Austrian Airlines: Business Class Awards For Partners?

Austrian Airlines is one of the smaller full-service airlines in the Star Alliance, with a fleet size of around 70 aircraft. The carrier is not as ubiquitous as some of the other European giants, but its wide-body jets can be spotted from time to time, especially at international gateway airports in the U.S. Midwest and on the East Coast. Austrian Airlines offers an excellent business class product, and its food and beverage offerings are particularly famous among luxury aficionados.

Booking Austrian Airlines business class is easy, and if you search for award space around six to seven months before departure, you will find plenty of availability throughout the schedule. As a general rule, Austrian Airlines doesn't make award space available more than 210 days before departure. However, searching for availability 30 to 60 or 90 to 210 days in advance should yield successful results.

The availability of business class award seats can vary depending on the airline and the specific rewards program. Generally, airlines have a range between 330 and 362 days in advance, almost a full year. Booking as early as possible increases the chances of securing award space, especially during peak travel seasons or on popular routes.

While some airlines, like ANA, reliably release award seats as soon as their calendar opens, others, like British Airways, guarantee seats in business class and economy on all flights when they are released. Most airlines will usually have a few seats available in premium cabins and plenty of availability in economy class.

Austrian Airlines is known to release more business class award space as the departure date approaches, assuming there are a good number of unsold seats. This is a common strategy among airlines, as they aim to release enough availability to keep members engaged without cannibalizing ticket sales.

Booking Austrian Airlines business class is easy

Austrian Airlines is one of the smaller full-service airlines in the Star Alliance. The Vienna-based flag carrier connects passengers with Austria and beyond. With a current fleet of around 70 aircraft, it is not as ubiquitous as some other European airlines. However, you can see its wide-body jets at international gateway airports in the US Midwest and East Coast.

Austrian Airlines has an excellent business class product, particularly its food and beverage offering, which is famous among luxury aficionados. The business class product varies depending on the aircraft. The Boeing 767-300 has a better cabin configuration (1-2-1) than the Boeing 777-200, which has a more crowded configuration with alternating rows of 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 seating. All business class seats recline to a fully flat position, but the seats on the 767 are slightly wider, and you will have direct aisle access.

If you are booking a business class flight, you will be able to take two items of hand luggage up to 8kg and two free bags up to 32kg. You will also be able to enjoy priority check-in, priority baggage handling, fast-lane security, and priority boarding. You can also enjoy free lounge access, comfortable seats with a free adjacent seat, exclusive meals, and extra miles when you book.

As a general rule, Austrian Airlines does not make award space available more than 210 days before departure. However, searching for availability 30 to 60 or 90 to 210 days before departure should be successful. The most common days with business class availability are Sundays through Wednesdays, and you may also find last-minute award availability.

You can book Austrian Airlines business class through various frequent flyer programs, including Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Asiana Club, and ANA Mileage Club.

Austrian Airlines business class seats recline to a fully flat position

Austrian Airlines' business class seats are designed with comfort in mind. The seats recline to a fully flat position, allowing passengers to stretch out and relax. On long-haul flights, passengers can enjoy a high-tech seat that converts into an almost two-metre-long bed. The seats are 19 inches wide, which is slightly narrower than other business-class seats, but still comfortable.

The business-class cabin has a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access. The seats are staggered, with the window seats alternating between being against the window and against the aisle. This layout provides more privacy, especially for those seated closer to the window.

The seats have two sets of controls, one on the armrest and another in the bed head, making it easy to adjust your position even when fully reclined. The seats also come with noise-cancelling headphones and an individually adjustable air cushion system for added comfort.

Overall, Austrian Airlines' business class seats offer a high level of comfort and convenience, ensuring passengers can relax and enjoy their journey.

Austrian Airlines' business class dining is superb

Austrian Airlines Business Class Dining is Superb

Austrian Airlines is known for its excellent business class product, but its food and beverage offering is particularly famous among luxury aficionados. The airline's business class dining is superb and is industry-leading.

Long-Haul Flights

On long-haul flights, Austrian Airlines offers an extensive menu with exclusive meals from DO & CO, Demel and Henry – the art of living, Austria’s finest catering brands. The menu features Austrian cuisine with a modern twist, as well as international delicacies. The meals are prepared with the best regional and seasonal produce and are always freshly prepared.

Passengers can expect a full selection of Austrian coffee specialties, including "eiskaffee" (a lavish espresso drink topped with ice cream and whipped cream), "Einspänner" (Viennese coffee with whipped cream), and "Melange" (coffee with steamed cream and milk foam).

