Austrian Airlines Flight Change Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Austrian Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, is Austria’s flagship carrier, offering flights across Europe and worldwide. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, it’s essential to know how Austrian Airlines handles flight changes, including the fees involved and how flexible the airline is in accommodating such requests. This guide will break down everything you need to know about Austrian Airlines’ flight change policy, ensuring you’re prepared if your travel plans shift.

How to Change Your Austrian Airlines Flight

Austrian Airlines provides several methods for modifying your flight reservation, allowing passengers to choose the option that works best for them.

1. Online Flight Changes via the Website

Austrian Airlines offers a “Manage Booking” feature on their website, where passengers can modify their flight details. Here’s how you can do it:

Visit the Austrian Airlines website.
Go to the Manage My Booking section.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Select the flight you wish to change and follow the prompts.

2. Mobile App

You can also change your flight using the Austrian Airlines mobile app. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it convenient for travelers on the go. The process is similar to changing your booking online.

3. Customer Service Assistance

For more complicated requests or changes, such as group bookings or special assistance needs, contact Austrian Airlines’ customer service. They are available via phone or email and can help you modify your flight with ease.

Austrian Airlines 24-Hour Change Policy

Austrian Airlines follows the industry standard by offering a 24-hour change policy. This policy allows passengers to modify their bookings free of charge within the first 24 hours of purchasing their tickets, provided that the booking is made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled departure.

Key Points:

You can change or cancel your booking without incurring any fees within 24 hours of making the reservation.
This policy applies to both domestic and international flights.

Flight Change Fees Based on Fare Type

Austrian Airlines has different fare classes, each with varying levels of flexibility when it comes to flight changes. The type of fare you book will determine whether you will be charged a fee for changing your flight.

Economy Class

Economy Light: The lowest fare class, Economy Light typically does not allow changes without a fee. If a change is permitted, you may incur a high charge.
Economy Classic: This fare allows for changes, but you may still be subject to a fee.
Economy Flex: Offers the most flexibility in Economy Class, with changes permitted either free of charge or with minimal fees.

Business Class

Business Class fares are generally more flexible than Economy Class. Most Business Flex tickets allow changes with no additional fee, although you may need to pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.

Domestic vs. International Flight Changes

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights within Austria or to nearby European destinations tend to have lower change fees, especially if the change is made well in advance. Austrian Airlines operates many flights between major European cities, so rescheduling is usually straightforward.

International Flights

For long-haul international flights, change fees can be higher. The availability of new flights may also be more limited, particularly for peak travel periods. Be sure to check availability and fare differences before making a change.

Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets

When booking with Austrian Airlines, it’s important to understand the difference between refundable and non-refundable tickets, especially if there’s a chance your plans might change.

Refundable Tickets

If you’ve purchased a refundable ticket, you can change your flight without incurring any penalties. If you decide to cancel your trip, you will also be eligible for a full refund.

Non-Refundable Tickets

If you booked a non-refundable ticket, changing your flight will generally incur a fee. Additionally, if you cancel your flight, you may only receive a partial refund or a travel voucher for future flights, depending on the terms and conditions.

Same-Day Flight Changes

Austrian Airlines offers a same-day change option for some fare types. If you need to modify your flight on the day of departure, you may do so by paying a fee, provided seats are available on the new flight.

Changing Award Tickets

Passengers who have booked flights using Miles & More, Austrian Airlines’ frequent flyer program, may face different rules for changing award tickets. In most cases, award tickets are subject to availability, and you may need to pay a fee or use more miles to make the desired change.

What Happens If Austrian Airlines Cancels Your Flight?

If Austrian Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to certain options under EU passenger rights regulations. Here’s what you can expect:

Free rebooking: You can switch to another flight without paying any additional fees.
Full refund: You can request a refund for your canceled flight.
Compensation: If the cancellation is within the airline’s control and announced at short notice, you may be entitled to financial compensation under European law.

Special Circumstances for Flight Changes

In some cases, Austrian Airlines may be more lenient with their flight change policy. For instance, passengers facing medical emergencies, natural disasters, or government travel bans can contact customer service to request flexibility in changing or canceling their flights.

Tips to Avoid Flight Change Fees

There are a few strategies you can use to minimize or avoid flight change fees:

Book Flexible Fares: Opt for Economy Flex or Business Flex fares if you anticipate needing flexibility.
Use the 24-Hour Rule: Always double-check your booking within 24 hours to make any necessary changes for free.
Enroll in Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers flight changes or cancellations.
Monitor Fare Changes: Keep an eye on fare drops after booking. If fares decrease, it may be worth changing your flight to take advantage of the lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my Austrian Airlines flight for free?
Yes, you can make changes for free within 24 hours of booking. Flex fares also allow changes without additional fees.

How do I change a flight booked with Miles & More miles?
Changes to award tickets booked through the Miles & More program can be made through the program’s portal, although fees may apply.

What is Austrian Airlines’ same-day flight change policy?
Same-day changes are possible for a fee, provided there’s availability on the new flight.

Can I change a non-refundable ticket?
Yes, but you’ll likely have to pay a fee, and you won’t receive a refund if you cancel, although you may get a voucher.

What happens if Austrian Airlines cancels my flight?
You can choose to rebook, request a full refund, or seek compensation under certain conditions, especially if the cancellation was within the airline’s control.

Conclusion

Austrian Airlines offers flexible options for passengers who need to change their flights, though fees and conditions vary based on the fare type and route. Understanding the airline’s flight change policy can save you time, money, and frustration, especially if your travel plans are uncertain. By taking advantage of flexible fare classes, the 24-hour change rule, and travel insurance, you can minimize your costs and make flight changes more smoothly.