Ruqayyah Snyder
Austrian Airlines, also known as AUA, has been in operation for over 65 years and flies to more than 80 destinations in 50 countries across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. The airline has a range of aircraft configurations, including wide-body jets with business and economy class cabins, as well as all-economy class narrow-body jets. In this article, we will explore what it's like to fly with Austrian Airlines, including their customer service, seating options, and food and beverage offerings. We will also look at some of the challenges that passengers have faced when flying with this airline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Destinations | Austrian Airlines flies to 6 destinations within Austria and more than 80 destinations in about 50 countries across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. |
| Hubs | The airline's hub is at Vienna International Airport (VIE), with focus cities including Graz Airport (GRZ), Innsbruck Airport (INN), and Salzburg Airport (SZG). |
| Aircraft Types | Austrian Airlines operates a variety of aircraft, including wide-body jets with Business and Economy Class cabins, as well as all-Economy Class narrow-body jets. |
| Business Class | Business class offers excellent food and beverage options, comfortable seats, and great service. The 767-300 aircraft features the largest long-haul business class seat. |
| Premium Economy | Premium Economy is available on some aircraft, such as the Boeing 777-300, and offers improved comfort, catering by DO & CO, and attentive cabin crew. |
| Economy Class | Economy class has been criticized for cramped seats, limited recline, and additional charges for food and beverages. |
| Frequent Flyer Program | Austrian Airlines is a Star Alliance partner, allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles with various airlines and programs. |
| History | Austrian Airlines was formed in 1957 through the unification of Air Austria and Austrian Airways. It has since expanded through acquisitions, including Lauda Air and Tyrolean Airways. |
| Customer Service | Reviews of Austrian Airlines' customer service are mixed, with some praising the cabin crew's attentiveness and punctuality, while others have criticized the airline for rude and unprofessional behavior. |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian Airlines' history and acquisitions
Austrian Airlines has a rich history that dates back to the early days of commercial aviation in Austria. The airline was formed in 1957 by the merger of two airlines, Austrian Airways and Air Austria, which were established in 1955 to rebuild Austrian aviation after World War II. However, its roots can be traced back even further to 1923, when Österreichische Luftverkehrs AG, also known as ÖLAG, became the fourth-largest airline in Europe. Unfortunately, ÖLAG had to cease operations in 1938 due to the occupation of Austria.
In the following decades, Austrian Airlines expanded its fleet and network, introducing jet-powered airliners and long-haul flights to destinations like New York in 1969. The airline also sought strategic alliances and acquisitions in the 1990s, joining the Qualiflyer Group and acquiring stakes in other airlines like Lauda Air and Tyrolean Airways. In 2000, Austrian Airlines became a member of the Star Alliance, further expanding its global reach.
During the 2000s, Austrian Airlines continued to grow through acquisitions and expanded its presence in the long-haul market with new services to China and South Africa. However, the airline also faced financial challenges, and in 2009, it was privatised and acquired by the Lufthansa Group. This led to a period of restructuring, including route alterations, a new corporate design, and cost-saving initiatives.
Today, Austrian Airlines is Austria's largest airline and a key member of the Lufthansa Group, with a global network of more than 120 destinations. The airline has committed to environmental sustainability, aiming for CO₂-neutral flying by 2050. With its hub at Vienna Airport, Austrian Airlines continues to be a leading carrier in Europe and beyond, known for its top-quality service and Austrian hospitality.
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$116.43
Destinations and routes
Austrian Airlines, also known as AUA, is Austria's national airline and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group. It has been operating under its current name for over 65 years, 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's hub is at Vienna International Airport (VIE), with focus cities including Graz Airport (GRZ), Innsbruck Airport (INN), and Salzburg Airport (SZG).
The airline's first long-haul flight was from Vienna to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, with a stop in Bangkok, Thailand. It also offers direct routes from the United States to Vienna, including from New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, and more. These routes are served by the 777-200 and 767-300 aircraft, with the latter featuring the airline's largest long-haul business class seat.
Within Europe, Austrian Airlines serves a variety of destinations, including Tirana, Skopje, Sarajevo, Budapest, Split, Pristina, Venice, Dubrovnik, Paris, Athens, Berlin, Bucharest, Prague, Krakow, Florence, Amsterdam, and many others. The airline also offers flights to Cairo, Yerevan, Bangkok, Tel Aviv, Amman, Shanghai, Tokyo, and several other cities in Asia.
In addition to its extensive European network, Austrian Airlines also operates flights to long-haul destinations such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago in the United States, as well as Cairo in Africa, and Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore in Asia.
Austrian Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, allowing passengers to use miles from partner airlines such as Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Miles & More, and Avianca LifeMiles to book award travel.
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Business class
Austrian Airlines Business Class offers a premium experience with comfortable seats and excellent service. On long-haul flights, passengers can convert their seats into a horizontal full-flat bed, while short-haul flights offer a free adjacent seat. The airline also provides priority check-in, priority baggage handling, fast-lane security, and priority boarding.
