Austrian Airlines: Safety, Comfort, And Peace Of Mind

Austrian Airlines is the flag carrier for the country of Austria and a member of the Star Alliance, one of the world's largest global airline alliances. The airline has a fleet of aircraft tailored to meet the needs of its varied routes, comprising a mix suitable for both short-haul European flights and long-haul international journeys. Austrian Airlines has been certified as a 4-star airline by Skytrax for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. While there are some mixed reviews of the airline online, with some passengers reporting rude cabin crew and others praising the crew as highly accommodating, overall, Austrian Airlines is considered a safe airline to fly with in Europe.

Austrian Airlines' safety record

Austrian Airlines, the flag carrier for Austria, has been a prominent name in air travel across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. The airline has been certified as a 4-star airline by Skytrax for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. The product rating includes seats, amenities, food and beverages, cleanliness, and in-flight entertainment. The service rating covers both cabin and ground staff.

Austrian Airlines has a strong safety record and is considered one of the safest airlines in Europe. The airline has a fleet of aircraft tailored to meet the needs of its varied routes, including wide-body jets with Business and Economy Class cabins and all-Economy Class narrow-body jets. The airline prioritizes safety and passenger convenience and is known for its comfortable and reliable aircraft.

While there have been reports of delays, cancellations, and issues with baggage handling, there are no recent reports of major safety incidents involving Austrian Airlines. The airline has a good reputation for customer service, with many passengers praising the friendliness and accommodating nature of the crew. However, there have been some negative reviews, with some passengers reporting rude and disrespectful behaviour from cabin crew and issues with the quality of food on long flights.

Overall, Austrian Airlines has a strong safety record and is considered a reliable and reputable airline within the industry. The airline's commitment to safety and passenger convenience, as well as its focus on customer service and cultural heritage, contributes to its positive reputation.

Customer reviews of the airline

Customer reviews of Austrian Airlines are mixed. While the airline has been praised for its friendly and accommodating crew, comfortable seats, and good food, it has also received complaints about rude and disrespectful staff, poor customer service, and issues with refunds and rebooking.

Some passengers have reported positive experiences with Austrian Airlines, particularly highlighting the friendly and accommodating nature of the crew. One passenger mentioned that the crew went out of their way to fulfil a birthday request, leaving a highly positive impression. Another passenger, who flew from LAX to Vienna, described the service as "impeccable" and the flight attendants as "kind and very attentive". This passenger also praised the comfortable seats and good food, stating that it was "perhaps the best" they had experienced when flying economy.

However, there have also been numerous negative reviews from customers who have encountered issues with the airline. Several passengers have complained about rude and disrespectful staff, with one review describing a stewardess as "horrible" and claiming that she treated passengers like "second-class citizens". Another review mentioned that the cabin crew was "extremely rude and disrespectful", which tarnished their overall experience.

In terms of customer service, some passengers have expressed frustration with the airline's handling of refunds, rebooking, and other issues. One passenger shared their experience of having to cancel their travel plans due to unexpected surgery, only to receive a very small refund for their business class seat. They felt that the airline lacked compassion and was only concerned about revenue. Another passenger encountered issues when trying to change their return flight, resulting in a lengthy and frustrating process involving multiple phone calls and a lack of response from the airline.

There have also been reports of flight cancellations and significant delays, leading to additional costs for passengers. One review mentioned that their flight was cancelled and rebooked for 15 days later, resulting in unexpected expenses for extended house and car rentals, as well as long-distance charges. Despite requesting compensation, the airline refused and only offered a letter asking the customer to consider them for future flights.

Overall, while some passengers have had positive experiences with Austrian Airlines, particularly regarding the friendliness of the crew and the comfort of the seats, there are also numerous negative reviews highlighting issues with customer service, refunds, rebooking, and flight cancellations. As of January 2025, the airline has received 1,979 reviews on Trustpilot, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

The airline's food and beverage options

Austrian Airlines offers a variety of food and beverage options to cater to different preferences and dietary requirements. On long-haul flights, the airline provides complimentary catering in economy class, with a choice of two main meal options during the primary meal service. The meal service typically includes a hot meal with a choice of meat or vegetarian options, along with a starter, dessert, and bread. Long-haul economy class passengers may also experience two meal services, with a simpler option offered prior to landing.

