Austrian Airlines Business Class: A Good Choice?

Austrian Airlines is a subsidiary of Germany's Lufthansa Group. The airline does not offer a first-class service, but its business class has been described as gloriously indulgent. The airline's business class has been praised for its dining and coffee, but criticised for its seats, Wi-Fi, and amenities.

The food and drinks

Austrian Airlines is known for its impressive culinary offerings and extensive drinks menu. The airline's catering is reportedly better than that of most other airlines flying across the Atlantic. The food and drinks served on Austrian Airlines' business class are described as "a treat", with surprises such as onboard chefs and a coffee menu akin to that of a traditional Viennese café.

Pre-Departure

Prior to departure, passengers are offered a choice of drinks, including apple juice, orange juice, water, and champagne. These are accompanied by bite-sized amuse-bouches from the Flying Chef.

Dinner

The dinner service begins with warm towels distributed around 20 minutes after takeoff. Tablecloths are brought out, followed by a drinks cart and a selection of nuts. A trolley is then rolled down the aisle with a choice of two appetizers, including options such as deep-fried chicken breast, air-dried beef, shrimp, smoked salmon, bacon-wrapped goats cheese, and Mediterranean vegetables. A creamy fennel soup is served between the appetizer and the main course.

Passengers can then choose from three main course options, such as braised veal, rigatoni, and stuffed chicken breast. The main course is followed by a dessert trolley, with options like assorted cheese and fruit, chocolate fondant, and mango parfait.

Coffee

One of the highlights of Austrian Airlines' business class is the post-meal Viennese coffee menu, featuring nearly a dozen choices of hot and cold Julius Meinl coffees. The Wiener Eiskaffee, a double espresso served with vanilla ice cream and freshly whipped cream, is a firm favourite. Another treat is the Wiener Melange, an espresso coffee prepared with steamed milk and topped with foam.

Breakfast

The breakfast service begins around 90 minutes before arrival. Passengers can choose between a ham & cheese omelet or scrambled eggs, served with plain yogurt, fresh fruit, muesli, and a roll.

Snacks

Throughout the flight, there are also snacks available, such as Austrian sweet and savoury snacks, Servus-branded chocolate discs, and soft drinks.

Second Service

Around two hours before landing, passengers are offered a hot towel and a refreshing health shot. The second service includes a fresh salad and apple strudel or a peculiar dish of a foot-long sausage, plated on a triangular plate. This is followed by a slice of apple strudel and yet more bread.

The service

Check-in and Boarding

Passengers flying with Austrian Airlines Business Class can enjoy a seamless check-in process at the airline's hub in Vienna, with a dedicated premium lane for check-in, fast-track security lanes, and priority boarding. The airline also has a dedicated business class lounge with free Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages. Boarding is also efficient, with business class passengers invited to board first.

In-Flight Service

The in-flight service is where Austrian Airlines excels. The crew is consistently described as friendly, professional, and attentive. They are also multilingual, speaking English, German, and the language of the destination fluently. The crew is also knowledgeable about the menu and wines and is happy to make recommendations. The service is relaxed and liberal, allowing the crew's personalities to shine.

Food and Beverage

Austrian Airlines is known for its excellent dining options and special coffee menu. The dining experience is elaborate and extensive, with multiple courses and choices for each. The meal service begins with drinks and amuse-bouches, followed by a choice of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The food is beautifully presented and plated, and the portions are generous. The menu features Austrian specialties and local wines, with crew members happy to recommend their favourites.

The coffee service is a unique experience, with nearly a dozen choices of hot and cold Julius Meinl coffees, served in extravagant glasses or cups and saucers with chocolates. The coffee is prepared individually, just like in a Viennese coffee house. Some of the popular choices include the Wiener Eiskaffee, a double espresso with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, and the Wiener Melange, an espresso coffee with steamed milk and foam.

Entertainment

The in-flight entertainment system features a wide selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, audio books, games, and music. The 15-inch entertainment screens are controlled via remote and touchscreen. Noise-cancelling headphones are provided, although some reviews mention that they are just okay in terms of quality.

Amenities

The amenity kits are basic and unbranded, including eyeshades, earplugs, lotion, lip balm, socks, and dental kits. The bathrooms are well-stocked with basic amenities like lotions, stain-removal wipes, combs, razors, and shaving cream.

The seats

The best seats for solo travellers are the 'throne' solo seats next to the windows in rows 1, 3, and 5, which offer maximum privacy and space. The window seats in even-numbered rows are the only seats in this configuration without direct aisle access, so they are best avoided if travelling alone. The centre pairs are best for couples, as they combine aisle access with maximum personal space. The seats closer to the aisle have more footwell space.

The amenities

Austrian Airlines Business Class offers a range of amenities to enhance your flight experience. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

• In-Flight Entertainment: Austrian Airlines provides a wide range of entertainment options on their long-haul flights. The entertainment system includes a large selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, audio books, games, and more. The 38-centimetre (15-inch) entertainment screens are controlled via remote or touchscreen, and noise-reducing headphones are available at each seat.
• Wi-Fi: Long-haul aircraft operated by Austrian Airlines do offer Wi-Fi, but it comes at an additional cost. The price varies depending on the flight length and desired speed.
• Amenity Kits: Passengers receive an amenity kit that includes essentials such as eyeshades, earplugs, lotion, lip balm, socks, and a dental kit. On select flights, they may also receive a limited-edition small rucksack in an Austrian design.
• Comfort Items: Each seat is equipped with a pillow and a rolled-up duvet blanket to ensure your comfort during the flight.
• Power Outlets: Both power and USB outlets are available at each seat, allowing you to charge your electronic devices during the journey.
• In-Flight Dining: Austrian Airlines is known for its exceptional in-flight dining experience, often considered one of the best in the business class category. The airline offers a wide range of meal options, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts, with a focus on Austrian cuisine. The meal service is often accompanied by a special coffee menu, featuring various Austrian coffee specialties.
• Lounge Access: Business Class passengers have access to exclusive lounges at the airport, including the Schengen and non-Schengen lounges, as well as Senator Lounges, which offer additional amenities and comfort.
• Onboard Service: The crew members of Austrian Airlines are known for their friendly and attentive service. They are multilingual, speaking English, German, and the language of the destination fluently.
• Additional Amenities: Other amenities include hot towels before each meal service, a wide selection of beverages, and basic bathroom amenities such as combs, stain-removal wipes, and shaving kits.

The lounges

Vienna Airport

Austrian Airlines' main hub airport is in Vienna, and the airline offers a premium lane for check-in, fast-track security lanes, and priority boarding. The airport has grown to meet the demand for Austrian Airlines, and many terminals are interconnected via a series of hallways. Helpful staff are available all along the way.

The airport has Schengen and non-Schengen lounges for passengers based on their destination. There are also Senator Lounges, accessible to Star Alliance Gold members, Miles & More top elite members, and First Class passengers on other Star Alliance flights within the same itinerary.

Outside of Austria

Outside of Austria, there are no Austrian Airlines-branded lounges, but Business Class passengers are treated to access to third-party lounges, often affiliated with the airline's Star Alliance partners.

Frequently asked questions