The meal service on long-haul flights begins with an aperitif and a culinary greeting from the kitchen. Assiettes, traditional Viennese snack plates, are also available throughout the flight for those who are slightly peckish between meals.

Short and Medium-Haul Flights

On shorter flights of up to 50 minutes, Austrian Airlines offers hand-baked pastries, as well as cold menus featuring fresh muesli, hand-sliced ham with horseradish, and an inspiring poke bowl with smoked salmon. On flights between 50 and 80 minutes, Sachertorte, panna cotta, or apple strudel are served for dessert.

On flights lasting 80 minutes or more, the airline offers a combination of Austrian specialties and international dishes. Fresh, high-quality, and colourful creations are served hot, followed by a sweet specialty.

Children's and Special Meals

Austrian Airlines also offers special meals tailored to personal and health requirements, as well as children's meals. On flights lasting over three hours and 45 minutes, children are offered a complimentary meal, which includes a classic Wiener schnitzel or a selection of pasta dishes with a sweet treat for dessert.

Austrian Airlines releases 2 business class seats reliably

Austrian Airlines is a small full-service airline and part of the Star Alliance group. It is known for its excellent business class product, particularly its food and beverage offering.

Booking business class with Austrian Airlines is easy, with plenty of award availability throughout the schedule. While the airline doesn't make award space available more than 210 days before departure, you can reliably find seats 30 to 60 or 90 to 210 days before departure.

The best days with business class availability tend to be Sundays through Wednesdays. Additionally, last-minute award availability is sometimes released.

Business Class Perks

On long-haul flights, Austrian Airlines' business class is equipped with comfortable seats that can be converted into almost two-metre-long beds. The airline also offers noise-cancelling headphones and an individually adjustable air cushion system for a more comfortable journey.

The dining experience is a highlight, with exclusive meals from DO & CO. The coffee menu includes Viennese coffee with whipped cream and coffee with steamed cream and milk foam.

Business class passengers also receive amenity kits containing an eye mask, socks, earplugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as high-quality face cream and lip balm.

Booking Tips

When searching for award seats, it's recommended to start looking as soon as you know you'll be travelling. If your trip is more than a year away, begin your search as soon as the airline's calendar opens.

While booking in advance increases your chances of securing an award seat, booking last-minute can also be a good strategy, as some airlines release more award space as the departure date approaches.

It's also worth noting that not all airlines release award seats when the schedule opens, and availability can be sporadic. Remaining vigilant and repeating your search frequently can increase your chances of finding the seats you want.

Partner Awards

When booking with partners, it's important to consider the timelines of both the airline you're booking with and the airline you're flying with. Whichever timeframe is shorter is the one you can book within.

Additionally, not all airlines make space available to all partners. For example, Lufthansa only makes first-class award seats available to partner programs 15 days out, while Miles & More members get access to the space before that.

Final Thoughts

Austrian Airlines reliably releases two business class seats in advance, making it a great option for those looking to book business class award travel. With excellent dining, comfortable seats, and a range of amenities, it's a great choice for your next trip.

Austrian Airlines' business class seats are forward-facing and staggered with 21 inches of width, 60 inches of pitch, and 78 inches of bed length

Austrian Airlines' business class seats are forward-facing and staggered, with 21 inches of width, 60 inches of pitch, and 78 inches of bed length. This is the case for the airline's 767-300 business class seats, which are the largest long-haul business class seats offered by Austrian Airlines. The seats are configured in a 1-2-1 layout, with each seat offering direct aisle access. The best seats are at the rear of the business class section, such as 7A and 7K, as they are furthest from the noise of the cabin. If these seats are unavailable, 5A, 5K, 3A, and 3K are the next best options.

The 777-200 business class seats are slightly narrower at 20 inches wide, with 40 inches of pitch and the same 78 inches of bed length. The cabin configuration is less optimal, alternating between a 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 layout. The best seats are in row 3 or 5, as they have the most favourable configuration and are furthest from the lavatories and galleys. Window seats are best for solo travellers, while couples may prefer the middle seats.

In addition to comfortable seats, Austrian Airlines' business class offers excellent food and beverage options, great service, and a range of amenities to make your journey more enjoyable. The airline's business class dining is renowned, with multi-course meals, a top-notch coffee menu, and a full selection of Austrian coffee specialties. The seats also come with simple controls, a large in-flight entertainment screen, and an arm table.

Overall, Austrian Airlines' business class seats provide a spacious and comfortable experience, complemented by the airline's renowned hospitality and attention to detail.

Frequently asked questions