Austrian Airlines And Lufthansa: Book Through The Latter?

Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, which is a global aviation company with over 550 subsidiaries and affiliated companies. The Lufthansa Group's multi-hub strategy allows it to offer passengers a comprehensive route network with great travel flexibility. Austrian Airlines operates a global route network of around 130 destinations, including 5 direct flights from Austria to the US. On the other hand, Lufthansa serves over 210 destinations in 73 countries, including 20 in the US. Both airlines offer similar services and fees, but Lufthansa has a much larger route network than Austrian Airlines.

Pros and cons of booking through Lufthansa

Pros of booking through Lufthansa:

• Lufthansa is a larger airline with a more extensive network, flying all over the world, whereas Austrian Airlines has a minimal footprint in the sky.
• Lufthansa has First Class, whereas Austrian doesn't.
• Lufthansa has great lounges, and the Business Class Panorama lounge at Frankfurt is their best.
• Lufthansa's newer planes have better pitch and are less noisy than Austrian's older planes.
• Lufthansa has a better baggage policy, allowing 2 carry-on bags for Business and First Class passengers, whereas Austrian Airlines only allows 1 carry-on bag for these classes.
• Lufthansa has a better entertainment system, with a varied entertainment program on long-haul flights, and free digital magazines and newspapers on all flights.
• Lufthansa has a better online check-in system, allowing passengers to check in online or via the app, and select their seats.
• Lufthansa has better food than Austrian, with excellent menus that have been prepared using seasonal and regional produce.
• Lufthansa has better toilets, especially on their newer planes.
• Lufthansa has a better loyalty program, with more benefits and rewards.
• Lufthansa has a stronger brand and a longer history, being one of Germany's most popular brands and famous for its high standards of quality and service.

Cons of booking through Lufthansa:

• Austrian Airlines has better food than Lufthansa, with a catering company that has upscale restaurants and cafes in cities like Vienna, London, and New York.
• Austrian Airlines has friendlier flight attendants, who are more lovely and provide better service.
• Austrian Airlines has a better Business Class seat design, with a fresher and more luxurious look and feel.
• Austrian Airlines has better direct aisle access for Business Class seats, with only the paired window seats not having direct access.
• Austrian Airlines has less strikes, which can cause delays and disruptions.
• Austrian Airlines has an easier transit process, especially at Vienna, which is super easy to navigate.
• Austrian Airlines has better seat selection, allowing passengers to select seats for free during booking, whereas Lufthansa doesn't offer this option.
• Austrian Airlines has better prices and deals, especially for Business Class and luxury hotels.
• Austrian Airlines has a better website and booking system, which is more user-friendly and offers more flexibility.
• Austrian Airlines has a better baggage policy for Premium Economy, allowing 2 pieces of luggage with a higher weight allowance than Lufthansa.

Differences in pricing and fees

Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa are part of the same group, but they have different pricing and fees.

Carry-on and Checked Baggage Allowance

Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines offer similar baggage allowances and fees. Both airlines allow one carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kg for economy and premium economy passengers, and two carry-on bags for business and first-class passengers, each weighing up to 8 kg.

For checked baggage, Austrian Airlines allows economy passengers one piece weighing up to 23 kg, premium economy passengers two pieces each weighing up to 23 kg, business-class passengers two pieces each weighing up to 32 kg, and first-class passengers three pieces each weighing up to 32 kg.

Lufthansa has a slightly different policy for checked baggage. For short and medium-haul flights, economy passengers are allowed one piece of checked baggage weighing up to 23 kg, while for long-haul flights, they are allowed one piece of checked baggage weighing up to 23 kg. Premium economy passengers are allowed two pieces of checked baggage each weighing up to 23 kg, regardless of the flight duration. Business and first-class passengers are allowed two pieces of checked baggage each weighing up to 32 kg.

Excess Baggage Fees

Excess baggage fees for both airlines depend on the route and weight, and additional charges may apply for bags beyond the allowance or for overweight or oversized items. Both airlines also require passengers to inform them in advance of any special baggage items, such as sports equipment, and charges may vary depending on the item and ticket class.

Infant and Child Fares

Austrian Airlines defines infants as children under two years of age, and they are generally required to pay 10% of the adult fare. However, infants are not entitled to their own seat, and only one infant is allowed per adult. Austrian Airlines defines children as passengers between two and eleven years of age and offers a child fare, which is generally 75% of the adult rate. Children are entitled to their own seat, and those under five years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Lufthansa's infant and child fares and policies are not mentioned in the sources.

Seat Selection Fees

Lufthansa does not allow passengers to select their seats in advance, while Austrian Airlines charges a fee for this service, although the amount is not specified. However, one passenger reported that they were able to change their seat for free using the Swiss app.

Food and Beverage Fees

Both airlines offer complimentary food and beverages on board, but Austrian Airlines is known for its exceptional culinary offerings, with some sources claiming that the quality of the food surpasses that of other airlines. Lufthansa also provides complimentary snacks and beverages on long-haul flights, and a range of snacks and fresh food options on short and medium-haul flights for an additional charge.

