunded tickets. Refunds are processed within 7 days for credit card purchases and 20 days for other methods. If the flight no longer serves your travel purpose, a refund for used segments may also be requested.

Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight

If you miss your Austrian Airlines flight, follow these steps:

1. Provide Booking Details: Have your booking reference, e-ticket number, or Miles & More number ready (available in your confirmation email or Austrian app).
2. Explore Options: Request rebooking (subject to fees and fare differences for non-flexible tickets) or standby for a same-day flight (if available, fees may apply). For flexible fares, rebook without fees via “My Bookings.” For non-refunded tickets, request a refund for taxes/fees. For delays within Austrian’s control, request meal vouchers, accommodations, or compensation. Refunds can be requested via the Refund page.
3. Submit a Claim (if applicable): For delays or cancellations within Austrian’s control, file a claim via the Contact Form with your booking reference, boarding pass, and receipts. For EU/UK-regulated flights, claims can be submitted within 3–6 years. Third-party services like AirHelp or Flightright can assist with claims.