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VIENNA AIRPORT customer review :  26 December 2009 by H Mathews   (Austria)

Customer Rating :  2/5

Queuing

Cleanliness

Facilities

Vienna Airport has gone very much downhill. For Star Alliance airlines (Swiss, Austrian, etc) there is no check-in anymore. You are supposed to use the check-in computers (just look for the rugby rummage and elbow your way to the front). If there is a problem with your booking (the system decided to change mine to make my connecting flight 12 hours before my initial flight) then everything takes longer again. Forget time-saving - the "new improved" system takes forever. If you have a bag which is not standard size, you are sent to another queue where you are billed 8 Euros for each piece of luggage to go through the x-ray machine. Once inside the departure area, the shops' prices explode! Buy an iced-tea and a small toasted sandwich (optimistically given the name of 'panino') and wave goodbye to another 8 Euros. Take your snack to the table needing the least cleaning (dishes piled up everywhere - dirty tables, GROSS). All other shops have crazy prices. I will definitely be avoiding this airport in the future. I flew on a day where not many people flew and everything still took ages.

VIENNA AIRPORT customer review :  20 December 2009 by Frank Epple   (Germany)

Customer Rating :  2/5

Queuing

Cleanliness

Facilities

Delayed arrival to a snowy airport - the aircraft taxied to a finger but we were deposed on the icy and slippery tarmac, as we arrived from non Schengen and the finger was Schengen - took a while to get the bus. - Long queues on security during the evening rush-hour, within five minutes, gate changes were announced twice for one flight.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 5 November 2009 by David Gartside

Customer Rating : 4/5

Fair to good. On arrival a bit chaotic to be mixed with departing passengers and the sea of yellow hoardings is a good stress raiser. Baggage retrieval efficient. Route to CAT and S-Bahn a bit tortuous, and you have to be determined to get to the S-Bahn. Absence of ticket office and only two S-Bahn machines a bit painful - though there is another ticket machine at platform level. Don't forget to validate the ticket! Check-in and security calm and efficient on return journey.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 22 October 2009 by P Bedson

Customer Rating : 3/5

Very congested airport both air and land side - it feels like it has outgrown itself - lots of shops (including at least two sex shops - what is that about?) and a confusing layout makes it worse and there is almost nowhere to sit either in the lounge or at the gates (which are beyond security). Every time I have been through here I have been bussed to/from the aircraft but lots of work in evidence so maybe things will change. The CAT train to town is great but dumps you in a building site at the moment with a very convoluted trek to get to the subway train connection.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 24 September 2009 by C Hellberg

Customer Rating : 4/5

VIE has quite a hopeless lack of seating except in all the restaurants and after you've passed security control, which I'm sure is quite deliberate to encourage people stay in the restaurants and cafes. You won't easily find a way to provide feedback to the airport either if you want to have a whinge / give positive feedback. As others have said, there is a security control at each gate so allow plenty of time to wait in the security queue for your flight. Most likely you'll be bussed to the terminal. On the plus side, the airport is clean, has several nice shops and a couple of good cafes in the non-shengen transit area. But I only transit through this airport for the great wiener schnizel.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 27 June 2009 by Michael Kasberg

Customer Rating : 3/5

I arrived on transit in the Schengen area and needed a farmacy. I was surprised to hear, that the pharmacy was outside the security area and that it was already closed at 7.00 pm! My onward flight was at 11.20 pm to BKK so I had to change to Terminal C (Non Schengen). As there were nearly no other flights after 8.00 pm nearly all shops were closed, very boaring. I strongly can recommend all passengers to stay in the Schengen area till one hour before their flight from Terminal C. Also the Star Alliance business lounge in the Main Terminal has a lot more to offer than the lounge in C.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 8 June 2009 : by Alex Buenafe

Customer Rating : 4/5

It is compact and one doesn't have to walk a long way to get anywhere. Wifi, shops and smoking lounge was more than I needed, the immigration and customs was a breeze. I took the train for the city just outside the terminal for dirt cheap (I think 1.75 Euro). Departed from Vienna for Toronto - the check in was a breeze. The only drawback is that one has to go through security check to get into the gate departure lounge, and there aren't many seats. The modules are a bit small. Otherwise, I prefer to fly in and out of Vienna for Eastern Europe and beyond.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 6 April 2009 : by B Ward

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arrived in VIE from SYD via LHR on BA. Found it a very sterile airport, passport control and bag pick up was efficient. Was annoyed that upon taxiing to the terminal many of the gates were empty, our flight was parked on an outer bay and we were bussed back to the terminal. We were in an A330. Train to city was good. Staff were not that helpful.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 24 January 2009 : by A Pickles

