Austrian Airlines overbooked seats and charged extra, how can I resolve this unfair charge?

If you were charged extra because Austrian Airlines overbooked your flight or forced you into a paid seat change, you do have rights under EU law — especially if the airline sold more seats than available and you were denied boarding or downgraded against your will.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking are entitled to compensation (€250–€600 per person depending on flight distance) and care (meals, hotel etc.) or a full refund/alternative transport, and Austrian must also refund any fees you paid for services you didn’t receive (like seat fees or other charges tied to the original booking).

Start by filing a formal claim with Austrian Airlines’ customer relations citing EU261 and include your boarding pass, booking reference, documentation of the extra charge, and a clear request for refund plus compensation.

If they still deny it or ignore you, consider filing a complaint on Xolvie to seek a resolution.