Lounge Access Fees

Lufthansa operates the Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport, which offers a luxurious experience for first-class passengers, including a bar, restaurant, lounging areas, a cigar room, and showers. Access to this terminal is included in the first-class fare. Lufthansa also has an extensive network of business-class lounges, including the Business Class Panorama lounge at Frankfurt Airport, which is considered one of their best.

Austrian Airlines, as a member of the Star Alliance, offers its Senator and HON Circle members access to a large network of lounges worldwide. However, it is unclear if there are additional fees for this service.

Lounge access and amenities

Austrian Airlines Lounge Access:

Austrian Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, offers a network of lounges that provide a relaxing and exclusive experience. At their hub in Vienna Airport, Austrian Airlines operates six spacious and modern lounges across two lounge areas, each featuring a Business Lounge, a Senator Lounge, and an HON Circle Lounge. These lounges exude Austrian charm and offer a range of amenities, including hot and cold drinks, culinary delights, entertainment options, separate relaxation areas, and LoungeNet services. Access to these lounges is available for premium passengers, those with Miles & More status, or through lounge passes that can be purchased online or at the lounge reception.

Additionally, as a Star Alliance member, Austrian Airlines passengers may also have access to Star Alliance partner lounges and third-party contract lounges at various airports worldwide, depending on their travel class and status.

Lufthansa Lounge Access:

Lufthansa, the parent company of Austrian Airlines, also offers an extensive lounge network for its premium passengers. Lufthansa's lounges are available at selected airports worldwide, providing a relaxing environment before departure. Access to Lufthansa lounges is typically granted to First Class and Business Class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members. HON Circle Members and Senators can also access Lufthansa lounges, showcasing the airline's commitment to its premium clientele.

Lufthansa also operates contract lounges at certain destination airports, which are operated by third-party providers. These lounges are accessible to First Class and Business Class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members, with a valid boarding pass for a Lufthansa flight.

Lounge Amenities:

Both Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa lounges offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience. These amenities typically include:

• Comfortable seating and relaxation areas
• A variety of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic drinks
• Delicious culinary options, ranging from snacks to full meals
• Entertainment, such as televisions and magazines
• Business facilities, such as work areas and Wi-Fi
• Additional services, such as printers and showers

The specific amenities may vary depending on the lounge location and the airline. It is always a good idea to check the lounge offerings at your specific departure airport to understand the amenities available during your travel.

Food and beverage options

Lufthansa

Lufthansa offers a varied selection of complimentary meals and snacks on board, including special meals for vegetarians, people with food allergies, and members of certain religious faiths. The airline also provides country-specific cuisine tailored to regional tastes on international routes and colourful, tasty, and healthy meals for children.

On short and medium-haul flights, the food and beverage options depend on the length and destination of the flight. On long-haul flights, Lufthansa offers an extensive selection of food and complimentary snacks between meals.

In First Class and Business Class, Lufthansa serves excellent gourmet cuisine on fine china, accompanied by an award-winning selection of wines. In Premium Economy Class, passengers are greeted with a welcome drink and meals are also served on fine china.

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines offers a pre-order food service called Austrian Melangerie PreOrder, which allows passengers to choose their meal before their flight and ensure they get their preferred choice on board. This service is available for flights departing from and arriving in Vienna.

The airline also offers special meals for travellers with specific dietary or religious requirements, which can be ordered directly when booking, online, or through a travel agent. These include meals suitable for vegetarians, those with food allergies, and those following a particular religious diet.

Austrian Airlines is known for its excellent business class food and beverage offering. The airline's catering service is provided by DO & CO, a company that operates upscale restaurants and cafes in cities like Vienna, London, and New York. The crew offers a selection of starters, entrees, and desserts, and the airline has hired an onboard sommelier to develop wine pairings for its business class passengers.

Overall, Austrian Airlines is known for having superior food and beverage options compared to Lufthansa, especially in the business class cabin.

Comparison of loyalty programs

Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa are part of the Miles & More loyalty program, where you can earn miles on every flight and redeem them for various awards. As a Miles & More member, you can earn award miles with almost 40 airline partners and benefit from a wide range of benefits.

Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group and a member of Star Alliance. This means that miles can be earned and redeemed on flights with any member of Star Alliance, regardless of the frequent flyer program where the miles were earned. Additionally, Star Alliance members can enjoy lounge comfort in the largest number of lounges worldwide as part of the Star Alliance network.

Lufthansa also has its own loyalty program, which offers benefits such as early check-in and late check-out at luxury hotels, access to the famous Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport, and a more extensive lounge network than Austrian Airlines.

When it comes to baggage policies, both airlines offer similar services. In terms of carry-on baggage, Lufthansa allows 1 bag up to 8 kg in Economy and Premium Economy, and 2 bags up to 8 kg in Business and First Class. Austrian Airlines offers the same allowance, with an additional bag for First Class passengers. For checked baggage, both airlines have different weight and size allowances depending on the ticket class and route. Excess baggage fees for both airlines are dependent on the route and weight, with higher charges for bags beyond the allowance or overweight/oversized items.

Overall, while both airlines offer similar loyalty programs, Lufthansa's larger network and additional benefits through its own loyalty program may give it a slight advantage for frequent flyers.

Frequently asked questions