Austrian Airlines Business Class
8
/10
A good flight you will enjoy and do again
Airport Experience
Cabin & Seat
Cuisine
Beverages
Service
Entertainment
Amenities & Facilities
Short & Medium Haul

Review of Austrian Airlines Business Class

BusinessClass.com review by Ramsey Qubein
Updated 27. Jul 2023

The Austrians are staunchly proud of all things Austrian, and the country's national airline continues in that vein. The carrier does not offer First Class – so the Austrian Airlines Business Class service is gloriously indulgent. While owned by Germany's Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss International and Brussels Airlines, everything with this airline points to Austrian culture.

From the menus to the airline's colours, travelling with Austrian Airlines Business Class is a treat, where you will find notable surprises like onboard chefs and a coffee menu akin to a traditional Viennese café.

Austrian Airlines participates in the Miles & More loyalty program and is a member of Star Alliance, which includes the global airlines All Nippon Airways (ANA), Ethiopian, Lufthansa, Swiss International, Turkish Airlines, United and Thai Airways.

Members can earn and redeem frequent flier miles when flying Star Alliance partner airlines. Austrian's codeshare agreements with a bevy of airlines open up hundreds of destinations and lounges for its passengers around the globe.

Airport experience

8/10

The main hub airport for Austrian Airlines is in Vienna, and starting your journey here is simple, with Austrian Airlines Business Class premium lane for check-in plus fast-track security lanes and priority boarding. Connecting passengers should pay attention to airport signage, which can sometimes be confusing as travellers traverse between terminals. The airport has grown so fast to meet popular demand for flying with Austrian that many terminals are interconnected via a series of hallways. Helpful staff are available all along the way and do not hesitate to ask for help.

Read about Vienna Airport on austrian.com

Austrian Airlines Business Class has Schengen and non-Schengen lounges for use by passengers based on their destination from the airport. In addition, there are Senator Lounges, which are accessible to Star Alliance Gold members, Miles & More top elite members, and First Class passengers on other Star Alliance flights within the same itinerary.

The lounges offer hot and cold food and a wide range of complimentary beverages, including wine, beer, liquor, and periodicals. Comfortable relaxation and work spaces with free Wi-Fi and the airline's LoungeNet platform make them popular places to enjoy pre-flight. Self-serve bars and buffets are well-kept and amply stocked. The Business Class Lounge also provides panoramic views of the airport apron.

More information about Austrian Airlines lounges at Vienna Airport

Outside of Austria, there are no Austrian Airlines-branded lounges, but Business Class passengers are always treated to access to third-party lounges, often affiliated with the airline's Star Alliance partners.

Cabin & Seat

8/10

Red and blue accents appear throughout the cabin, which helps make the grey and brown seat touches look even more appealing. Austrian operates a long-haul fleet of Boeing 767-300ER and 777-200ER aircraft with alternating seat configurations.

Seats recline to a flat bed and measure 2 metres (6.5 feet long) on the B777 and 1.9 metres (6.2 feet long) on the B767. Both aircraft offer 111.7 centimetres (44 inches) between seats, sufficient for tall travellers to have ample stretching room. On the B767, seats 1A and 1K have notably more legroom since they are at the bulkhead, and the footwell goes into a cutout of the wall in front rather than another seat. There is also a more spacious entryway to the seat.

Plenty of storage space is available, including a pocket for magazines plus a power and USB outlet for charging devices. Each seat has a pillow and rolled-up duvet blanket to help passengers stay comfortable on long flights.

On the B767, the setup is 1-2-1, while on the B777, the setup alternates by the row between 1-2-1 and 2-2-2. On either plane, solo travellers will prefer one of the single "A" or "K" seats for maximum privacy, while those travelling together should opt for the pairs of seats. The pairs of seats in the centre section have two side tables, and on the B767, the solo seats have side tables alternating between being on the side of the window or the side of the aisle. Seat maps show which seats have a small table closer to the aisle for those that prefer to have a barrier between your seat and the aisle. Those with the table in the centre mean that the seat is more exposed to the aisle - this makes it easier to get in and out, though.

On the B777, the single seats are considered "throne seats," which are the best options. The airline charges a fee for these prized seats (solo seats with a table on either side and no seat neighbour), although its most loyal elite status fliers can select them for free. In addition, any Business Class passenger can request these on the day of departure without charge. Other seats in Business Class are free to reserve in advance.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes images, videos and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft. Search results also include details such as seat pitch, width and recline. This way, you can see the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested before making your choice. 

Cuisine

10/10

Before takeoff, passengers can choose between Prosecco, juice, or water – although, in some cities, alcoholic drinks are not available as a pre-departure option. These are accompanied by bite-sized amuse-bouches from the Flying Chef, which is a nice touch. If you want more details on the inflight libations, the printed menus detail what is on offer. Some crew members are also trained as sommeliers, so do not be shy if you have questions about the wines on offer.

After takeoff, galley carts come down the aisle with drink options, including three white wines, three red wines and a dessert wine. Passengers can enjoy three sparkling wines, including a Prosecco and the Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve Champagne, although choices can vary based on the flight. Typically, there are four beers to choose from, all Austrian in provenance, and the crew is almost always proud to recommend their favourite.

