Austrian Air: Baggage Tracking And Your Rights

Austrian Airlines offers a baggage calculator on its website to help passengers determine how much baggage they are allowed to take on their flight and how to add additional baggage. The airline also provides detailed information about carry-on baggage, including the permitted size, weight, and number of items for different travel classes. In addition, Austrian Airlines addresses issues related to delayed, damaged, or missing baggage, offering guidance on reporting and claiming compensation. The airline is required by law to compensate passengers for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage, as outlined in the Montreal Convention. Passengers can report delayed or missing baggage online or at the baggage tracing office at the airport, and they may be eligible for reimbursement of essential purchases made due to baggage delays. For damaged baggage, reports can be made at the airport or online, and compensation may include repairs, replacements, or reimbursement for the current value of the bag.

Carry-on baggage allowance

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to bring 1 item of carry-on baggage and 1 personal item, such as a handbag or laptop case, on board. The maximum dimensions for carry-on baggage are 55 x 40 x 23 cm, and it must not weigh more than 8 kg. For personal items, the maximum dimensions are 40 x 30 x 10 cm. It is important to note that these dimensions and weight restrictions are strictly enforced, and any baggage exceeding them may need to be checked in, incurring additional charges.

In exceptional cases, Business Class passengers may also be restricted to 1 item of carry-on baggage, depending on the aircraft type and safety requirements of national authorities. On certain flights, your carry-on baggage must be stowed in the cargo hold due to the aircraft type.

Austrian Airlines recommends storing personal documents, medication, and valuables in your personal item, as this will remain with you even if your carry-on baggage needs to be placed in the cargo hold. Additionally, passengers are allowed to bring a folding garment bag measuring 57 x 54 x 15 cm instead of carry-on baggage.

For passengers travelling with infants, Austrian Airlines allows a carrycot, an approved child seat, or a completely foldable travel pram with a maximum weight of 10 kg. "Pocket buggies" are also permitted as part of your carry-on baggage allowance.

Regarding liquids, Austrian Airlines follows the standard regulations, allowing containers with a capacity of up to 100 millilitres packed in a transparent, reusable one-litre plastic bag. This includes liquids, pastes, lotions, mixtures of liquids and solids, as well as the contents of pressure containers like toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, perfume, shaving foam, and other similar items. Each passenger is allowed only one plastic bag, and medication and special foods required during the flight can be taken outside of the plastic bag but must be presented at security control. Duty-free items must remain in the sealed safety bag provided at the point of sale. Any other liquids must be stowed in checked baggage.

For flights to the USA, it is important to note that only transparent, translucent, or tinted containers are permitted in the standard security bags. Metal or opaque containers must be placed in checked baggage, as it is not possible to screen liquids in such containers at US airport security controls.

Baggage fees

Austrian Airlines provides 1 free carry-on and 1 personal item for all fare classes. Business class passengers are allowed 2 carry-on bags. Each fare includes at least one item of hand luggage.

The size, weight, and number of permitted free baggage items are based on the fare you booked, the route, and your frequent flyer status. You can check your ticket or passenger receipt for information about your free baggage allowance.

For scheduled flights, the amount of your baggage allowance and the costs for additional bags depend on the route and the travel class or fare booked.

Economy Light fares do not include any checked luggage. Other economy fares include 1 piece of checked luggage, premium economy and business are permitted 2, and first class is permitted 3.

Excess baggage fees vary by destination. When booking an Economy Light fare for flights to and from the U.S. and Europe, there is a flat fee of $75 per bag, per route.

You can prepay for luggage online, via the Austrian Airlines myAustrian mobile app, or with the Austrian Airlines call center.

Delayed baggage

Immediate Steps:

Firstly, it is crucial to report your delayed baggage as soon as possible. You can do this by making an online report or visiting the baggage tracing office at the airport. It is advisable to remain at the airport until your report is successfully submitted and you receive a reference number. This reference number will be essential for tracking your baggage and receiving updates.