In-flight entertainment includes wide 15-inch touch screens with up to 400 hours of video and audio content, noise-cancelling headphones, and Wi-Fi (on long-haul flights). Passengers can also take advantage of lounge access at the airport, with separate Schengen and non-Schengen lounges, as well as Senator Lounges for elite members.
When it comes to booking, it's important to consider the fuel surcharges, which can be significant for flights between the U.S. and Vienna. Utilizing frequent flyer programs and transferable currencies can help mitigate these costs. Overall, Austrian Airlines Business Class offers a high level of comfort, convenience, and indulgence for travellers.
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Economy class
Austrian Airlines offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for its economy class passengers. From efficient and friendly service to ample legroom, the airline aims to cater to the individual needs of its passengers.
Passengers flying economy class on Austrian Airlines can expect a variety of services and amenities to enhance their travel experience. The airline offers ergonomic seats with a unique relax function, providing added comfort, especially on long-haul flights. These seats can be reserved in advance, allowing passengers to choose their preferred seating arrangement. In addition, the airline provides a wide range of entertainment options, including up to 400 hours of films and TV shows, as well as music, podcasts, and eJournals to keep passengers of all ages engaged throughout the flight.
When it comes to dining, economy class passengers can enjoy meals and drinks on both short and long-haul flights. The airline offers a selection of hot and cold dishes, as well as snacks and beverages, ensuring that passengers can satisfy their cravings during their journey. For those who prefer to read, Austrian Airlines provides a variety of newspapers and magazines that can be easily accessed on smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Internet access is also available for purchase on select flights, allowing passengers to stay connected or entertained during their trip.
The baggage allowance in economy class is quite generous, and the overall boarding process is efficient, even during busy travel periods. The crew is known for their professionalism, warmth, and efficiency, ensuring that passengers feel welcomed and taken care of throughout the flight. The airline also offers ample legroom in economy class, particularly in the emergency exit rows, providing added comfort and space for passengers.
However, it is important to note that some reviews have mentioned uncomfortable seats in economy class, especially on longer flights. The slimline seats have been described as lacking sufficient padding, which can make for an uncomfortable journey. Nonetheless, Austrian Airlines strives to provide a pleasant and relaxing experience for its economy class passengers, offering a range of amenities and services to meet their needs.
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Customer service
Austrian Airlines, also known as AUA, is the flag carrier for the country of Austria and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group. It is a member of the Star Alliance, which means that passengers can use miles from partner airlines to book award travel. The airline has a fleet of 2 aircraft on its U.S. routes: the 777-200 and 767-300, both of which offer a solid business class product.
Reviews of Austrian Airlines' customer service are mixed. While one reviewer praised the impressive customer service from check-in to arrival, others have criticised the airline for rude and unprofessional staff. One reviewer noted that the cabin crew on their flight had an "uncanny knack for making us feel like superstars", with a flight attendant who was "outstanding" and constantly checked in to ensure comfort without being overbearing. However, another reviewer described their experience as "basic steerage", noting that they only received a cup of water during their flight and had to pay for additional food and drinks.
In terms of seating, Austrian Airlines' business class offers comfortable seats and excellent food and beverage options. The 767-300 features the airline's largest long-haul business class seat, at 21" wide, 60" in pitch, and 78" long in lie-flat bed mode. The 777-200 has a less optimal cabin configuration, alternating between a 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 layout. Row 3 or 5 are recommended for their favourable configuration and distance from the lavatories and galleys. Window seats are best for solo travellers, while couples may prefer the middle seats.
Austrian Airlines' premium economy class has also received positive reviews, with one passenger noting that it is a solid way to save on costs while still flying comfortably. The food in premium economy is a particular highlight, as it is catered by DO & CO, a company that provides catering for other top-tier airlines and first-class airport lounges.
However, reviews of Austrian Airlines' economy class have been less favourable, with one reviewer stating that they would "pay extra just to escape" it. Another reviewer noted that while they only received a cup of water in economy, it is now common for airlines to charge for additional food and drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
The food and beverage service on Austrian Airlines depends on the class of your ticket. In economy, you will receive a cup of water and will have to pay for additional food and drinks. In premium economy, the food is catered by DO & CO and includes three to four-course meals with Austrian dishes, snacks, and breakfast options. Drinks are also served, and the crew will ask if you need a refill. In business class, you can purchase access to the Business Lounge.
Onboard entertainment on Austrian Airlines depends on the aircraft. On the Airbus A320, there is no inflight entertainment.
The baggage allowance on Austrian Airlines depends on the class of your ticket and the length of your flight. For cabin baggage, the standard dimensions should not exceed 21x15x9 inches. If your hand luggage is bigger, you may be asked to pay extra for checked luggage.
Austrian Airlines flies to over 120 international destinations across the globe. Some of their destinations include Belgium, France, Greece, Nepal, Japan, India, Iraq, Romania, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Serbia, and Montenegro.
