Austrian Airlines: A Top-Tier Flying Experience?

Austrian Airlines is an airline based in Vienna, Austria, flying to six destinations within Austria and more than 80 destinations in about 50 countries across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. The airline has a variety of aircraft configurations, including wide-body jets with Business and Economy Class cabins, as well as all-Economy Class narrow-body jets. While some passengers have praised the airline for its safety, friendly crew, and simple booking process, others have criticized it for issues with refunds, cancellations, delays, and rude staff.

Austrian Airlines' safety record

Austrian Airlines Safety Record

Austrian Airlines, also known as myAustrian, is the flag carrier for Austria and a member of the Star Alliance. The airline has a mixed safety record, with several reported incidents in recent years.

Recent Safety Incidents

According to reports, Austrian Airlines has experienced various safety incidents between 2022 and 2025. Here is a list of some notable occurrences:

• June 3rd, 2024: An Embraer ERJ-195 aircraft (registration OE-LWD) operating flight OS-939 from Vienna to Klagenfurt, Austria, encountered a lightning strike while on approach to Klagenfurt.
• April 20th, 2024: An Embraer ERJ-195 (registration OE-LWL) en route from Bucharest, Romania, to Vienna reported a slight odour on board.
• April 15th, 2024: An Embraer ERJ-195 (registration OE-LWH) climbing out of Vienna experienced a lightning strike. The flight, OS-543, was bound for Naples, Italy.
• December 23rd, 2023: An Airbus A320-200 (registration OE-LBK) operating flight OS-9506 from Tenerife South, Spain, to Vienna had fumes in the cabin.
• December 21st, 2023: Smoke was reported on board an Airbus A320-200 (registration OE-LBI) climbing out of Frankfurt, Germany, en route to Vienna.
• November 30th, 2023: An Airbus A320-200 (registration OE-LZD) climbing out of Hamburg, Germany, bound for Vienna suffered a bird strike.
• November 17th, 2023: An unusual odour was detected in the cabin of an Embraer ERJ-195 (registration OE-LWD) climbing out of Vienna's runway. The flight, OS-977, was headed to Graz, Austria.
• September 29th, 2023: An unusual smell was noticed on board a Boeing 767-300 (registration OE-LAE) en route from Vienna to Montreal, Canada.
• September 23rd, 2023: An Airbus A320-200 (registration OE-LXE) lining up at Sofia, Bulgaria, for departure to Vienna experienced fumes in the cabin.
• August 26th, 2023: An Airbus A320-200 (registration OE-LBK) en route from Skopje, Macedonia, to Vienna had fumes in the cabin.
• September 24th, 2023: The same Airbus A320-200 (registration OE-LBK) experienced fumes on board while arriving in Vienna from Naples, Italy.
• September 24th, 2023: An Airbus A320-200 (registration OE-LZA) en route from Stuttgart, Germany, to Vienna had its captain temporarily incapacitated.
• September 22nd, 2023: A Boeing 767-300 (registration OE-LAZ) operating flight OS-73 from Vienna to Montreal, Canada, experienced flap fairing damage during the flight.
• September 15th, 2023: A hydraulic failure occurred on a Boeing 777-200 (registration OE-LPD) en route from Vienna to Chicago, USA.

These incidents, ranging from bird strikes and lightning strikes to odours and fumes in the cabin, highlight areas of concern for Austrian Airlines' safety record. It is important to note that the presence of these reports does not necessarily indicate a lack of safety, as aviation incidents can vary in severity and are often managed effectively by flight crews.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for Austrian Airlines are mixed, with some passengers reporting satisfactory experiences and others expressing disappointment. While some commend the airline for its punctuality, clean aircraft, and friendly staff, others have complained about issues with customer service, flight cancellations and delays, and lost or delayed luggage.

Rating

Austrian Airlines has been certified as a 4-Star Airline by Skytrax, an organisation that assesses airlines based on airport and onboard products, as well as staff service.

