Airline Profile: Austrian Airlines

The Facts:

Analysis:

Travel Classes:

Economy Class (Short Haul):

Short haul economy on Austrian Airlines features slimline seats throughout the entire aircraft. On all narrow body aircraft, there is no inflight entertainment available (besides wifi on a few aircraft) – make sure that you bring something to entertain you on a short haul flight. Austrian Airlines does offer warm premium food by DO & CO catering available on most short haul flights in economy class for purchase. I personally find it great that Austrian allows you to order warm meals in economy for purchase ahead of time – most European airlines only serve snacks or light meals in economy on short haul flights.

Business Class (Short Haul):

Short haul business class on pretty much all European airlines is 100% not worth it and is to be avoided. The seats are exactly the same as the seats in economy class, and the seats have no more legroom or recline than economy. The only difference between the seats is that the middle seat is always blocked, but there aren’t even tables between the seats. Austrian can increase or decrease the number of seats in Business Class with no effort at all, only depending on demand. Passengers have access to priority check in, a business class lounge, a faster lane through security, and a larger baggage allowance. Free meals are available on every flight, although don’t expect something very extravagant. I would personally say to stick to economy as the seats aren’t better than in economy and business class is not worth it for a business class ground service. Austrian airlines offers a virtual tour of one of their Airbus A321s online. Here is a screenshot below:

Economy Class (Long Haul):

Long haul Economy Class on Austrian is pretty standard compared to other airlines. It features seat back entertainment in all seats (on long haul aircraft), power outlets (767), and complimentary hot meals. Extra legroom seats (meaning exit row seats) are available for purchase. Economy is in a 2-3-2 configuration on the 767 and is on the 3-4-3 configuration on the 777, so if possible, take the 767 as it has fewer middle seats than on the 777.

Premium Economy Class (Long Haul):

Premium economy on Austrian Airlines is featured on all long haul aircraft (meaning all Boeing 767s and 777s). It features recliner seats with foot rests, head rests, 40 degrees recline, food better than in economy, more luggage (two 23 kg suitcases instead of one in economy), amenity kits (with items such as ear plugs, socks, toothbrushes, etc…), and wider seats. Premium economy is in a 2-4-2 configuration on all 777s and in a 2-2-2 configuration on all 767s. Upgrading to premium economy can be as low as 250 – 350 Euros (around 290 – 405 USD) which is pretty cheap for upgrading to premium economy – I would honestly recommend upgrading to premium economy for that price if possible.

Business Class (Long Haul):

Business class on Austrian features flat-bed seats on all aircraft using the Thompson Vantage seat model (the same seat as on American/Delta 767s). On the 767, business class is in a 1-2-1 configuration, while on the 777 it is in an alternating 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 configuration. The seats are known to be comfortable, although they are also a little bit tight and don’t have all aisle access on the 777. The seat is probably one step better than what you find on Lufthansa but is a step down from what you would find on a seat such as ANA’s long haul business class. Austrian Airlines is also known to have some of the world’s best business class catering, besides Turkish Airlines. Business class features food better than in classes below, personal televisions, amenity kits, blankets, pillows, etc. Austrian Airlines business class is probably slightly better than what you find on Lufthansa, but definitely is not the best on earth.

Have you ever flown on Austrian Airlines? Share about your experience below!