United Flights And Austrian Airlines: What's The Difference?

United Airlines and Austrian Airlines are two different airlines, but they are partners and are both part of the Star Alliance. This means that you can book a flight with United Airlines and end up flying with Austrian Airlines, or vice versa. This is known as a codeshare. In these cases, Austrian Airlines' rules will apply, and you will not be able to select your seats until check-in.

Seat selection

When booking a flight, it is important to understand the seat selection process, especially when booking through one airline for a flight operated by another. In the case of booking a United flight operated by Austrian Airlines, the process can be a bit confusing. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate seat selection for this scenario.

Understanding the Partnership:

United Airlines and Austrian Airlines are partners, which means you can book a United flight that is operated by Austrian Airlines. This partnership allows for code-sharing, where two or more airlines share the same flight. However, it is important to note that their systems are not fully integrated, which can make seat selection a bit tricky.

Booking and Selecting Seats:

When booking your flight through United, you may notice that you cannot select your seats for the Austrian Airlines leg of the journey. This is because seat selection for Austrian Airlines flights is handled directly through their website or app. To access this, you will need the Austrian Airlines confirmation number or booking code, which can be found on your United reservation.

Once you have the Austrian Airlines confirmation number, go to their website or app and enter it under "My Bookings." From there, you should be able to select your preferred seats. It is recommended to do this as early as possible, as some seats may become unavailable closer to the departure date.

Fees and Charges:

It is important to note that Austrian Airlines, like many European carriers, charges a fee for advance seat selection. These fees can vary depending on the seat type and location within the aircraft. For example, a premium seat may cost more to reserve in advance than a standard economy seat.

Last-Minute Changes:

In some cases, you may encounter issues with last-minute changes or cancellations. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, and you need to rebook, you may need to contact both United and Austrian Airlines to ensure your seat selection is transferred to the new flight. It is always a good idea to have your confirmation numbers and booking codes readily available in case you need to make any changes.

Alternative Options:

If you are unable to select your seats in advance or encounter issues with the process, there are a few alternatives. You can try checking in online as soon as it opens, which may allow you to select your seats. Additionally, you can contact Austrian Airlines directly by phone, and they can assist you with seat selection.

In summary, when booking a United flight operated by Austrian Airlines, seat selection can be done through the Austrian Airlines website or app using the confirmation number from your United reservation. However, there may be fees associated with advance seat selection, and it is always a good idea to be proactive and select your seats as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Food quality

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines offers meals and drinks on both short and long-haul flights. On short-haul flights, passengers can choose between two free menus during the flight and receive a small refreshment before landing. On long-haul flights, the airline offers a wide selection of drinks, snacks, and hot and cold food from the Austrian Melangerie.

Austrian Airlines' food is catered by Do and Co, which serves delicious and beautifully presented meals. For example, their inflight lunch consists of mac and cheese with a side salad, a bread roll, cake, and water. For dessert, Austrian Airlines offers chocolate mousse, which has been described as "quite possibly the best airplane dessert" by some passengers.

United Airlines

United Airlines has expanded its domestic first-class menu and hot meal service to most flights over 800 miles. The airline now offers up to six options for pre-ordering, with two or three main dishes available on board if you do not pre-order.

United Airlines' food is prepared by LSG Sky Chefs, who prepare frozen meals and ship them to the local in-flight kitchen. While United has tried to improve the quality of these meals, reviews suggest that the food is still subpar. One review describes the food as "terrible" and mentions that there is not enough of it. Another review states that the food is "inedible".

Based on the information gathered, Austrian Airlines appears to offer better food quality than United Airlines. Austrian Airlines provides a wider variety of options, including hot and cold meals, and their food has been described as delicious and beautifully presented. In contrast, United Airlines' food has been criticized for its poor taste and small portions.

In-flight entertainment

Austrian Airlines provides a diverse selection of in-flight entertainment options to cater to different preferences. Their offering includes the latest blockbuster movies, classic films, music from various genres, and games. For long-haul flights, Austrian Airlines offers a vast choice of films and series in 20 languages, allowing passengers to enjoy content in their preferred language. Additionally, passengers can create personalised playlists from a wide range of music options, including jazz, classical, folk, and the latest chart-topping hits. The user-friendly touchscreen interface makes it easy to navigate and select desired titles. Austrian Airlines also provides a range of newspapers and magazines in different languages as free eJournals, which can be downloaded onto mobile devices before departure.

United Airlines, on the other hand, offers United Private Screening, providing a variety of entertainment options for passengers. While the specifics of the entertainment choices are not publicly available, they likely include movies, TV shows, music, and games, similar to Austrian Airlines. United Airlines also provides internet access on its aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected and access additional entertainment options during their flight.

Both airlines offer comparable in-flight entertainment systems, with Austrian Airlines prioritising content variety and a user-friendly interface, while United Airlines emphasises a broader range of options. Ultimately, the choice between the two airlines depends on individual preferences for entertainment variety, connectivity, and other factors such as seat comfort, dining options, and overall service quality.

Cabin crew

United Airlines and Austrian Airlines both offer a range of perks and benefits to their cabin crew.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers its flight attendants a dynamic and rewarding career with opportunities to grow, give back, and travel the world. The airline emphasizes its commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, supporting employees in their advocacy for equality.

United's flight attendants are required to have excellent communication skills, a professional appearance, and the ability to handle high-stress situations. They must also be able to operate electronic devices proficiently and possess a valid passport with the required validity.

The initial training program for United flight attendants is 6.5 weeks long and covers safety, security, service, and aircraft fleet knowledge. Trainees receive accommodation, meals, a stipend, and a cash bonus upon completion.

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines, on the other hand, emphasizes creating a warm and inclusive environment for its employees. While specific requirements and benefits for cabin crew are not readily available, Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, which offers career opportunities across a range of professional fields.

Overall

Both airlines offer unique advantages to their cabin crew, with United emphasizing career growth and global travel, while Austrian focuses on creating a positive and inclusive work environment. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on an individual's preferences and priorities.

On-time performance

United Airlines and Austrian Airlines are both part of the Star Alliance, and both offer flights from Newark to Europe. However, their on-time performance can vary.

In a comparison of United's 767 Economy Class and Austrian's 767 Economy Class, the reviewer noted that only one of their four Austrian flights was delayed, while both of their United flights were delayed. This suggests that Austrian Airlines may have better on-time performance for this particular route.

Additionally, in a forum post, a user noted that they usually prefer direct flights but were considering a connecting flight with United due to the possibility of delays. This indicates that United may have a higher chance of delays, especially when connections are involved.

It is important to note that on-time performance can vary depending on the route, time of year, and other factors. Delays can occur due to various reasons, such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, or air traffic control. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the on-time performance for your specific route and date of travel.

When choosing between United and Austrian Airlines, considering their on-time performance is crucial, especially if you have connecting flights or a tight schedule. While Austrian Airlines may have had better on-time performance in the experiences shared, it is always wise to check the most up-to-date information for your specific travel plans.

Frequently asked questions