Possible Lufthansa strike: Rights of affected air travelers in Austria

A possible strike at Lufthansa is causing concern among many passengers - especially shortly before the fall vacations. Should there actually be flight cancellations or long delays, the question arises as to what passengers are legally entitled to.

apf provides information on passenger rights in Austria - and why it is worth contacting the Agency for Passenger Rights (apf) in the event of a dispute.

Compensation payment in the event of cancellation or long delay

If a flight is completely canceled less than two weeks before the departure date or arrives at its destination more than three hours late, those affected may be entitled to a lump-sum compensation payment under the EU Passenger Rights Regulation (EC No. 261/2004).

Depending on the flight distance, this amounts to between 250 and 600 euros:

- up to 1,500 km → 250 Euro

- up to 3,500 km (or within the EU) → 400 euros

- over 3,500 km → 600 Euro

According to the European Court of Justice, strikes by airline staff are not considered extraordinary circumstances. This means that the airline is generally obliged to pay compensation in such a case.

Replacement flight or refund of the ticket price

If a flight is canceled, travelers can choose:

- substitute transportation, or

- the full refund of the ticket price

In the case of alternative transportation, the airline does not only have to rebook to its own flights. Transportation with other airlines is also permitted if this is available earlier.

The apf recommends that affected passengers contact the airline in writing and request the earliest possible alternative transportation. If the airline does not comply, those affected have the option of booking an alternative themselves and then reclaiming the costs.

Care and accommodation for longer waiting times

If passengers are stranded at the airport due to a strike or other problems, they are entitled to so-called care services.

These include:

- Food and drinks to an appropriate extent

- Two free phone calls or e-mails

- for an overnight stay: hotel room and transfer

The waiting time from which this entitlement applies depends on the length of the flight route:

- from 2 hours for short distances up to 1,500 km

- from 3 hours for medium distances

- from 4 hours for long distances

If the airline does not take care of this, those affected can arrange their own accommodation or meals and claim the costs retrospectively. Invoices and receipts must be kept for this purpose!

Free support from the apf

If you have difficulties with the airline and the above-mentioned claims are not recognized, you don't have to fight on your own - and you don't have to hire expensive claim services.

The Agency for Passenger Rights (apf) helps as a state arbitration body of the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI).

apf helps air travelers to assert their claims against airlines free of charge and unbureaucratically - be it in the event of cancellations, delays, lost suitcases or denied boarding.

In contrast to commercial "claim agencies", which often retain 25 to 40 percent of the compensation, travelers always receive 100 percent of their claim with apf.