United Status And Premium Economy: Austrian Airlines Benefits

Austrian Airlines' premium economy offers a range of perks, including more legroom, spacious seats, and enhanced dining options. However, the benefits may vary depending on whether you book through United or Austrian Airlines directly. When booking through United, passengers earn miles based on their spending, while booking through Austrian Airlines earns miles based on distance flown. Additionally, seat selection policies differ between the two airlines, with Austrian Airlines charging a fee for selecting seats in advance.

Austrian Airlines' premium economy food and service

Austrian Airlines Premium Economy Food and Service

Austrian Airlines' Premium Economy Class offers extra comfort on long-haul flights. The seats are extra-wide with increased tilt and inclination angles of 40 degrees, allowing passengers to adjust their seats into a comfortable sleeping position. The seats also have footrests and adjustable headrests, and the armrests are slightly wider with foldable tables that can be converted into mobile workspaces. In addition, each seat has a socket and USB connection, as well as ample storage space.

In terms of food and beverage service, Premium Economy passengers receive a welcome drink after boarding. Once the plane reaches cruising altitude, a three- to four-course meal is served, with a choice of two main courses. Depending on the time of day, passengers will then be served breakfast or a snack before landing. Throughout the flight, a wide range of drinks is available, including Austrian wines, beer, coffee, tea, and spirits, and each passenger receives a bottle of water.

The food on Austrian Airlines' Premium Economy is a notable step up from Economy Class. The meals are catered by DO & CO, a company that provides culinary services for top-tier airlines, airport lounges, and international events. On a flight from Vienna to Tokyo, for example, passengers enjoyed a three-course meal featuring Wiener Schnitzel as the main course, served on porcelain plates with golden cutlery.

The service in Premium Economy Class is also highly regarded. The cabin crew is attentive and ensures that passengers are comfortable and well taken care of throughout the flight. One passenger noted that the flight attendant was constantly checking on them and anticipating their needs before they had to ask.

Overall, Austrian Airlines' Premium Economy Class offers a significant upgrade in terms of food and service compared to Economy Class, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.

Seat selection and reservation fees

Austrian Airlines offers three types of seats for reservation: Classic Seats, Extra Legroom Seats, and Preferred Zone Seats. The Classic Seat reservation does not guarantee a specific seat, but rather a seat in the chosen category (aisle, centre, or window). Extra Legroom Seats are usually located in the emergency exit rows and differ from front-row seats by offering more legroom. The Preferred Zone Seats are located in the front section of Economy Class, allowing passengers to disembark faster after landing.

Seat reservations can be made up to a year in advance and as late as 48 hours before departure. Reservations can be made at the time of booking, under "My Bookings," or during online check-in. Additionally, reservations can be made through the Austrian Airlines Service Centre or at the airport for any last-minute available seats.

For flights to and from Italy, Austrian Airlines adheres to Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) regulations, offering free advance seat reservations for passengers travelling with children between the ages of two and twelve or those with disabilities.

While seat reservations for European flights in Business Class are complimentary, some fares may include free seat reservations on intercontinental routes. HON Circle Members and Senators are also entitled to free Classic Seat reservations on flights with Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS.

It is important to note that Austrian Airlines charges a seat reservation fee for certain holiday flights with specific flight numbers. These flights do not include a complimentary seat reservation, and passengers must pay a fee to select their seats.

Regarding refunds, if a flight cancellation or involuntary rebooking results in the unavailability of your preferred seat, Austrian Airlines will refund the seat reservation fee. However, in the event of a voluntary cancellation, the fee will not be refunded. For rebooking on the same route, the reservation will be retained in the same or a lower seat category. If a higher category seat is desired, the difference in cost can be credited towards the new reservation.

United Airlines' mileage and reward points

United Airlines' loyalty program is called MileagePlus. With over 100 million members, it is one of the largest loyalty programs in the world.

Earning Miles

MileagePlus members can earn miles by flying with United and its partners, as well as through non-flight activities like credit card spending, shopping, and dining.

Flying with United and Partners

When flying on United-marketed and -operated tickets, MileagePlus members earn miles based on the ticket's price minus taxes and their MileagePlus status rather than the distance flown. Here is how many miles members earn per dollar spent based on their level of status:

• General member: 5 miles
• Premier Silver: 7 miles
• Premier Gold: 8 miles
• Premier Platinum: 9 miles
• Premier 1K: 11 miles

MileagePlus members can also earn miles when flying with United's partners. If the ticket is booked through United (indicated by a 016 ticket number), members will earn miles based on the ticket fare and elite status. However, if the ticket is booked directly with a partner, miles are awarded based on a combination of the ticket's price and class, the flight distance, and the member's elite status.

