Covid Testing Requirements For Austrian Airlines: What You Need

Austrian Airlines has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. One notable initiative is the introduction of mandatory COVID-19 testing for passengers on certain flights. This measure adds an extra layer of safety by ensuring that no one onboard is carrying and potentially spreading the virus. The tests are provided free of charge, and passengers also have the option to provide their own negative PCR test results within a specified time frame. Additionally, Austrian Airlines offers a comprehensive safe travel guide, providing information on country-specific entry regulations, protective measures, and flexible booking options.

COVID-19 testing requirements for Austrian Airlines passengers

Austrian Airlines has implemented a mandatory coronavirus testing program for passengers on certain routes. This program aims to ensure that no one onboard is carrying and potentially spreading the virus, adding an extra layer of safety to the flights.

Testing Procedures:

Austrian Airlines offers rapid pre-boarding COVID-19 tests for passengers on select routes, including flights to Berlin from Vienna Airport. These antibody tests are provided free of charge and deliver results within 15 minutes. Passengers on flights OS171 (VIE-HAM) and OS172 (HAM-VIE) are required to undergo mandatory pre-flight testing, with their boarding passes only activated if they test negative.

Additional Safety Measures:

In addition to testing, Austrian Airlines has implemented several other safety measures to protect the well-being and safety of its passengers and employees:

• Enhanced cleaning protocols at Vienna Airport, including the installation of plexiglass panes at check-in, boarding, and information counters.
• Floor markings and hand disinfection dispensers to ensure social distancing and proper hygiene.
• Boarding in smaller groups to maintain distance and the use of contactless boarding through Quick Boarding Gates.
• Increased frequency and intensity of cabin cleaning, including standard cleaning after each flight and intensive cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
• High-quality air filters that ensure constant cleaning of the air and a complete exchange of fresh air approximately every three minutes.
• Simplified in-flight service to minimize contact between passengers and crew.
• Flexible rebooking options and refunds for flights affected by cancellations or significant rebooking.

Entry Requirements:

It is important to note that Austrian Airlines operates within the local entry regulations of the departure and destination countries. Therefore, passengers are responsible for reviewing and adhering to the specific entry requirements of their destination, as well as any regulations at the departure and arrival airports. Many countries require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry, which can be obtained through an antigen or PCR test at Vienna International Airport.

Austrian Airlines provides a safe travel guide and an interactive map to help passengers navigate travel restrictions and other requirements for their specific destinations. Additionally, they offer a digital document check service where passengers can voluntarily upload their COVID-19 test results, vaccination certificates, or entry forms to ensure compliance with entry requirements before arriving at the airport.

Face mask rules on Austrian Airlines flights

Austrian Airlines has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key measures is the mandatory wearing of face masks on board their flights. Here are the face mask rules for Austrian Airlines flights:

Face Mask Requirements for Austrian Airlines Flights:

• All passengers on Austrian Airlines flights are required to wear face masks throughout their journey.
• Specifically, Austrian Airlines requires passengers to wear FFP2 masks without valves (also known as N95 or KN95 masks).
• Passengers must provide their own masks and are expected to wear them from the time they board the aircraft until they disembark.
• This rule applies to all passengers over the age of 14. Passengers between the ages of 6 and 14 and pregnant women are permitted to wear regular surgical masks or cloth masks.
• Children under the age of 6 are exempt from wearing masks.
• Passengers who are unable to wear masks due to medical reasons must present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 48 hours of the scheduled trip, along with a medical certificate on an Austrian Airlines form.

Additional Safety Measures:

Austrian Airlines has also implemented other safety measures to complement the face mask rule. These include:

• Mandatory pre-flight COVID-19 testing for passengers on certain routes, such as between Hamburg and Vienna.
• Social distancing measures, where possible, in the airport and during boarding.
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures for aircraft and other high-touch areas.
• Encouraging passengers to check-in online and use contactless options during their journey.

Boarding and check-in procedures

Austrian Airlines has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the key procedures to follow when boarding and checking in for an Austrian Airlines flight:

Check-in

• Austrian Airlines offers a digital document check service, allowing passengers to upload their COVID-19-related documents, such as test results, vaccination certificates, or entry forms, before arriving at the airport. This voluntary service provides peace of mind and saves time at the airport.
• Passengers are encouraged to review and observe the entry requirements for their destination and any connecting flights, as well as the regulations at the departure and destination airports.
• Austrian Airlines provides information about entry requirements for Austria, the US, and country-specific entry requirements for all its destinations.