Customer Rating : 2/5

VIE to HEL on Finnair. Check in was limited to two desks around the corner from main check in desks. Airport is small cramped and surprisingly outdated. I am surprised it scores highly in a sub-regional context. Security is excessively zealous - even rings have to be removed for the scanner. Cost of food and beverages is outrageous more than 4 euros for a coffee! Slated for improvement after the extensions are complete hopefully.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 30 October 2008 : by R Muratovic

Customer Rating : 4/5

I flew out of JFK into Vienna and had a connecting flight into Montenegro. The airport staff was friendly and helpful. I was flying with my grandfather and when we got off the aircraft they waited for him with a wheel chair. The staff member helping my grandfather brought us to the waiting lounge, until it was time to go to our connecting flight, and he came back for us when it was time to go to the gate. Our stop over was 5 hours. The lounges and restaurant were not so bad. Service was very good at the lounges and the staff was friendly. Vienna is a very easy airport to get around, I recommend it to those who don't enjoy hassling through a big airport when having a connecting flight such as Frankfurt, or LHR.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 28 October 2008 : by George Tariff

Customer Rating : 2/5

I agree with Byron Scott's comment about chaos at the "A" gates. The worst part is that most of the long-haul flights depart at the same time (11:00am-12:00pm), so the entire terminal is a zoo. There is nowhere to sit, not even room on the floor. The lines for the washroom are huge, the cafe and restaurant are filled to capacity.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 24 October 2008 : by Byron Scott

Customer Rating : 3/5

Recently transited Vienna while flying Austrian business class ORD to NCE and return. The flights to and from the US left from a gate with a jetway, however the flights to and from Nice required bus rides. For bus rides, it went pretty fast, although on the return (flight from Nice was delayed) it was a long ride. The worst thing was the chaotic departure from the A-gates for flights to the US. You go through security right at the gate, and after you go through security, there is not enough space for all the passengers for a full wide-body plane to sit. It's really crowded and chaotic. There was also a confusing counter, near the gates, which said "US Document Check." I didn't think we had to stand in this line, but there was no way to be sure. Fortunately, a very helpful airport staffer saw us (I was traveling with my elderly uncle, who uses a cane) and looked at our boarding pass and said we didn't need our documents checked (Austrain needs to clarify who needs to stop here on the sign). We then went to the really long security line, and our helpful friend said my uncle was in a wheelchair, we could go to the front of the line. So he grabbed a nearby wheelchair, got us right to the security machines, then got us right up to the jetway. Many thanks to this most helpful person. Until the new terminal opens, I think wide-body flights leaving Vienna will be chaotic, especially at times when lots of flights are leaving at the same time.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 18 October 2008 : by T Vetter

Customer Rating : 3/5

I found Vienna airport crowded and a bit chaotic. Signage is not well done or clear. The rail link from downtown Vienna is convenient but be aware that both the express train and local train only run every 30 minutes. But both arrive right in the lower level of the airport, which is very well designed. Because of a very early flight to Amsterdam, we stayed at the NH Hotel directly across the street from Terminal 1, which is an overpriced albeit very convenient dump.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 25 September 2008 : by Roland Buecheler

Customer Rating : 5/5

With only 30 minutes to change flights in Vienna we left St.Gallen-Altenrhein 45 minutes late. While on final approach we should have been already in the air bound for Dubai. We were awaited on the ground at the aircraft's stairs and driven by a minivan to terminal A. Rushing through security we managed to get our flight. We expected to leave Dubai airport without luggage. But what a surprise, there were our suitcases on the carousel.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 22 September 2008 : by D Finkler

Customer Rating : 3/5

Had a great experience in Vienna Airport. Very clean and convenient, with plenty of transport to go to the city. Great duty-free shops and plenty of eateries. One of the best airports I have ever visited!