Credit Cards

United offers several co-branded credit cards that can help members earn miles more quickly and enjoy additional perks. These include:

• United Gateway Card
• United Explorer Card
• United Quest Card
• United Club Infinite Card
• United Business Card
• United Club Business Card

Other Ways to Earn Miles

MileagePlus members can also earn miles through the following:

• Online shopping portal: Members can earn miles for their online purchases at over 850 retailers.
• MileagePlus Dining: Members can register a credit card and earn up to 5 miles per dollar spent at over 11,000 participating restaurants, clubs, and bars.
• MileagePlus X app: Members can earn miles by purchasing select merchant gift cards.
• MileagePlus partners: Members can earn miles when doing business with lending and insurance partners, among others.

Redeeming Miles

MileagePlus miles can be redeemed for award travel on United as well as its Star Alliance partners. United has retired its award charts and now uses dynamic award pricing.

Award Travel

United offers several levels of award seats, requiring more miles for more desirable seats and cabins. There are generally two kinds of award redemptions:

• Saver Awards: These seats require fewer miles to book but are scarcer and may not be available for the desired flight.
• Everyday Awards: These seats are more available but require more miles. Flyers with elite status and eligible MileagePlus credit cardholders have unrestricted access to book these seats.

Other Redemption Options

While award flights are typically the best way to redeem miles, there are other options, including:

• United Club memberships
• In-flight Wi-Fi purchases
• TSA PreCheck fees
• Car rentals
• Hotel stays
• Gift cards

However, these options generally provide lower value than award flights, so they are not recommended.

Elite Status

United Airlines has four levels of elite status: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K. There is also an exclusive Global Services tier that can only be earned after completing 4 million flight miles or receiving a personal invitation. Elite status includes additional benefits, such as upgrades, preferred and Economy Plus seating, priority boarding, and free checked bags.

To earn Premier status, members must take at least four United or United Express flights and either earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) or a combination of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) and PQPs. PQFs and PQPs can be earned by flying United or its partners or by spending on most of United's co-branded credit cards.

Final Thoughts

United MileagePlus is a valuable loyalty program, especially since United miles never expire, and members can use PlusPoints and miles to confirm long-haul Polaris upgrades. However, United has devalued the program in recent years by increasing award rates and implementing dynamic pricing.

Austrian Airlines' premium economy seats

Austrian Airlines' Premium Economy Class offers a range of benefits for passengers on long-haul flights. The seats are wider than in Economy, with an increased tilt angle of 40 degrees, allowing passengers to adjust their seats into a comfortable sleeping position. The seats also feature individual foot and neck rests, as well as a slightly wider armrest with a foldable table that can be converted into a workspace with a socket and USB connection.

In terms of dining, passengers are offered a welcome drink after boarding, followed by a three- to four-course meal with a choice of two main courses. Depending on the time of arrival, breakfast or a snack is served before landing. A wide range of drinks, including Austrian wines, beer, coffee, tea, and spirits, are also available throughout the flight, along with a bottle of water for each passenger.

The entertainment programme on board includes 350 hours of video and audio programming on a 12-inch touchscreen, which can be enjoyed with noise-cancelling headphones.

When it comes to baggage, Premium Economy Class offers enhanced allowances, with carry-on baggage of up to 8 kg per piece and free baggage allowance of up to 23 kg per piece.

It is worth noting that the Premium Economy Class experience may vary depending on the aircraft type. According to one source, the Premium Economy cabin on the 767 from Vienna to Washington, DC, has a 2-2-2 configuration, with 18 seats across three rows. The seats are 18.5 inches wide, providing additional shoulder room, and have a standard adjustable headrest. Each seat also has a tray table, dual power outlets, and storage options such as a seatback pocket and a small shelf.

In terms of dining on the 767, passengers are offered a pre-departure beverage, followed by a three-course meal with a choice of entrées. A hot pre-arrival meal is also served before landing. However, the food has been described as underwhelming and similar to the economy class offerings.

The service in Premium Economy on the 767 has been described as pleasant but lacking a dedicated group of flight attendants. The meal services were reported to be less attentive, with long gaps between courses, making it difficult to get beverage refills.

Austrian Airlines' premium economy entertainment

Austrian Airlines' premium economy class offers a range of entertainment options to keep passengers amused during their flight. The onboard entertainment programme includes 350 hours of video and audio programming, which can be enjoyed on a 12-inch touchscreen with noise-cancelling headphones. Passengers can also use the remote control for easier navigation.

The airline also offers a selection of newspapers and magazines, which can be stored on personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. In addition, passengers can purchase FlyNet internet access on flights with the Austrian Airbus fleet, allowing them to browse the web during their journey.

For those seeking more traditional entertainment options, Austrian Airlines provides a range of films and TV shows, totalling up to 400 hours of content. This extensive collection ensures that passengers of all ages can find something to enjoy. Additionally, music and podcasts are available for those who prefer an auditory experience.

The airline's onboard magazine features an exclusive product range, allowing passengers to indulge in some duty-free shopping during their flight. Overall, Austrian Airlines' premium economy class offers a well-rounded entertainment experience to cater to the diverse preferences of its passengers.

Frequently asked questions