The spirits list offers everything from Campari to Chivas Regal, while digestifs from the bar include Rémy Martin and Bailey's Irish Cream. The "Sidecar" cocktail is memorable. Its main spirit is Cognac, and is designed as a pre-rest snifter. Of course, soft drinks, juices, and tea are available in addition to the impressive coffee menu.

An iconic experience on Austrian flights is the post-meal Viennese coffee menu. It features nearly a dozen choices of hot and cold Julius Meinl coffees, each prepared individually and served in extravagant glasses or cups and saucers with a chocolate. It is delightful and similar to what you might experience in a Viennese coffee house. A firm favourite is the Wiener Eiskaffee – a double espresso served with vanilla ice cream and freshly whipped cream, served in a tall glass. Another treat is the classic Viennese Wiener Melange – an espresso coffee prepared with steamed milk and topped with foam.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on which Champagne is served in Business Class and First Class on many airlines. We do our best to keep track of any changes but feel free to let us know if we missed something.

Beverages

9/10

Service

8/10

Austrian crews are multi-lingual, speaking excellent English and the language of the destination in addition to German. They are conversational and interested in explaining details of the menu or chatting about where you are flying. Expect a friendly and charming crew on board.

Entertainment

8/10

Wide 38-centimetre (15-inch) entertainment screens on the B767 and B777 aircraft are controlled via remote and touchscreen. They have up to 400 hours of movie and sitcom options, plus cartoons for children, a global selection of music and all kinds of short programming like documentaries. Noise-reducing headphones are available at each seat and available before takeoff.

Detailed information about inflight entertainment and the current programme is available on austrian.com

Long-haul aircraft feature Wi-Fi with prices that vary by flight length and desired speed.

Updated pricing and more information about Wi-Fi on Austrian Airlines

International newspapers and magazines are available to download and save to your laptop, tablet or smartphone before takeoff. Visit the airline's eJournals portal on the website. The seatback contains a catalogue of 'airline-exclusive' items to purchase on board. The catalogue can also be viewed online in advance of the flight.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi.

 

Amenities & Facilities

7/10

Amenity kits offer goodies, including eyeshades, ear plugs, lotion, lip balm, socks, and dental kits. Passengers on select flights also receive a limited-edition small rucksack in an Austrian design. Before each meal service, there are also hot towels to refresh your face before dining. The bathroom has more amenities, like combs and stain-removal wipes.

Families travelling with infants can request seats suitable for a bassinet - Austrian calls it a "baby basket" - on long-haul flights; these should be reserved in advance to guarantee availability.

 

Short & Medium Haul

8/10

Seats on short-haul aircraft are located at the front of the aircraft and offer slightly more legroom than in Economy Class but with the adjacent seat blocked to provide more space and comfort. Passengers enjoy free lounge access at the airport, priority check-in, fast-track security, and boarding.

On European and regional flights to the Middle East lasting more than three hours, Austrian still offers a full bar service and a two-course menu service with restaurant-style place settings and a trio of bread, followed up with an Austrian apple strudel or the passenger favourite "Kaiserschmarrn" – a sweet shredded pancake dessert. Passengers on short flights of up to 50 minutes now receive a new hand-baked pastry option with a dine-on-board or takeaway option. 

Austrian is recognised for its Do & Co catering, and that does not end when you depart a long-haul flight. It also continues for the connecting flight, and the Austrian-friendly service is excellent no matter how long the flight is.

Sustainability

Austrian Airlines plans to reduce CO2 emissions by 33 per cent by 2030 while increasing its fuel efficiency by 1.5 per cent each year. Short and medium-haul flights will use a 2 per cent blending of alternative fuels, and there will be no domestic flights on routes with rail connections less than 3 hours from Vienna Airport. Since 2008, passengers have had the option of offsetting their Co2 emissions, resulting in EUR 1.5 million invested in CO2 compensation.

The airline uses software to plan the shortest possible flight times to minimise fuel use, while its Boeing B777 aircraft now have a fuel scavenge pump designed to collect unusable fuel. Wheel-faring modifications to its Embraer E195 aircraft also help reduce drag and fuel usage. Electric vehicles around the Vienna hub and recycling programs are additional areas of focus for the airline.

Information about carbon-neutral flying is available on austrian.com

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on CO2 emissions for each flight. Our quality algorithms also give a higher score to flights operated by the most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft.

What We Love

  • The impeccable catering experience from Do & Co is unlike anything you will have on another Business Class flight
  • The Viennese coffee house-style service after the main meal is unique to Austrian Airlines
  • Even those unfamiliar with Austrian culture will come away learning about the country after a flight with Austrian Airlines

 

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and the finest hotels.

About the author
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist who is recognised for his comprehensive coverage of the airline, hotel and cruising industries. With an impressive annual mileage of over 450,000 miles and a remarkable journey to all 7 continents, 50 U.S. states, and 168 United Nations countries, Ramsey possesses unparalleled expertise in maximising travel loyalty programs. His work, featured in...
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