The Association for Consumer Information is extending its “money-back campaign” for Lauda and Austrian Airlines tickets that could not be used due to the Corona crisis.

Frustrated passengers whose flight was canceled due to the corona pandemic are often fobbed off with vouchers. You have the right on your own side: If an airline cancels the flight, you have the choice between reimbursement of the flight price or other transport under comparable circumstances. According to EU law, airlines are only allowed to issue vouchers if the customer concerned voluntarily accepts them.

In practice, however, it looks different: Due to the financial hardship, many aviation companies disregard their obligations. And domestic governments ignore it. In the Netherlands, France, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg, the usual reimbursement obligation was recently paralyzed - a voucher solution is intended to provide temporary relief. These national solo efforts displeased the EU Commission, which, despite Corona, continues to adhere to the immutability of the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation. 

This problem is omnipresent in Austria too. Since the end of April, more than 9.000 consumers have registered with the Association for Consumer Information (VKI) who want to assert their right to a refund of the full ticket price at AUA and Lauda. The VKI has launched a campaign to support consumers in asserting their rights free of charge. This was extended until June 30th - those affected can here use the service.