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 2 September 2008 : by A Bucher

Customer Rating : 4/5

Used Vienna International Airport in transit, coming from Bucharest and having a connection flight to Zurich yesterday. After the bus ride from plane to the passport control area which brings you to the ABC Terminals and Vienna Exit was chaotic - there were pretty loads of passengers then, but the staff behind the glass manage to handle the situation friendly and efficient - after I got to the C part - it was more calm and there are loads of shops, places to eat, clean toilets. I would use VIE as a transit again. Also the size of the shops are good - not too big and not too small. Got to the gate and the security check was again friendly with no hurry at all and make you feel welcome.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 2 September 2008 : by M Thompson

Customer Rating : 3/5

I have travelled to Austria using this airport for most of my life and have been bemused at the reduction in quality over the past few years. It is clear that the new ultra-modern Skylink terminal will not come a minute too late. I have constantly had to use extremely packed, smelly buses to get from the gate to the plane and vice-versa. The airport itself is not too bad and was designed well. Yet the toilets are not too good and you can get lost looking for your gate group in between shops.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 30 June 2008 : by M Schnaufer

Customer Rating : 3/5

I fully understand the critics of the passengers, as I experienced the same downsides. The rise of long haul flights led to the shortage of space in the A-Concourse. Sometimes you don't even find the right queue as there is such a chaos. But Vienna Airport has been undertaking efforts to improve the services for the passenger. Before peak season 2009, the ulta-modern Terminal 3 (SkyLink) will be put into operation featuring 17 new airbridge parking positions. I suppose that, at least, Star Alliance Transfers and Longhaul Flight Boarding will be a breeze then. The security will be undertaken centrallly, so no narrow boarding lounges anymore but probaby more waiting to be processed. The "at gate" security had the advantage to need less time to get to the gate.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 30 May 2008 : by Simon Smith

Customer Rating : 2/5

I used this airport in transit from LHR to Sofia. At least for changing between non-Schengen flights, I would rank it the worst airport for transit passengers I've ever used. Most of the flights used remote stands which, due to the glacial pace at which passengers were let through the gates, meant very long waits in high temperatures on packed buses, with no airconditionning; once past security it was not even possible to buy a bottle of water; and - a first for me - on the return trip we were made to go through security twice, before and after another long, hot bus journey. Austrian Airlines business lounge for the non-Schengen gates is very small and was packed. I will never transit here again if I can possibly avoid it - which is a shame as the onboard service on Austrian was excellent.

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 7 May 2008 : by Evan Horbay

Customer Rating : 3/5

Very average. The "A" area for international flights is a joke. There is no sitting room, it is cramped, smoky, and busy. Staff were slow, and did little to help. Busses to remote gates were okay, but we had a very long drive. Security was fast, but the holding area for long-haul flights (right before boarding, after security) is far too small. All the passengers on our 767 had trouble just standing in the space. On the positive side, the washrooms were clean, and the gates were modern looking, though it was difficult to see through so many cramped people. We ended up sitting on the floor. Connection times here are fast, but be careful- We had 5 hours here and let me say, those were the longest 5 hours of my life!

VIENNA AIRPORT review : 29 April 2008 : by Andrew Monks

Customer Rating : 3/5

Vienna-Dublin 26 April. Departed from what was the non-Shengen area of the terminal and found it to be overcrowded with a lack of sitting space. It was mid-morning so there was quite alot of long haul departures at the time. The toilets had an awful smell and no paper towels to dry your hands but I imagine this was just a temporary thing. Staff were pleasant and certainly helped the situation, but a far cry from the likes of FRA and DUS.

Vienna Airport review by R Bradley

3 April 2008 2008   Customer Rating :

Good airport, arrived at Vienna after an unpleasant experience at Frankfurt and it was like chalk and cheese. Vienna is clean, spacious, well sign posted and efficient. Took no time at all to get through various checks and retrieve baggage. Pleasant experience at this airport.

Vienna Airport review by Trevor Olding

2 April 2008 2008   Customer Rating :

Passed through the main terminal last month and found it to easy to use. If coming from Vienna city there is a direct train service from the city air terminal, you can also check in for all Star Alliance flights and some others at the downtown terminal. Useful if you have a late flight as you can get rid of your bags early. Check in at the airport for my Swiss flight was carried out by Austrian airlines and the lady who checked me in was basically unhelpful, she checked my bag through to Singapore but refused to issue my Zurich -Singapore boarding pass saying I could get it latter. When I asked where the business lounge was located I was told " in departures". Access to the departure area is easy as the security checks are carried out at the entrance to the gate lounge. The departure lounge is divided into two segments Schengen / Non Schengen the majority of the shops and eating facilities are in the Schengen area. These retail outlets are the standard high end shops you find in most airports. The restaurants are mostly of the self service type but the wine bar does have a good selection of Austrian wines available by the glass. If your flight departs from the A gates remember to leave enough time to clear immigration as this can get very busy during the morning and evening rush hour periods

Vienna Airport review by Paul Jacobsen

10 March 2008 2008   Customer Rating :

Transit through VIE is an easy experience, as walking distances are short. There is no need to rush when flying from C-gates, as security checks are performed at each boarding gate. More time must be planned when flying from B-gates, which have a central security checkpoint: it is quite busy around 5pm or 8pm with a lot of connecting flights. VIE suffers from a lack of seating areas, which is quite noticeable during morning and evening peak hours.