Boarding

• Boarding takes place in smaller groups to maintain social distancing and facilitate faster boarding.
• Contactless boarding is available at Vienna Airport through Quick Boarding Gates, where a scanner reads the boarding pass, eliminating the need for contact with a staff member.
• Plexiglass panes, or "sneeze guards," are installed at boarding counters for added protection.
• Floor markings are in place to ensure passengers maintain the required distance.
• Hand sanitiser dispensers are available along the way to the aircraft.

Testing

• Austrian Airlines has implemented a mandatory coronavirus testing pilot program on certain flights, requiring passengers to produce a negative COVID-19 test result.
• The tests are conducted at a dedicated check-in area, and results are provided verbally or via SMS within 15 minutes. Boarding passes are activated only if the test result is negative.
• Alternatively, passengers may provide their own negative PCR test result obtained within 48 hours before the flight.
• Passengers who test positive will be offered support by the airline, including the option to rebook or cancel their flight at no cost.

Cleaning and safety measures

Austrian Airlines has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the key cleaning and safety protocols in place:

Protective Measures

Austrian Airlines has enhanced cleaning protocols at Vienna Airport, with more frequent and intensive cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as check-in counters, boarding gates, and information counters. Plexiglass "sneeze guards" have been installed at these counters to provide an additional layer of protection. Floor markings help maintain social distancing, and hand sanitiser dispensers are readily available throughout the airport.

Boarding Process

To facilitate social distancing, Austrian Airlines has implemented a boarding process that involves smaller groups. This not only ensures a safe distance but also speeds up the boarding process. Additionally, contactless boarding is available at Vienna Airport through Quick Boarding Gates, eliminating the need for direct contact with staff.

Cabin Cleaning

The frequency and thoroughness of cabin cleaning have been significantly increased. In addition to the standard cleaning after each flight, there is now more frequent deep cleaning of various surfaces, including tables, seat belts, armrests, toilets, and door handles.

Air Quality

Special filters are used to ensure continuous cleaning of the air during the flight. These filters provide a complete exchange of fresh air approximately every three minutes, and the air quality meets the standards of clinical operating theatres. The airflow in the cabin is designed to flow from top to bottom, further enhancing the overall air quality.

In-Flight Service

The in-flight service has been adapted to minimise contact between passengers and crew. This includes simplifying the service and ensuring that social distancing guidelines are followed as much as possible.

Face Masks

According to the Austrian Federal Government ordinance, FFP2 masks are mandatory during Austrian Airlines flights, from boarding until disembarkation. Masks are also compulsory at all Austrian airports in enclosed areas. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from this requirement. For those who cannot wear a mask due to medical reasons, a negative COVID-19 PCR test and a current medical certificate are needed, along with the completion of the Austrian Airlines mask exemption form.

Country-specific entry requirements

Austrian Airlines has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline offers detailed information on country-specific entry requirements, including entry regulations and guidelines for safe travel, hygiene practices, and flexible booking options.

Currently, different countries have varying entry requirements, and passengers must review and comply with the regulations for their destination and the departure and destination airports. If you have a connecting flight, you must also check the entry rules for the country of transfer. Austrian Airlines provides information on entry requirements for Austria and the US, as well as country-specific guidelines for all its destinations.

To enter many countries, you need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Antigen or PCR tests can be conducted at Vienna International Airport, either on departure or arrival. Austrian Airlines also offers online document checks for many flights, allowing passengers to upload their COVID-19 test results, vaccination certificates, or entry forms. This voluntary service ensures compliance with entry requirements before arriving at the airport, saving time and providing peace of mind.

In addition to testing and documentation, Austrian Airlines emphasizes the importance of protective measures, such as wearing masks. According to the Austrian Federal Government ordinance, FFP2 masks are mandatory during flights and at all Austrian airports in enclosed areas. Children under six are exempt from this requirement, and those who cannot wear a mask for health reasons must present a negative PCR test and a current medical certificate using the airline's mask exemption form.

Austrian Airlines has also implemented enhanced cleaning protocols at Vienna Airport, with increased cleaning activities, plexiglass installations at counters, floor markings to ensure social distancing, and hand disinfection dispensers available for passengers. Boarding takes place in smaller groups to maintain distance, and contactless boarding is available through Quick Boarding Gates. The frequency and intensity of cabin cleaning have been increased, and special filters ensure constant air cleaning and a complete exchange of fresh air approximately every three minutes.

Frequently asked questions