Austrian Airlines: Best Seats For A Comfortable Flight

Austrian Airlines offers a range of seating options, including Classic Seats, Extra Legroom Seats, and Preferred Zone Seats. Passengers can choose between window, aisle, or middle seats, with the option to reserve their preferred seat up to a year in advance.

The best seats on Austrian Airlines depend on individual preferences, such as the desire for extra legroom, a window view, or easy access to the aisle. Some passengers may prefer the privacy and space offered by the throne seats in business class, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis during online check-in.

Additionally, seat selection can vary depending on the aircraft type, with the Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 being the primary options for long-haul flights. The 767-300 offers more spacious business class seats, while the 777-200 has a denser configuration.

It is worth noting that seat reservations may come with additional fees, and policies can differ when booking through partner airlines or third-party sellers.

Seat reservation fees and rules

Austrian Airlines offers three types of seats for reservation: Classic Seats, Extra Legroom Seats, and Preferred Zone Seats. You can reserve your preferred seat when booking, later under "My Bookings", or during online check-in. Reservations can be made as early as one year in advance.

Classic Seats are available on intercontinental routes in Business Class for free (except Extra Space seats). HON Circle Members and Senators can reserve a Classic Seat for free for themselves and those travelling with them on the same booking number. This benefit is subject to availability and does not apply to Economy Light bookings on short-haul flights.

Extra Legroom Seats are usually located in the emergency exit rows and offer more legroom than the front row seats. These seats are not available to pregnant women, passengers with small children or animals, passengers under 16, and passengers who do not understand instructions in English or German. HON Circle Members and Senators can reserve these seats for free for themselves and their travel companions.

Preferred Zone Seats are located in the front section of Economy Class, allowing passengers to disembark faster after landing. This area is behind Premium Economy passengers on long-haul flights and behind Business Class passengers on short- and medium-haul flights. HON Circle Members and Senators can reserve these seats for free, subject to availability, and this benefit does not apply to Economy Light bookings on short-haul flights.

Seat reservations for European flights in Business Class are free of charge. However, if you booked a holiday flight with flight numbers OS 2000-2999, 4000-4999, or 9000-9999, your flight booking does not include a free seat reservation. You can book your seat with Austrian Holidays for a fee.

If your preferred seat is not available due to a flight cancellation or involuntary rebooking, Austrian Airlines will refund the amount paid. However, if you cancel your reservation, the amount paid will not be refunded. In the event of rebooking on the same route, the seat reservation will be retained in the same or a lower seat category. If you rebook to a different route, the amount paid will not be refunded and cannot be credited towards a new seat reservation. When purchasing an upgrade, the amount for the seat reservation will be refunded.

Choosing window, aisle, or middle seats

When booking a flight with Austrian Airlines, you can choose between a window, aisle, or middle seat. Each has its own advantages and may be more suitable for different types of travellers.

Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the view during the flight or prefer a sense of privacy. These seats can be great for solo travellers who want to relax and take in the scenery or even catch some sleep with minimal distractions.

Aisle seats, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and easier access to the aisle. This can be beneficial for travellers who prefer to move around frequently during the flight, or those who anticipate needing frequent access to the overhead bins or lavatories. Aisle seats are a good choice for those who want to stretch their legs or prefer not to climb over other passengers when getting up.

Middle seats are often preferred by families or groups travelling together as they allow passengers to sit next to each other. While they may not offer the same level of privacy as window seats or the same flexibility as aisle seats, middle seats can be a good option for those who want to socialise or interact with their fellow travellers.

It is important to note that seat availability may vary depending on the aircraft type and configuration. Some flights may offer staggered seating arrangements or different cabin configurations, which can impact the specific advantages of each seat type.

Additionally, Austrian Airlines offers various seat reservation options, including Classic Seats, Extra Legroom Seats, and Preferred Zone Seats. These options provide travellers with the opportunity to customise their flight experience according to their preferences, whether it's extra legroom or a quicker disembarkation process.

When booking with Austrian Airlines, be sure to review the seat map and consider your personal preferences to make an informed decision about your choice of window, aisle, or middle seat.

The best seats for couples

Austrian Airlines offers a range of seating options for couples travelling together. The best seats for couples will depend on the aircraft type, the route, and personal preferences. Here is a guide to help you choose the best seats for your next trip with your partner:

Boeing 767-300

The Boeing 767-300 operated by Austrian Airlines offers a mix of seating options for couples. The business class cabin features a staggered seat configuration, with alternating rows of 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 layouts. The middle seats in the 2-2-2 configuration are ideal for couples as they provide easy access to each other during the flight. Seats 7A and 7K in the business class cabin are also excellent choices for couples as they offer extra privacy and are located away from the noise of the galleys and lavatories.

In premium economy, the cabin is configured in a 2-2-2 layout across three rows. As there are no nearby facilities, there are no preferential seats, and couples can choose any available seats that suit their preferences.

In economy class, the Boeing 767-300 has a 2-3-2 configuration. Couples may prefer the pairs of seats in the middle section or the window seats for more privacy.

