Austrian Airlines

I flew with Austrian from Vienna to Washington, and back from New York and have nothing but good words to say about my experience. The price was okay. With two kids (10 and 13), an 8+ hours trip can quickly turn into a drag, but not this time. Both planes were clean, crew friendly and helpful, boarding went smoothly, we were frequently offered refreshments. They had an excellent movies selection too. I am fairly tall, 190 cm, but had enough room to sit comfortably. I couldn't sleep much because of the plane noise, so I could probably use some ear protection but didn't think to ask. I missed internet, but not all that much.

Copenhagen to Vienna with Austrian on an A320, followed by Vienna to Chicago on a Boeing 767-300, in Business Class. Wasn’t able to use check-in kiosks in CPH as they did not work with my reservation. So, used the manned counter, not a problem as no long lines. Agent finally checked me in after some attempts. Austrian use standard Economy seating (Recaro slim seats) for Business Class with the middle seat left unsold. Those seats are not particularly comfortable, but okay for a flight below two hours. Service onboard was attentive with cabin staff regularly around to top up drinks. A small, but tasty hot meal was served. Austrian uses the SAS Lounge in Copenhagen, which is stylish and comfortable. However, only very limited and cheap cold food (some salads, turkey chorizo and some cake) was available. Drink choices were okay, but wines offered were rather poor. Check-in at Vienna was fast and friendly. I was directed to Non-Schengen Business Lounge, as the small Senator Lounge was probably overcrowded. This lounge is extremely poor - spacious and with a view of the tarmac, but in addition of being a case of design over comfort, the breakfast offerings were poor - some pastries. Coffee was good. Onboard it was an overall good experience; not the most modern plane but updated with the new business class and looked very fresh, 1-2-1 configuration with lie flat seats. IFE was AVOD, good, large high quality screens, however movie selection was not that good and rather limited regarding latest releases. After one flight I have already watched what I wanted to see. Cabin staff were attentive during the extensive meal service, but in hiding mode otherwise; eg. only drink round between meals for 10 hour flight. Meals were tasty and with Austrian and international choices and of restaurant quality. This is where Austrian really excels ! Lunch was a choice of various Antipasti from a trolley, soup, a choice of 3 mains (Prawn Curry or Viennese Veal Goulash or Vegetarian Pasta) and a choice of hot/cold desserts from a trolley. The second meal was a choice of Salmon with potato cakes or Chicken Quesadillas. However, the food choices were almost the same as my flight three months earlier. Same starters and same mains with some variation in the vegetarian pasta and soup for the lunch service, same choices for the second meal. Wines were predominantly from Austria with some good quality choices. US border control in Chicago was fast and efficient, and luggage out fast as well. All in all a good experience with some significant areas for improvement (eg. lounge in VIE, movie selection and staff being more present in the cabin during the transatlantic flight). Recommended, as the most important aspects of the flight itself were good.

Frequent, overpriced flights with Austrian Airlines for this short trip between Amsterdam and Vienna. Whilst onboard service remains as basic as possible, I'd like to comment on their atrocious myAustrian rebrand which resembles that of a cheap, lowcost airline. The new booking process is clunky, fares that used to include luggage are now hand luggage only (and no cheaper), plus to top it all off, an EUR7.50 fee for any booking apart from an unknown local payment system applies - even higher than easyJet or Ryanair. This used to be a quality airline one would be happy and proud to choose, but now I'd almost rather not fly than fly Austrian.

I had pre-assigned front seats on flights ZAG-VIE-INN as LH Gold member. During boarding for the second flight in VIE, the seat was changed and the seat closely to the last row was assigned. The gate agent was completely ignorant and spoke about "change of the aircraft". This was not true because they use the same Fokker as every day. The aircraft was almost empty and nobody could understand his behaviour. Fortunately, the crew was more attentive and the seats were changed again after boarding. Overall standard of ground service especially in Vienna is rather low and agents in Vienna extremely unhelpful. Their training level seems to be poor.

Two segments flight with 8hrs waiting time between the flights. There was a small snack served during the flights. Because I was travelling with a baby I had no chance to choose my seat. On the second segment of the flight a small toy was offered to the baby and the crew showed a bit more concern.

Short delay on the first segment, however I arrived on time, as the connecting flight was not delayed. Drinks served for free on both flights. No food served and no option to purchase food on board, which was unpleasant as I was really hungry. They do advertise as a full service carrier though and the VIE-ATH segment is a 2 hour flight (would be worse if it was a connection from a long haul flight). First flight almost full, second one about 65% full. Connection in Vienna was short, smooth and convenient. Used my smartphone to check in, it was a bit slow and with some errors. In the end did not manage to get the mobile boarding pass, however had no problems as the agent printed them in Zagreb with no extra charge. Overall had an average experience.

Departed Heathrow an hour late due to a problem with the loading of passengers baggage. The flight that was due to leave at 1520 left at 1630 but the Captain kept everyone informed and soft drinks were served during the delay. First the negative, the flight was disrupted by a couple immediately behind me who were unable to control their three children for most of the flight resulted in constant screaming and more amazingly allowing them to unfasten their seat belts as the plane came in to land and throw themselves on the ground. That aside it was an otherwise pleasant flight - I was in row 3 - legroom not great but the middle seat was free. A pretty tasty meal of meatballs and mash potato and vegetables was served around 20 minutes after take off with a nice Tiramisu cake and my sparkling wine was kept topped up throughout the flight by the pleasant and attentive crew who apologised for the screaming children to all business class passengers as we disembarked. Noise aside I was impressed by the service and while the delay was frustrating, Austrian Airlines did their best to keep us informed and we eventually landed in Vienna around 30 minutes late at 19:25.

Dubai to Vienna, a night flight. The seats were cramped and uncomfortable, especially if you desire to sleep during your flight. The quality of earphones is poor and I had to use almost 4 earphones during the course of my journey. The snack served in the beginning was average and for the meal served as breakfast they had no vegetarian options. The aircraft is neat and clean with a pretty good IFE system.

Our flight was supposed to leave at 7 in the morning. We were at the airport at 5, just to find that our flight was canceled (due to a technical defect we were told and with no replacement aircraft available). Since we (2 adults, one youth) planned to travel onwards from Paris to Marseille via train, we were fine with being rebooked directly to Marseille via Frankfort. Although waiting at the airport for 5 hours we arrived at Marseille as planned. At boarding all three of us were upgraded to business on both legs. Flight back from Paris was alright: staff very nice and courteous; as we had seats in a row without a window, my son and I were offered a row of our own with a window, keeping the middle seat free. Catering is of low quality though, at dinner time only a mini portion of pretzels or a small pack of hazelnut wafers were offered. IFE didn't exist. Austrian is alright if you get a ticket at a reasonable price.

Austrian still fly a Fokker 100 on this route. Admittedly in good conditions but basically an old plane from the 1980s. The service is limited to drinks and some nibbles. The flight assistant addressed me in German and when she realised I did not speak the language she made a face as if speaking English was a big inconvenience to her. If I can avoid Austrian in the future I will.