Austrian Airlines Refund Policy 2026: Miles & More, EU261 & Cash Refunds
Updated: January 10, 2026 | By Wolfgang Gruber, Central Europe Expert
Quick Summary
Austrian Airlines (Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance) has Flex fares that are refundable. EU flights qualify for EU261 compensation. Call 1-844-656-7300.
1. Austrian Fare Types
| Fare | Changes | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | �50-�100 | Voucher |
| Economy Flex | Free | ? Cash |
| Business | Free | ? Cash |
2. EU261 Compensation
Vienna departures: �250-�600 compensation for cancellations/delays. IN ADDITION to refund!
Your Legal Rights Under DOT Regulations
Under DOT regulations, you have federal rights that airlines cannot override:
? Your Guaranteed Rights:
- 24-hour full refund: Cancel any ticket within 24 hours if booked 7+ days before departure
- Cash refund when airline cancels: Never have to accept vouchers for airline-caused cancellations
- Refund timeline: 7 business days (credit card) or 20 days (other payment methods)
- Tarmac delay protections: Must deplane after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international)
- Denied boarding compensation: $775-
3. FAQs
,550 for involuntary bumping
If denied your rights, file a complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov.
Baggage Fee Refunds
Paid for checked bags but your flight was cancelled or delayed?
- Flight cancelled by airline: Full refund of ALL baggage fees
- Bag delayed 24+ hours: Eligible for essential items reimbursement
- Bag lost permanently: Up to $3,800 liability (domestic)
Important: File claims immediately and keep all receipts.
3. FAQs
Does Austrian charge change fees?
Economy Light: �50-�100. Flex and Business: Free.
Can I get cash refund?
Flex and Business are refundable. Light gets vouchers. Austrian cancels = cash + EU261.
Which US cities does Austrian fly to?
Vienna hub connects to: New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles.
What is Austrian Airlines's refund policy for cancelled flights?
When Austrian Airlines cancels your flight, you're entitled to a full refund to your original payment method - not just a voucher. If the airline offers only credit, you can insist on cash back. For schedule changes over 2 hours, refund rights typically apply. Call 1-844-656-7300 for help enforcing your refund.
Does Austrian Airlines charge change fees?
Change fee policies vary by fare class and route. Many Austrian Airlines fares now allow free changes (you pay only fare difference), while basic/light fares may still have restrictions. The 24-hour DOT cancellation rule applies to all US departures. Contact us at 1-844-656-7300 for your specific ticket.
How do I contact Austrian Airlines customer service?
Skip the long hold times. Our travel specialists at 1-844-656-7300 have direct access to Austrian Airlines reservation systems and can resolve issues faster than the general customer service line. We're available 24/7 for urgent travel situations.