Boeing 777-200

The Boeing 777-200 operated by Austrian Airlines offers a mix of seating options for couples as well. In business class, the cabin has a mix of 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 configurations. The middle seats in the 2-2-2 configuration are ideal for couples travelling together. Additionally, the "throne" seats in odd-numbered rows offer extra privacy and direct aisle access, making them a good choice for couples. These seats can be reserved for free at check-in if you are a business class passenger.

In premium economy, the cabin is configured in a 2-4-2 layout across three rows. The middle rows may be suitable for couples travelling together, as they offer easy access to each other during the flight.

In economy class, the Boeing 777-200 has a 3-4-3 configuration. Couples may prefer the pairs of seats in the middle section or the window seats for added privacy. Exit row seats in row 27 can provide extra legroom, but they are located near the lavatories and galleys.

Booking and reservation process

When booking your tickets, you can reserve your preferred seats at the same time. This can be done up to a year before departure or anytime up to 48 hours before departure under "My Bookings" on the Austrian Airlines website. Passengers travelling together will be seated next to each other automatically. However, if you have specific seat preferences, you can set your preferred seats (window, aisle, or middle) for each passenger individually when booking.

Additionally, Austrian Airlines allows seat reservations for a fee on certain routes and flight types. This includes holiday flights with specific flight numbers, as well as some intercontinental routes. You can check the Austrian Airlines website or contact their service centre for more information on seat reservations and pricing.

The best seats for solo travellers

If you're a solo traveller flying with Austrian Airlines, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best seat for your journey. Firstly, consider the type of seat you prefer. Austrian Airlines offer three types of seats: Classic Seats, Extra Legroom Seats, and Preferred Zone Seats. Each has its own advantages.

Classic Seats are the standard option and can be booked for free on intercontinental routes in Business Class. If you're looking for more space, Extra Legroom Seats are a great choice as they are usually located in the emergency exit rows. However, it's important to note that these seats come with restrictions and are not suitable for pregnant women, passengers with small children or animals, passengers under 16, and those who cannot understand instructions in English or German.

Preferred Zone Seats are located in the front section of Economy Class, allowing for faster disembarkation after landing. This option is ideal if you want to get off the plane quickly and avoid lengthy waits.

Now, let's discuss the specific aircraft types and their best solo traveller seats.

Boeing 777-200

The 777-200 offers a mix of 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 configurations in Business Class. The best solo traveller seats in this aircraft are the "throne" seats, which offer privacy, space, direct aisle access, and a window view. These seats are located in odd-numbered rows, such as 3A or 3K, and can be selected for free during online check-in.

For Premium Economy, the 777-200 has a 2-4-2 configuration. While there aren't many preferential seats in this section, the side rows (2-2) are a good choice for couples, while the middle rows (4) could be suitable for families.

In Economy Class, the 777-200 has a 3-4-3 arrangement. The best seats for solo travellers are the exit row seats in row 27, which offer extra legroom. However, keep in mind that these seats are also located near the lavatories and galleys.

Boeing 767-300

The 767-300 has a 1-2-1 configuration in Business Class, with larger seats that measure 21" wide, 60" in pitch, and 78" long in lie-flat bed mode. The best solo traveller seats are again the "throne" seats in odd-numbered rows, such as 7A or 7K, which offer more privacy and space.

In Premium Economy, the 767-300 has a 2-2-2 configuration with 18 seats. Travellers should avoid 10D and 10G due to restricted legroom, but other seats in this section are generally similar.

The Economy Class on the 767-300 has a 2-3-2 configuration. There aren't many preferential seats, but row 19 could offer slightly more legroom due to the limited recline of the seats in front.

Other Aircraft

Austrian Airlines also operates the Bombardier Q400, Embraer E-195, and other variations of the Boeing 767 and 777. While specific seat recommendations may vary, the principles mentioned above still apply. Consider your preference for window, aisle, or middle seats, as well as the benefits of Extra Legroom and Preferred Zone Seats.

Additionally, don't forget that you can reserve your preferred seat up to a year before departure or during online check-in, ensuring you have the best possible flying experience as a solo traveller with Austrian Airlines.

How to change your seat

When booking your Austrian Airlines flight, you can reserve your preferred seat at the same time. You can also reserve your seat later under "My Bookings" or during online check-in. Reservations can be made as early as one year in advance, and up to 48 hours before departure.

If you have already purchased an advance seat reservation, you can change your seat free of charge. If you have purchased a Light fare on a continental flight, you will not be able to change the seat offered to you at check-in free of charge. However, if there is no change, the check-in procedure can be completed with the initially offered seat at no additional cost.

To change your seat, you can log in and select the flight for which you would like to reserve a seat. You can also call the Austrian Airlines Service Centre to book the seat of your choice. Additionally, you can ask at the airport about the option of a last-minute booking for any available seats.

If you are travelling with a child between the ages of two and twelve, or if you are a passenger with a disability or accompanying someone with a disability, you are entitled to a free advance seat reservation on flights to and from Italy.

Frequently asked questions