Austrian Airlines: Early Check-In Convenience

Austrian Airlines offers a convenient online check-in service that allows passengers to check in and select their seats up to 24 hours before their flight's departure. This service also enables passengers to make meal choices and drop off their luggage in advance. However, there have been instances where online check-in was unavailable, and passengers had to check in at the airport. To ensure a smooth check-in process, it is recommended to visit the airline's service page for detailed information on check-in options and procedures.

Online check-in is available 1-24 hours before departure

Austrian Airlines offers online check-in for flights within 1 to 24 hours before departure. This means that you can check in from the comfort of your home or office, speeding up the check-in process. To do this, you can check in and print your boarding pass directly from your computer, and the e-boarding pass will also be sent to your email address.

Web check-in also allows you to check in your luggage in advance, select your preferred seat, and choose your meal options (if available) before you depart for your flight. This can be done by simply handing in your baggage at the "bag drop" counters in Terminal 1 at Vienna Airport. At other airports, you can proceed directly to the Austrian check-in counter marked "drop off" or an Austrian Business Class check-in counter to collect your boarding pass or drop off your luggage.

It's important to note that there may be instances when online check-in is not available. This could be due to system issues, the need for entry clearance verification, or passport verification. Additionally, online check-in may not be supported for certain combinations of flights, especially if they involve multiple carriers.

To ensure a smooth online check-in process, it is advisable to have all the required travel documents readily available and to check the specific requirements for your destination and flight itinerary. By taking advantage of Austrian Airlines' online check-in option, you can save time and start your journey with added convenience.

Seat selection is usually made 24 hours before departure

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to check in online up to 24 hours before their flight's departure. During the online check-in process, passengers can view the seat map and select an available seat. However, it is important to note that seat selection may depend on the specific booking situation and availability.

HON Circle Members and Senators have certain privileges when it comes to seat selection. They can reserve a Classic Seat or an Extra Space Seat in Business Class for themselves and those travelling with them on the same booking number free of charge. This benefit is available on flights with Austrian Airlines and its partner airlines, including Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS. However, it does not apply to Economy Light bookings on short-haul flights.

For passengers who are not HON Circle Members or Senators, there may be an additional cost associated with selecting a specific seat. This fee applies to each leg of the journey. It is recommended to pay this fee if having a preferred seat is important, as it ensures that you can choose your desired seat before the flight.

In some cases, passengers may encounter issues with online check-in and seat selection. These issues could be due to system errors, destination-related requirements, passport verification, or compatibility with multiple carriers. It is always a good idea to arrive at the airport early to address any potential problems and ensure a smooth check-in process.

You can check in at the CAT terminal at Wien Mitte station and drop off your bags before boarding the train

The City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest connection from Vienna Airport to the city centre, taking just 16 minutes. The CAT terminal at Wien Mitte station is conveniently located in the city centre, next to the Wien Mitte – Landstraße transport hub, the Stadtpark, and the Ringstraße. It is also just a 15-minute walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral and the historic centre of Vienna.

At the CAT terminal at Wien Mitte station, passengers can check in and drop off their bags before boarding the train. This service is available for selected airlines, including Austrian Airlines, and allows passengers to receive their boarding pass and head straight to the security check at the airport. The check-in desks and self-service machines at Wien Mitte are open daily from 6 am to 10:45 pm or 11 pm, and passengers can check in between 24 hours and 75 minutes before their flight, depending on the airline.

Checking in and dropping off your bags at the CAT terminal can make your journey more relaxed and stress-free. After checking in, you can explore the shopping and dining options at Wien Mitte station or in the nearby surroundings. The station is located in the largest and most modern shopping centre in Vienna's city centre, with around 60 stores and several premium restaurants. There are also charging stations for electronic devices and vending machines for drinks and coffee.

In addition to the convenience of checking in and dropping off your bags, the CAT offers other benefits such as shorter waiting times with FastTrack, various porter services, and access to exclusive lounges at a discounted price with a validated CAT ticket. The CAT also provides excellent connectivity to the public transport network, with two subway lines (U3 and U4), the Vienna rapid transit network, tram O, and bus line 74A all passing through the Wien Mitte station.

Web check-in allows you to check in luggage in advance

Web check-in is a convenient way to check in for your Austrian Airlines flight in advance, allowing you to complete the process remotely via your computer or smartphone. This feature is available for flights operated within 1 to 24 hours before departure. By checking in online, you can choose your preferred seat from the available options and view the seat map. This is especially useful if you have a connecting flight, as you may want to select your preferred seats for each leg of the journey. Additionally, web check-in allows you to receive your boarding pass electronically on your smartphone, eliminating the need for a paper copy. However, if you prefer a physical copy, you can choose to print it out as well.

When checking in luggage, Austrian Airlines offers baggage drop-off zones in both the Business Class and Economy Class check-in areas at Vienna Airport. Simply proceed to the "bag drop" counters in Terminal 1 to hand in your baggage. At other airports, you can go directly to the Austrian check-in counter marked "drop off" or a Business Class counter to drop off your luggage and collect your boarding pass.

It is recommended to take advantage of web check-in whenever possible, as checking in at the airport counter may result in longer wait times. While web check-in is generally available 48 hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 24 hours for international flights, specific timings may vary depending on the airline and flight type. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the official Austrian Airlines website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their web check-in availability and procedures.

Keep in mind that there may be instances when web check-in is unavailable due to system issues or other factors such as entry clearance verification or passport validation. In such cases, you will need to check in at the airport. Additionally, seat selection may incur an additional cost for each leg of your journey, and this can be done during web check-in if available.

You can select meal options when checking in online

When flying with Austrian Airlines, you can check in online between 1 and 24 hours before your flight's departure. During online check-in, passengers can view the seat map and choose an available seat. You can also select meal options when checking in online.

Austrian Airlines offers a wide range of special meals that can be ordered in advance. These include meals for travellers with specific dietary requirements, such as a low-salt meal for those with high blood pressure or kidney disease, a meal with soya instead of dairy, or a largely lactose-free meal without conventional grains. The airline also caters to religious dietary needs, offering a completely vegetarian Hindu meal and a kosher meal prepared in accordance with the Talmud. If you follow a vegan diet, you can request a vegan meal prepared according to the rules of Jainism. For younger passengers, there is also a children's meal option suitable for children aged two and above.

To select your meal, you can use the PreSelect service, which allows you to view and choose from the three different main courses available in Business Class. This service is available from 6 weeks up to 24 hours before departure. You can also order your chosen meal by quoting the respective meal code directly when booking, online under 'My Bookings', or through your travel agent. Please note that special meals are freshly prepared, so orders must be placed no later than 24 hours before departure.

In addition to the pre-order meal options, Austrian Airlines provides complimentary meals for passengers in Economy Class on long-haul flights. These typically include a hot meal with a choice between meat and vegetarian options, along with a starter, dessert, and bread. On short and medium-haul flights, Austrian Airlines does not provide complimentary catering in Economy Class, but you can pre-order from a range of products or make purchases in-flight.

Frequently asked questions