Well prepared for the 2025 fall vacations
from Georg Loderbauer
: What rail, air and coach passengers should know about their rights
The 2025 autumn vacations in Austria will once again take place in the last week of October - a particularly busy time for travel. But this year, travelers are challenged. Rail construction sites, the threat of flight strikes and possible traffic disruptions can dampen vacation enjoyment. The Agency for Passenger Rights (apf) therefore provides information on the most important rights for rail, air and coach travelers.
Rail travel: Compensation for delays of 60 minutes or more
Patience is required on the rails this fall. The Arlberg line will remain closed until November 2, and construction is also underway between Wiener Neustadt and Aspang. Train passengers are generally entitled to compensation from 60 minutes delay.
- 25 % of the ticket price from 60 minutes,
- 50 % from 120 minutes.
Alternatively, passengers can withdraw from the journey or continue their journey under comparable conditions.
Compensation is only paid in the event of an actual delay - not if this was already known before the ticket was purchased.
Maximum limits apply to hotel or cab costs in local transport (€100/€65 per person). Travelers should contact the rail company in advance and keep all original receipts.
Air travel: Rights in the event of cancellation or delay
Air traffic could also become turbulent: A Lufthansa strike or cyberattacks could delay or cancel flights.
Passengers have the right to cancel flights:
- Refund of the ticket price,
- Return flight to the place of departure, or
- alternative transportation to the destination.
In addition - depending on the flight route - a compensation payment of €250 to €600 is due, provided there are no "extraordinary circumstances" (e.g. extreme weather or security risks).
If a flight arrives more than three hours late, the same compensation amounts apply.
The same applies here: contact the airline first, do not make any hasty bookings yourself, and keep all invoices - for snacks, hotels or transfers, for example - because these services are also offered from a waiting time of two hours (for short-haul flights).