Áustria

Austria features an airport sector that is strategically central to Europe, with Vienna International Airport (VIE) serving as the primary international hub and a crucial gateway to Eastern Europe. As a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, Austrian aviation regulation is strictly harmonized with the guidelines of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The primary domestic regulatory body is Austro Control, responsible for aviation safety, while oversight of consumer rights and transport policies is coordinated by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK).

Austria fully enforces EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

• Delays: For delays exceeding 3 hours, passengers are entitled to compensation unless the delay is caused by "extraordinary circumstances" (e.g., extreme weather, air traffic control strikes). Compensation ranges from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.
• Cancellations: Passengers are entitled to a ticket refund or re-routing, as well as financial compensation (unless notified 14 days in advance).
• Right to Care: In the event of significant delays, airlines must provide meals, refreshments, communications, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.
• Complaint Body: Unresolved complaints should be submitted to the apf (Austrian Passenger Agency), which acts as the official body for extrajudicial dispute resolution.

There is no federal law in Austria mandating free baggage allowances; these are governed by airline commercial policies ("Light" vs. "Classic" fares). However:

• Carry-on Baggage: Airlines are required to provide transparent information regarding size and weight limits prior to ticket purchase.
• Dangerous Goods: Austria strictly follows IATA and EASA guidelines regarding the transport of lithium batteries and liquids.
• Liability: In case of loss, damage, or delay of checked baggage, the Montreal Convention applies, limiting the airline's liability to approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger.

To enter Austria with pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) from non-EU countries, the following is required:

• Microchip: Electronic identification compliant with ISO 11784/11785.
• Rabies Vaccination: Valid and administered after the microchip was implanted.
• Veterinary Certificate: Issued by the country of origin, attesting to the animal’s health and vaccination status.
• Antibody Titration Test: Required only for high-risk countries (not listed in EU legislation).

Pets must enter through designated travelers' points of entry where documentary verification is performed by customs authorities.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Airlines operating in Austrian territory have strict protocols (UM - Unaccompanied Minor) for children between the ages of 5 and 11.
• Authorizations: While there is no single government form for exiting the country, it is strongly recommended that minors traveling with only one parent or with third parties carry a notarized Travel Consent Form signed by the legal guardians, in English or German, to prevent delays by border authorities.

Austria complies with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 regarding the rights of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility:

• Free Assistance: Passengers are entitled to free assistance at airports (transport between the terminal and the aircraft, assistance with carry-on baggage, and boarding).
• Advance Notice: To ensure assistance is provided, passengers should request the service from the airline or airport at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Equipment: Wheelchairs and essential medical equipment are transported free of charge and do not count towards the standard baggage allowance.

• Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): In 2026, citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as Brazil) must obtain an approved ETIAS authorization prior to boarding. The application is made online, costs €7, and is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires.
• Visas: Citizens from non-exempt countries continue to require a short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C).

• Austro Control (Aviation Regulation): https://www.austrocontrol.at
• Austrian Passenger Agency (apf): https://www.apf.gv.at
• Federal Ministry for Climate Action and Mobility (BMK): https://www.bmk.gv.at
• Official Austrian Government Portal (Travel Help): https://www.oesterreich.gv.at
• European Union (Passenger Rights): https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/
• ETIAS (Official Portal): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/