I know I’ve asked a million questions on here, but I’m in such turmoil as to what to do. Ok, we still have flights into Vienna on Dec. 14. What are others doing? I’ve read on here that you could still fly into Austria, despite a lockdown, and take a train to another country. However, Lufthansa told me today that we probably would not even be allowed on the flight since we were planning on going for tourism. The flights were running for residents, therefore flights aren’t being canceled, but we would NOT get refunded or credited since flights are still going, even though we can’t get on. Anyway, I’m just curious as to what others are doing that are traveling around the same time, or if anyone has heard any chatter. A friend of a friend in Austria said they do think they will reopen and then end up closing again right after Christmas.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5579 posts
What kind of ticket did you buy? If it's changeable, you can get a credit for any reason.
Posted by
13 posts
We haven’t officially canceled but are leaning that way. We’re supposed to fly into Nuremberg on December 18th and home from Vienna on December 31st. Our itinerary is 4 nights in each Nuremberg, Salzburg and Vienna. Between Christmas markets being canceled in Nuremberg, Austria’s shutdown and the new variant it’s not making sense to go. Luckily our flights are refundable and we have time to cancel hotels, etc without penalty, Waiting a few more days in case some unexpected good news happens. We’ve debated pivoting to Italy but not sure that makes much sense either.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Welllllll....we did not buy a changeable ticket. #rookiemove :(
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5579 posts
Laura, it happens. You might call the airline if you haven't. Explain the situation and ask for a credit (not refund, which is extremely unlikely)
Posted by
Chicago
2661 posts
It looks like Lufthansa is offering the option to rebook. The below text is from their website.
Due to ongoing disruptions caused by the Coronavirus, we continue to
accommodate you so that you can make your travel plans even more
flexible. All our fares and tickets can be rebooked. This applies to
short-, medium-, and long haul routes and for existing bookings, new
bookings and to cancelled flights.
Posted by
1219 posts
Call and try. And if you don't like the result try again with a different agent. It can't hurt and it might work out better than you think but you won't know if you don't try.
Posted by
114 posts
We are supposed to be there Dec 19-Dec 31 (Vienna, Linz, Salzburg). We kind of are of the mindset that we'll go if Austria will let in tourists (we are going there to see our daughter, so we don't really care if we have to skip going inside buildings and museums). However, I'm extremely concerned about getting back to the US, so we'll have to come up with a plan if we end up having to isolate. All of us, including daughter, have been boosted and my husband recently recovered from COVID (a breakthrough case, got it before the booster came out), so I'm not that worried about getting sick, just really worried about testing positive and getting back home. This is moving so fast that it makes no sense for us to decide right now.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5372 posts
Why don’t you just wait a day or two and see what the government in Austria announces post-Dec. 12? What do you have to lose?
Posted by
Salt Lake City, UT, United States
304 posts
My trip isn't until May but I'm moving forward and booking tickets. It's already rescheduled from 2020. I'm still nervous though.
Posted by
Southeast US
3834 posts
I hope the OP does not mind me sharing this, but she and her family made it to Vienna! The photos and videos show lots of fun!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5372 posts
Dave in SC and the OP - I'd love to see the pics and videos. Can you share with me?
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Oh my word!!! We are having the most AMAZING time in Vienna! Thank you for sharing Dave! I am just thrilled we did not make any cancellations. Emily- I am happy to share photos! I do not know how to share on this thread....is that possible? If not, you are more than welcome to follow along on my social media! What a gorgeous spot Vienna is!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5372 posts
Be sure to read this thread - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/austria/a-local-s-take-on-15-christmas-markets-in-vienna-2019
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Emily-Yes! THis is the most amazing post and we have LIVED by your post the past two days! Thank you for writing such an in-depth, detailed and tremendously helpful resource!