Customer service quality

Austrian Airlines, the flag carrier for the country of Austria, has received mixed reviews for its customer service. While some passengers have praised the airline's staff for their friendliness and organisation, others have criticised them for being rude, unprofessional, and incompetent.

One common issue that has been raised by customers is the problem of delayed or cancelled flights. In some cases, passengers have reported being informed of flight changes at the last minute, which has caused significant inconvenience and, in some cases, additional expense. For example, one passenger reported that their flight was changed three times, causing them to spend hours at the airport and miss a connection.

Another issue that has been highlighted is the treatment of passengers with disabilities or special requirements. In one instance, a passenger travelling with a support dog reported that they were treated with a lack of kindness and understanding by staff, who refused to allow the dog to have water during the flight.

There have also been several complaints regarding the handling of luggage. Some passengers have reported that their luggage was lost or delayed, while others have been unhappy about being asked to check in their hand luggage due to lack of space on the plane.

On the other hand, some passengers have praised the airline for its punctuality and efficiency, with one passenger specifically mentioning the friendliness and helpfulness of the crew on a short flight from Florence to Vienna.

In terms of seating, opinions are divided. While some passengers have found the economy seats to be small and uncomfortable, others have appreciated the availability of extra legroom in the premium economy section.

Overall, while some passengers have reported positive experiences with Austrian Airlines, there are also a significant number of negative reviews that highlight issues with customer service, flight delays and changes, and a lack of support for passengers with special requirements.

In-flight entertainment

Passengers can enjoy up to 400 hours of films and TV shows on Austrian Airlines. The entertainment system has a small 10-11-inch display, and the content is varied, with options for both adults and children. In addition to the visual entertainment, Austrian Airlines also offers music and podcasts.

For those who prefer reading, the airline offers a large range of newspapers and magazines, which can be stored on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and read at your leisure during the flight. The airline also offers FlyNet, which provides internet access for those who wish to browse the web or stay connected during their journey.

When it comes to refreshments, Austrian Airlines offers a wide selection of drinks, snacks, and hot and cold food from the Austrian Melangerie. The airline also provides ergonomic seats with a unique relax function, ensuring that passengers arrive at their destinations feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Overall, Austrian Airlines aims to provide a comprehensive in-flight entertainment experience, ensuring that passengers have a variety of options to choose from during their journey.

Food and beverage options

Austrian Airlines offers a range of food and beverage options to its passengers, depending on the flight route and class of travel.

For short-haul flights within Europe, the airline typically serves a complimentary glass of water and a small chocolate to all passengers. This offering is standard across most European carriers and is in line with expectations for such routes.

On longer flights, passengers can expect a more comprehensive meal service. For example, on flights to and from Bangkok, Austrian Airlines serves an evening meal shortly after takeoff, followed by breakfast about an hour and a half before landing. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also available throughout the flight.

The quality of the food, however, seems to be a mixed bag. Some passengers describe it as "nothing fantastic," while others deem it "excellent." One passenger specifically mentions that the food served in Premium Economy on a flight from Shanghai to Amsterdam via Vienna was "mediocre at best."

It's worth noting that Austrian Airlines also caters to specific dietary requirements. Passengers can choose their meal types using the airline's app or website before their flight. This option is available for long-haul flights and select short-haul flights.

Overall, while the food and beverage options on Austrian Airlines may not be exceptional, they seem to meet the needs of most passengers. The ability to choose meal types in advance is also a convenient feature for those with specific dietary needs.

Seat comfort

Another review mentions that the seats were changed for no explained reason and that the airline refused to do anything about it, resulting in an uncomfortable flight. Additionally, a review from a passenger travelling with a support dog mentions that the staff did not allow them to give water to their dog for three hours, which is unacceptable.

Overall, while some passengers have found the seats to be small and uncomfortable, others have appreciated the ability to recline and the friendly flight attendants. It is important to note that seat comfort can vary depending on the aircraft and the class of service.

Frequently asked questions