Austrian Airlines: Seamless Baggage Transfer For Easy Travel

Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa group, offers varying baggage allowances depending on the travel class booked and the route taken. Passengers are permitted to carry cabin baggage on board, with Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers allowed one piece of carry-on baggage and Business Class passengers allowed two. All carry-on baggage must not exceed dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 23cm and a weight of 8kg. Passengers can also bring one personal item on board, such as a handbag or laptop case, with dimensions not exceeding 40cm x 30cm x 10cm. For checked baggage, the allowance depends on the ticket type and route, with Economy Light tickets not including any free baggage allowance. Excess baggage fees apply for bags exceeding weight and size limits, and sports equipment and special baggage may incur additional charges if they fall outside the standard allowance.

Carry-on baggage allowance

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to carry cabin baggage on board their flight, with the allowance depending on the class of service booked. Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers are permitted to carry one piece of carry-on baggage, while Business Class passengers are allowed two pieces. All carry-on baggage must not exceed the dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 23cm and must not weigh more than 8kg. This baggage must be appropriately sized to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of the passenger. Any carry-on baggage that exceeds these restrictions will be checked into the hold and excess baggage fees may be applied.

In addition to their carry-on baggage, passengers are also allowed to bring one personal item on board, such as a handbag or laptop case. This item must not exceed the dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 10cm.

It is important to note that Austrian Airlines has specific regulations for sports equipment and musical instruments. Sports equipment, such as skiing or snowboarding gear, can be carried free of charge if it does not exceed the baggage allowance on the ticket. However, for some sports equipment, there may be additional charges depending on the type of sport and the departure location. Musical instruments that exceed the dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm and weigh more than 8kg will require passengers to book an additional seat for their instrument.

Checked baggage allowance

Austrian Airlines passengers are given a certain amount of free checked baggage allowance, however, the exact amount depends on the flight route and the type of ticket booked. For Economy Light tickets, there is no free baggage allowance.

For European routes, passengers are allowed 1 bag per passenger, with a maximum weight of 23kg and total dimensions of 158cm. Intercontinental routes have the same allowance. Any checked baggage that exceeds the allowable weight limit will be subject to excess baggage fees.

Austrian Airlines permits a wide range of sporting equipment and special baggage on flights. So long as the baggage allowance shown on your ticket is not exceeded in terms of the number of items or weight, these items can be carried without a surcharge. However, some items may be considered as oversized or overweight, and will be subject to additional charges.

Excess baggage fees

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. The weight of carry-on bags must not exceed 17.6 pounds (8 kg) and must be appropriately sized to be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat. Business Class passengers are permitted to carry two pieces of carry-on baggage.

The airline also permits a certain amount of free checked baggage, depending on the flight route and the class of service. Economy Classic and Flex passengers can check in one piece of luggage weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg), while Business Class passengers are allowed two pieces, each weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg).

If your baggage exceeds the weight or size limits, you will be subject to excess baggage fees, which vary by route and destination. For example, fees for overweight or oversized bags on flights between Europe and the Middle East, North Africa, or Central Asia range from €100 to €200, while flights between Europe and Japan can cost up to €350.

Sports equipment and special baggage, such as snowboarding, surfing, or golf equipment, may be carried with or without a surcharge, depending on the fare. If your sports baggage exceeds your allowance, you will be charged a ticket service fee of between €10 and €20, as well as excess baggage fees depending on the type of sport and the route.

You can use the Austrian Airlines baggage calculator on their website to determine how much baggage you can bring and the cost of additional baggage.

Sports equipment

Austrian Airlines permits a wide range of sporting equipment and special baggage on its flights. The airline will carry your snowboarding, surfing, or golf equipment with or without a surcharge, depending on the fare.

Sports Baggage with No Surcharge

Austrian Airlines will carry your sports baggage with no surcharge, as long as it does not exceed the number of bags and weight of the baggage allowance on your ticket. This does not apply to hang gliders, longboards, and tandems.

One item of skiing or snowboarding equipment per person can be taken free of charge, in addition to the free baggage allowance. However, this does not apply to European routes on the Economy Light fare and routes to/from/via the USA, Mexico, and Central America.

Sports Baggage with a Surcharge

If your sports baggage exceeds your baggage allowance, you will incur a charge depending on the type of sport and the weight/size of the equipment. A ticket service fee of between EUR 10 and EUR 20 will also be applied. Only previously registered sports baggage is accepted at check-in, with a maximum weight of 32 kg and a maximum length of 3.15 m.

Examples of Sports Equipment Charges

• Scuba diving equipment: EUR 60 for two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 32 kg.
• Surfboard or kiteboard: EUR 60 per piece, up to 32 kg.
• Windsurfing equipment: EUR 90 for two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 32 kg.
• Hang gliding equipment: EUR 60 per piece, up to 32 kg.
• Domestic sports equipment (not listed above): EUR 70.
• International sports equipment (not listed above): EUR 100-250, depending on the route.

Booking Sports Equipment

It is important to note that sports equipment must be registered 48 hours before departure due to aircraft capacity restrictions. You can register by contacting the Austrian Airlines Call Centre or via email. On the day of travel, ensure you arrive at the airport with enough time to check in your sports equipment.

Musical instruments

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to bring musical instruments on board, either as carry-on baggage or by purchasing an additional seat for larger instruments. The option available to you will depend on the size and weight of your instrument.

If your instrument does not exceed the standard cabin baggage size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm and a weight of 8 kg, you can bring it on the plane as carry-on luggage. Instruments that exceed these dimensions by a few centimetres (e.g. violins and flutes) may also be transported as carry-on baggage and will count as one piece. However, if you are travelling with another carry-on bag, it is advisable to only bring a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop in addition to your instrument, as you may face difficulties with airline staff.

If your instrument is larger, you will need to book an extra seat for it. Instruments that stand on the floor in front of the seat must not exceed dimensions of 155 x 42 x 25 cm, while those strapped to the seat must not exceed 110 x 42 x 50 cm, with a maximum weight of 75 kg for both. The price for taking your instrument with you will depend on the ticket prices available. You must book this extra seat at the same time as you book your own ticket by contacting the Austrian Airlines Service Centre.

Please note that musical instruments should be packed in a hard protective case with minimal room for movement and good padding to ensure they are not damaged during carriage in the cargo hold.

Frequently asked questions