Baggage Tracing and Forwarding:

Once you have reported your delayed bag, the baggage tracing office will initiate the process of locating your baggage. If your bag is found, it will be forwarded to your destination airport for further processing. You can actively track the status of your baggage using the reference number provided during the reporting process.

Delivery or Collection:

Upon arrival at your destination airport, your delayed bag will undergo internal procedures and customs clearance, which may take some time. Austrian Airlines will then send you the necessary information regarding the delivery or collection of your baggage. You can opt to have your bag delivered to the address you provided or choose to collect it from the airport. Please do not come to the airport unless you are instructed to do so.

Essential Purchases:

During the period of delay, it is understandable that you may need to purchase essential items such as toiletries and clothes, especially if you are away from home. Austrian Airlines acknowledges this and offers reimbursement for these expenses. Remember to keep all your receipts, as you will need to submit them along with your original loss report and bank details to claim a refund.

Detailed Bag Description:

In the unfortunate event that your bag cannot be located within five days of reporting the delay, Austrian Airlines will request a detailed description of your bag and its contents. This information will aid in conducting a thorough search and help identify your bag among the unclaimed baggage. You will be able to provide this information on their baggage status page.

Compensation Claims:

If your baggage is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation under the Montreal Convention, which governs air passenger rights regarding baggage mishandling. Austrian Airlines is required by law to compensate passengers for delayed baggage up to a specified amount. To initiate the compensation process, ensure that you have filed the necessary reports and claims within the specified time frames.

Contact Information:

For further assistance and detailed instructions on delayed baggage, please refer to the Austrian Airlines website. You can also contact their local baggage tracing office or visit their baggage status page for updates and additional information.

Damaged baggage

If your baggage has been damaged, Austrian Airlines will deal with your concern as quickly as possible. You must make a damaged baggage report before leaving the airport at the baggage reclaim area. If you don't notice the damage until you've left the airport, you can make your report on the Austrian Airlines reporting page. Take photos of the damaged items to back up your claim. You have up to three days after your flight to report damaged baggage online.

Once you have reported your damaged bag, you will receive confirmation by email with a reference number (PIR no., e.g. VIEOS12345). All further steps will be listed in this confirmation. Dolfi1920 GmbH processes all baggage repairs and replacements and compensation payments for damaged baggage on behalf of Austrian Airlines. Once your damage report has been checked, Dolfi1920 GmbH will contact you about possible compensation.

There are various compensation options depending on the nature of the damage to your bag. Your bag may be repaired or replaced. Otherwise, you will receive compensation for the current value of your bag. Please note that you will not be compensated for poorly packed or fragile items or for baggage that was already damaged before your flight.

The time required for the repair or replacement of your bag may vary depending on the total quantity of damaged baggage being processed by Dolfi1920 GmbH.

Lost baggage

If you've lost your baggage while flying with Austrian Airlines, don't panic. In most cases, lost baggage is returned within 48 hours. While you're still at the airport, make a report of your missing baggage at the Austrian Airlines Baggage Reclaim area or on the Austrian Airlines website. You'll be given a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number, which you should keep safe as you'll need it to trace your lost baggage and file a compensation claim.

If five days pass and you still haven't received your luggage, you'll need to provide Austrian Airlines with additional information about your baggage to help them locate it. In the meantime, it's likely you'll need to buy clothes and toiletries, especially if you're away from home. Austrian Airlines will reimburse you for these essential purchases, so keep your receipts and limit your spending to necessary items.

Once your baggage has been returned, you can file a compensation claim. If your baggage is lost for 21 days or more, it will be considered officially lost, and you can submit your lost baggage compensation claim. Go to the Austrian Airlines claims page and submit your PIR number, receipts, and flight/booking information. After submitting your claim, you'll need to wait for Austrian Airlines to contact you about their decision, which can take up to a month.

Frequently asked questions