On short and medium-haul flights, Austrian Airlines operates a buy-on-board service called Austrian Melangerie, where passengers can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and light meals. The menu features Austrian specialties and rotates twice a year. Passengers can also pre-order from a wide range of products, including special meals for children and those with dietary restrictions. These special meals must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure.

Austrian Airlines also offers a PreSelect service on long-haul flights, allowing passengers to select their meal in advance from a choice of three different main courses in business class. This service is available online from 6 weeks up to 24 hours before departure. The airline also provides suitable meals for travellers with specific dietary or religious requirements, which can be ordered directly when booking or through a travel agent.

In addition to the food options, Austrian Airlines offers a wide selection of drinks, including still and sparkling water, which can be purchased on all flights. The airline also accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and mobile payment solutions. Passengers are also allowed to bring their own food and drinks on board, as long as they follow the regulations for the carriage of liquids and hand luggage.

Incidents involving Austrian Airlines aircraft

Austrian Airlines, Austria's national carrier, has a commendable safety record, receiving a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. This rating reflects the airline's commitment to stringent safety standards, including incident records, audits, and fatality-free operations.

Despite its strong safety record, Austrian Airlines has experienced a few notable incidents over the years. Here are some incidents involving Austrian Airlines aircraft:

• January 2006: An Austrian Airlines Boeing 777-200 landed safely at Singapore Changi Airport from Melbourne, Australia. However, while parking at the gate, the aircraft taxied beyond the designated stop line. This incident did not result in any injuries or significant damage, but it highlighted the importance of precise manoeuvring during ground operations.
• 5 January 2004: An Austrian Airlines Fokker F70, flight OS111, encountered ice buildup in both engines during descent into Munich, Germany. The aircraft was on a scheduled international flight from Vienna, Austria, to Munich and faced moderate icing conditions. Despite the challenges, the pilots managed to land the plane safely in a snow-covered field near the runway. Although there were no fatalities, the aircraft sustained severe damage during the landing.
• 2017: An Austrian Airlines Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft experienced a tailstrike during takeoff from Vienna International Airport. Fortunately, this incident resulted in only minor damage to the aircraft, and no injuries were reported.
• 2024: Austrian Airlines Flight OS434 from Mallorca to Vienna encountered severe turbulence during its approach to Vienna International Airport. The aircraft safely landed, and all 179 passengers and crew on board were unharmed, thanks to the pilots' expertise and quick response.

These incidents demonstrate Austrian Airlines' commitment to safety and their ability to manage challenging situations effectively. The airline's proactive measures and dedication to adhering to stringent safety standards contribute to its commendable safety record.

The airline's hub and focus cities

Austrian Airlines AG, also known as Austrian or AUA, is headquartered at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, where it also maintains its hub. The airline has been a member of the Star Alliance since 26 March 2000, which has significantly bolstered its international presence and allowed for smoother travel experiences for its passengers.

As of 2016, Austrian Airlines flew to six domestic destinations and over 120 international year-round and seasonal destinations in 55 countries. The airline recently rebranded as myAustrian but is still commonly referred to as Austrian Airlines.

In addition to its hub at Vienna International Airport (VIE), Austrian Airlines also has three focus cities: Graz Airport (GRZ), Innsbruck Airport (INN), and Salzburg Airport (SZG). The airline's fleet is tailored to meet the needs of its varied routes, with a mix of aircraft suitable for both short-haul European flights and long-haul international journeys.

In 2015, Austrian Airlines purchased 17 Embraer 195s from the Lufthansa Group, replacing its ageing Fokker 70s and 100s. By late 2017, all of the remaining Fokker 70s had been phased out, with the Fokkers 100s following suit by the end of that year. In 2018, the airline celebrated its 60th anniversary with a new brand identity, including a new logo, livery, and font.

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