Information on Austrian Airlines Flights

While it’s a smaller player, Austrian Airlines, often referred to as “Austrian,” is the national airline of Austria and a member of the Lufthansa Group. The carrier has an extensive network throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, with a base in Vienna. There’s a lot of love about this somewhat quirky, central European airline. Let’s take a closer look.

How the airline differentiates itself

Austrian Airlines is often praised for its attention to detail and customer service, especially in premium cabins (which we’ll get to in detail below). With a hub in Vienna smack dab in the middle of Europe, Austrian has a geographic advantage for connections across the continent. Vienna International Airport is also relatively small and efficient, making transfers easier than most other European cities.

Where the airline flies

The airline has a strong network, with over 130 destinations worldwide and a significant focus on shorter European routes. Within its home continent, Austrian connects Vienna with numerous business and leisure cities. Key destinations include multiple flights daily to other Lufthansa Group hubs like Frankfurt and Munich as well as other major Eastern and Western European cities.

Beyond Europe, Austrian also offers long-haul service to North America, Asia, and select destinations in the Middle East. In the U.S., that includes destinations such as New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles. Asia flying includes Bangkok and Tokyo while the Middle East has routes to Dubai and Cairo, among others. This network allows travelers seeking one-stop connections through Vienna to major destinations around the globe.

The types of aircraft

Austrian has a varied fleet suited to both short-haul and long-haul flights. Within Europe, you’ll find a fleet of Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft for many regional flights. These planes typically feature an economy and business class cabin. However, don’t expect anything super luxurious in business. As typical with European carriers, business class on these shorter flights means a standard economy seat with a blocked-off middle seat.

Meanwhile, Austrian’s long-haul routes are primarily served by the Boeing 777-200ER to destinations in North America and Asia. Austrian also has the Boeing 767, and most recently, the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is one of the most modern (and comfortable) ways to fly. If you see this aircraft as an option, I’d opt for it in a heartbeat, especially in business class.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you should know about the Austrian Airlines ground and pre-flight experience at its hub in Vienna and around the world.

Bag policies and fees

As a full-service airline, Austrian has generous baggage policies. Most economy fares include one checked bag of up to 50 pounds on long-haul flights. Meanwhile, premium economy and business class fares include two checked bags. Business class passengers also receive the ability to bring two carry-on items (instead of just one) in addition to a personal item.

“Economy Light” fares do not include free seat selection. Other economy fares allow complimentary standard seat selection, while preferred seats incur a fee. Flexible fares have minimal or no change fees, while “Economy Light” fares generally do not allow changes or refunds.

Lounges

Austrian operates a handful of lounges at its hub in Vienna International Airport. In total, there are six spacious, modern lounges that exude a sense of Austrian charm. These lounges have premium food and drink, fast Wi-Fi, and at some locations, shower facilities. These spaces are available to business class passengers as well as select elite-status members.

Because Austrian is part of the Star Alliance network (as well as part of the Lufthansa Group), eligible passengers can use select lounges at airports around the world. Some of my favorite Star Alliance lounges include spaces at Los Angeles International Airport and United’s Polaris lounges located at hubs across the U.S. Business class passengers flying on Austrian are eligible to use these lounges when flying same day.

What it’s like onboard

Here’s what it’s like to fly onboard Austrian Airlines across each cabin class.

Economy and premium economy

In economy, passengers can expect industry-average space with seats that measure 30-31 inches of pitch on short-haul flights and around 32 inches on long-haul flights. (Pitch refers to the distance between one seat and the next.) Short-haul planes typically feature a 3-3 layout, while long-haul Boeing 777s and 767s have a 3-4-3 and 2-3-2 layout, respectively. The newest plane, the 787 Dreamliner has a 3-3-3 layout. Personally, if I had the choice as a solo traveler who is flying economy, I’d choose to fly the 767 for the most comfort.

Complimentary meals are provided on long-haul flights in economy. Meals often reflect Austrian culinary traditions, and snacks are available for purchase on some short-haul flights. (Don’t skip the Austrian desserts.) Long-haul flights include seat-back entertainment screens with a variety of movies, TV shows, and music.

Austrian’s newest cabin is premium economy, and it’s available on select long-haul flights (like those to the U.S.). The cabin offers a step up in comfort with enhanced seating and upgraded amenities. Seat pitch increases to about 38 inches, with wider seats, increased recline, and adjustable headrests. You’ll also get enhanced meal options and better wines and alcoholic drinks (served in real dishware too). Finally, expect larger entertainment screens and slightly better service than in economy.

Business class

Let’s get this out of the way first: Austrian is renowned for some of the best food and drink in the skies in business class. The airline doesn’t offer first class but it’s not even needed when the catering is this good. That’s the showstopping feature here. The airline has multi-course meals in business on long-haul flights, offering a variety of high-quality dishes and incredible coffee beverages. Think: barista-quality cappuccinos and affogatos. It’s truly outstanding.

The Boeing 787 has the newest product in business class so you’ll get the most privacy and comfort on that plane with all-direct aisle access. However, with any long-haul equipped aircraft, you’ll get lie-flat seats (although not always direct aisle access). Of course, business passengers also receive amenity kits with essentials like skincare products, sleep masks, and socks.

Entertainment and Wi-Fi

Austrian offers Wi-Fi on many long-haul aircraft, available for purchase in different set data packages. All long-distance flights have seatback screens in each cabin with hundreds of movies and TV shows (so you won’t be bored). There are power outlets at all seats, too.

Service

Austrian’s cabin crew is known for their friendly service and attention to detail. This is especially true in business class, where the flight attendants work hard to serve the multi-course meals and address passengers by name. It’s not often you receive a meal service this elaborate in business class on even shorter overnight flights.

Loyalty program and using miles

Austrian Airlines is part of the Miles & More loyalty program, one of the most extensive frequent flyer programs in Europe which is also used by Lufthansa and Swiss Airlines. Austrian is part of the Lufthansa Group, after all. Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and hotel stays. Also, Austrian offers award tickets across its network, and Miles & More members have access to all Star Alliance rewards – that includes airlines like United Airlines, Air Canada, and many more.

In terms of elite status, Austrian offers several levels that come with increasing benefits, including priority boarding, lounge access, and extra baggage. Mid-tier status comes with additional privileges like guaranteed seat availability and more frequent flyer miles while the top-tier status includes exclusive benefits, like First Class lounge access and concierge service.

Finally, because Austrian is part of the Star Alliance network, you can credit your paid Austrian flights to carriers like United Airlines or Air Canada if those are the miles that you prefer to accumulate.