United And Austrian Airlines: Employee Travel Benefits And Partnership

Austrian Airlines and United Airlines work closely together, offering coordinated check-in processes, connecting flights, and frequent traveller programmes. Employees of United Airlines are eligible for flight benefits, including free standby travel at their boarding level and seniority. After six months of employment, United employees can also have either 10 registered buddies with 12 buddy passes or a second travel companion. Additionally, these individuals are eligible for UA20, which offers a 20% discount on all United flights. However, it is important to note that United employees' flight benefits do not extend to Austrian Airlines.

United and Austrian Airlines work together to offer coordinated check-in processes, connecting flights and frequent traveller programmes

United Airlines and Austrian Airlines work together to offer a seamless travel experience, from check-in to arrival. Both airlines coordinate their check-in processes , ensuring that passengers flying with both carriers can check in with the first airline and receive a digital boarding pass for their entire journey, including connecting flights. This means that passengers don't need to worry about checking in separately for each flight or even downloading multiple apps.

The two airlines also offer connecting flights to over 500 destinations worldwide, providing a wide range of travel options for passengers. This extensive network allows for convenient travel between various locations, making it easier for passengers to reach their desired destinations.

Additionally, United and Austrian Airlines recognise the importance of frequent traveller programmes. United Airlines offers its MileagePlus® Program, providing various benefits and discounts for loyal customers. Similarly, Austrian Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, which offers its own set of benefits for frequent flyers. By working together, the two airlines ensure that frequent travellers can enjoy a more seamless and rewarding travel experience across their respective networks.

While the two airlines collaborate in these areas, it's important to note that there may be differences in their services. For example, seat selection policies and fees can vary between the two carriers, as noted by some passengers who booked through one airline and flew with the other. It is always advisable to familiarise yourself with the policies of the specific airline you will be flying with to avoid any confusion or unexpected charges.

Austrian Airlines charges a seat reservation fee if you want to pick your seat in advance

Austrian Airlines and United Airlines work closely together, offering coordinated check-in processes, connecting flights and frequent traveller programmes. However, when it comes to seat reservations, the two airlines operate differently.

HON Circle Members and Senators can reserve Classic Seats and Extra Legroom Seats for free on Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, but this benefit does not apply to Economy Light bookings on short-haul flights.

In addition to the seat reservation fee, Austrian Airlines also charges a ticket service fee for booking and ticketing services, which is non-refundable. This fee depends on the country, booking type and payment method.

It is important to note that if you book your flight through United Airlines or a third-party website, you may not be able to select your seat in advance on Austrian Airlines. In such cases, you may need to contact Austrian Airlines directly or use their website or app to choose your seat.

Therefore, if you are a United employee, you may be subject to the same seat reservation policies and fees as other passengers when flying with Austrian Airlines. It is recommended to contact Austrian Airlines directly or refer to their website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their seat reservation policies and fees.

United employees get free standby travel at their boarding level and seniority

United Airlines offers its employees free standby travel at their boarding level and seniority. This means that employees can take advantage of unlimited, free global travel on United flights, with the added benefit of including their immediate family members (parents, siblings) and a companion (spouse, domestic partner). After six months of employment, United employees can also choose to add either 10 registered buddies with 12 buddy passes per year or a second travel companion.

Buddy passes allow the added individuals to travel on standby at a lower boarding priority for a fee. It is important to note that buddy passes are per flight segment, not per reservation. For example, a flight from EWR to ABQ with a layover in ORD would require two buddy passes and may cost around $80. Additionally, the 12 buddy passes are shared among the pool of 10 buddies.

United employees and their companions also have access to inter-airline travel, allowing them to book standby tickets on other airlines for a small fee. However, this option may not provide insight into flight loads, and upgrades to higher-tiered seats may not always be available.

In terms of seat selection, United employees and their companions may encounter challenges when booking through partner airlines. While United provides confirmation numbers for partner flights, seat selection may need to be done through the partner airline's website or app, and there may be fees associated with choosing specific seats.

It is recommended to use the app of the first airline on your trip to stay informed about your flight and any connections. Additionally, checking in with the first airline and obtaining a digital boarding pass will typically cover your connecting flight with the partner airline.

United sometimes uses special names for its travel classes but you will travel in the travel class that you booked

United Airlines and Austrian Airlines work together closely, offering a flexible selection of flights to over 500 destinations worldwide, with coordinated check-in processes, connecting flights, and frequent traveller programmes.

United Airlines sometimes uses special names for its travel classes, such as United Polaris and United Premium Plus. However, you will always travel in the travel class that you booked, regardless of what United may call it. For example, if you booked a premium economy ticket, you will be seated in premium economy, even if United refers to it by a different name.

United and Austrian Airlines have their own apps to help with planning your trip, mobile check-in and other services

United Airlines and Austrian Airlines have their own apps to help with planning your trip, mobile check-in, and other services. The apps provide useful services for your day of travel and allow you to check in and stay up to date. It is recommended to use the app of the first airline you are flying with on your trip if you would prefer to use one app instead of two.

The United app provides information about your connecting flight at the earliest possible time. To access this information, simply open the app after arriving at the transfer airport and ensure your device has an internet connection. The app also offers a range of in-flight entertainment, including international blockbusters, Wi-Fi, and other services to ensure a pleasant journey.

The Austrian Airlines app provides reliable information about your connecting flight with Austrian Airlines. It also allows you to change your seat after checking in. Some seats are available to change for free, while others may incur a fee.

Both apps are useful tools to enhance your travel experience and provide convenient access to important information and services.

Frequently asked questions