Vienna Airport review by Rainer Burger

8 January 2008   Customer Rating :

Nice Airport with short walking distances, effective checkin. Seating and waiting area at the gates could be bigger, especially on the bigger international flights its sometimes too crowded. The lounges are very nice and offer good service, but beware if you arrive before 05:00: they are still closed (for example coming from Mumbai). Otherwise pleasant to airport.

Vienna Airport review by Robert Bushby

21 November 2007   Customer Rating :

Earlier comments are agreed but to add to them note that on arrival we took the City Air Terminal train (branded as 'CAT') to the city, just 16 minutes away and buying a return saves a euro or so on two singles. Ticket purchase is from machines in the arrival hall or on the platform but 50 Euro notes are not accepted so if paying cash have some lower denominations. You can also use a slightly slower but less expensive train on the same route - a bit like Gatwick Express v Southern from Victoria I guess. Some airlines including Austrian allow check-in at the City Terminal and this was real boon on the return leg meaning that we were unencumbered with baggage at an early stage. Note that taxis seemed reluctant to stop immediately outside the city terminal and we found it easier to cross to the rank diagonally opposite where there were more taxis passing however they also pull in at the rear of the terminal for dropping-off so keep an eye out in that direction as well.

Vienna Airport review by N Ring

17 May 2007   Customer Rating :

Smoking in the bar and restaurant a bit of a nuisance. Lots of shops and a few bargains to be had. Security followed the Singapore model, at the gate. It seemed to be a bit cramped. The gate lounge could also get crowded. A nice airport though.

Vienna Airport review by S Koenig

13 May 2007   Customer Rating :

This is the only airport I have been to that has a porn store (sorry, adult entertainment store) in the duty free area. Lots and lots of duty free shops. Several discount airlines have check-in counters in a separate building across the street from the main terminal, but boarding is in the main building. Having separate security check-in for each gate has its plusses and minuses, but we found it strange that we were made to stand in the terminal's corridor until 40 minutes before our flight, at which time we were allowed to go through security and sit down in the boarding area until actual boarding was announced. There is a train from Vienna's town center, but we opted for a cab in order to avoid changing Metro trains twice and then getting on the 9 Euro train (prices ended up being close).

Vienna Airport review by Tony McLaughlin

2 November 2006   Customer Rating : n/a

Arriving at Vienna was simple enough. We were bussed to the terminal, straight through the door to passport control, and then a very short walk to baggage reclaim. Short walk to the exit, and the bus to Schwedenplatz. I had expected chaos, because of the building works (see Warsaw). Leaving Vienna T1 was pleasant. There are two large duty free shops, more retail outlets than you need, and ample eating and drinking facilities. Security was at the gate, but this was less chaotic than I first feared. All in all a good airport

Vienna Airport review by Dave Stanley

30 September 2006

I travelled through in transit. If you land at terminal C you need a bus to the rest of the airport. The worst thing about this place is the number of people smoking, especially in the restaurants. One good thing, wireless Internet is free!

Vienna Airport review by Paul Evans

6 September 2006

Flew to Vienna recently and the terminal seems to have been improved in appearance since I was last there 5/6 years ago. It is confusing to step off the aircraft into the departure lounge but the adequate signage soon directed us to the baggage reclaim - quite a walk. The overhead screens indicated which carousel our bags would appear on but they never did. After some head scratching we found our cases in a pile with about 20 others in a corner of the arrivals hall. Both were damaged but we had no idea where this had occured as we had passed through several airports during the day. One redeeming factor was the information/tourist office in the arrivals area where the staff were excellent and seemed genuinely pleased to welcome guests to their city. They gave good information regarding the options for travel to the city centre and in view of the damaged luggage we took a taxi at 28 Euros and travelled in a spotless Mercedes estate, taking less than 30 mins to our hotel. We returned on the CAT train which is non stop in 16 mins from the central Wien Mitte station but is a bit pricey although better than the S Bann if travelling with a lot of luggage at busy times. We had none of the problems with checking in or passing through security that have been highlighted by others but that may have been due to the early afternoon flight we had rather than a peak time departure. However, security is carried out at the gate so it is a good idea to get to the gate in good time rather than hang about in the departure area shops. There are no refreshments once you pass through security but there are toilets, which are useful in the event of a delay. All in all a pleasant and modern airport.