Based on regulation and law Austrian did everything what was supposed to be done. However, I would like to check, if somebody had similar experience and was able to get better compensation/treatment.

I had flight OPO-GVA-VIE on 7.7.2019 and on separate ticket flight VIE-ZRH on 8.7.2019. Leg GVA-VIE was cancelled due to bad weather, re-routing happened only next day around lunch time, therefore I needed to reschedule also morning flight VIE-ZRH. I was charged 175€ for rebooking and I asked for waiving this fee for a reason:

• all 3 flights are ticketed and operated by the same airlines - Austrian
• the reason why I need to reschedule the flight is Austrian failing bring me home day before
• as a Senator I am soending enough money so waiving the fee would be gesture to frequent traveler
• there was not support from ground staff in GVA and handling of this situation was complete disaster

I send a feedback form with this request which was handled by copy paste answer and closing a case, I tried to answer and it was rejected 2nd time, when calling to line, they told me to ask 3rd time if I don´t agree with resolution, but the case was again rejected.

Am I foolish to believe there is option to waive the fee in this situation to enhance customer satisfaction or should I try to reply again? Or is there any other way how to bring this to attebtion of somebody who can decide, not only regular staff who automaticaly rejects all requests?

Thanks for help.

OS should have waived the fee IMO, since the requirement was down to them not getting you there ontime, especially so as SEN, check your travel insurance for missed departure claim

That what I would expect, as they are ticketing and operating airline, so they dont have any real expense on their side.

I checked for my travel insurance and they said it is between me and airline. :-/

It’s also what I would expect, escalate the complaint with OS, shame them on Twitter, I wouldn’t let it go & if you receive a final response from OS, you paid your travel insurance to deal with that.

Would it have made sense to declare trip in vane in GVA, get a refund for the remainder of that ticket, take train (or nonstop flight) to ZRH, and then cancel or reschedule the VIE-ZRH flight (although it it's a RT ticket you risk having the return portion cancelled if you're considered a no show)?

Unfortunately not, I have been returning from vacation in T-shirt and shorts home and Monday morning flying for business trip...

Well, the reason here was to ask if somebody has idea how to escalate. When I tried to call to department handling complaints, nice friendly lady told me: I cant do anything for you as this case is handled by colleague, you need to reply to his mail and ask him to discuss this topic with supervisor. Did it and got rejected 3rd time. They feel sorry about the situation, but will not waive the fee as it is calculated by the system. (!) Such an argument. Mail ended with hope it will not change anything and I will continue fly Austrian.

Tweeted to Austrian, their CEO and Miles and more today, but I am not sure if it will help...