I’ve flown Austrian Airlines Business Class multiple times over the past few years, especially on long-haul routes between Europe and North America. While the airline doesn’t boast the hype of Lufthansa or the luxury branding of Emirates, it consistently delivers something many airlines forget: a product that’s actually well-balanced,particularly when it comes to food, service, and onboard atmosphere.
In this review, I’ll walk you through my experiences flying Austrian’s Business Class across its long-haul and regional network, including seat comfort, service quality, inflight dining, lounge access, and overall value. If you’re considering booking with Austrian, here’s what you should know.
What Aircraft Does Austrian Use for Business Class?
Austrian’s long-haul Business Class is available on its fleet of Boeing 767-300ER and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Both are configured with fully flat beds, but the seat layout and comfort vary slightly.
The 767 has a 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 mixed configuration, while the 777 usually follows a more consistent 1-2-1 layout. If you’re traveling solo, aim for the throne seats,single seats with extra space and privacy. They’re limited in number and tend to get snapped up quickly.
Seat features include:
- Fully flat beds (up to 78 inches long)
- Seat width of 19–21 inches
- Direct aisle access from most seats
- Adjustable lumbar support, massage function, and privacy screens
While the hard product isn’t cutting-edge like ANA’s “The Room” or Qatar’s Qsuite, it’s more than sufficient for sleeping, working, or relaxing on overnight flights. I’ve had solid sleep on every flight thanks to the clean bedding, proper lie-flat angle, and noise-controlled cabin environment.
Austrian is expected to introduce refurbished Business Class seats as part of the Lufthansa Group’s “Allegris” refresh starting 2025, but current aircraft are still in strong working shape.
How Comfortable Are the Seats?
Seat Design
- Seat width: 19 inches
- Bed length: Up to 78 inches (flat-bed)
- Privacy: Moderate; true privacy only at select window seats
- Layout: Alternates between throne seats and paired seats
I typically aim for the “throne seats” in rows like 3A or 5K on the 777,these offer solo seating with dual armrests and extra side table space. Seats near the galley or lavatories can be noisy.
Sleep Comfort
With the provided bedding:
- Mattress pad
- Thick duvet
- Soft full-size pillow
I was able to sleep comfortably on a 9-hour flight from Vienna to New York. The seat does taper at the feet due to the footwell, which could be tight for taller travelers, but I managed well at 6’1”.
What’s the Service Like in Business Class?
Austrian Airlines’ cabin crew are among the most consistent I’ve encountered in Europe. They blend formal Austrian hospitality with a warm tone that feels genuine rather than rehearsed.
Boarding is efficient, and I’m always welcomed personally once seated. Pre-departure drinks include water, orange juice, or Austrian sparkling wine,usually Schlumberger. Crew walk through the cabin with menus and take meal and drink orders before takeoff, something I still consider a mark of polished service.
Once in the air, the crew maintains a good pace. They’re attentive without hovering, and they often check in with passengers discreetly throughout the flight. If I need something mid-flight,a coffee refill, a different wine, or help with the seat,they respond quickly and professionally.
How Is Food and Wine?
This is where Austrian Airlines really shines. In fact, if I had to pick one European carrier for inflight dining, Austrian would top the list.
Their partnership with DO & CO, a premium catering company based in Vienna, raises the bar well above industry average. Meals are freshly prepared, elegantly plated, and available in both European and international styles.
On my last flight from Vienna to New York, I was served an appetizer trio: smoked salmon with horseradish cream, pumpkin soup, and a fresh mixed salad. For the main course, I chose beef tenderloin with potato gratin and red wine sauce, followed by a traditional Austrian dessert,Kaiserschmarrn with plum compote.
But the real standout is the onboard coffee house. Austrian offers a full Viennese-style coffee menu: Melange, Einspänner, Verlängerter, even decaf options. Each is brewed fresh and served with flair. If you’re a coffee lover, this feature alone makes Business Class worth considering.
Wine service includes Austrian and European selections, with tasting notes listed in the menu. The flight attendants are knowledgeable enough to suggest pairings. On one flight, I had a crisp Grüner Veltliner that paired perfectly with the fish course.
Mid-flight snacks and a lighter second meal are offered depending on route length and departure time. The consistency in taste, temperature, and plating has never disappointed me.
What Is the Lounge Experience Like?
Flying Austrian Business Class from Vienna International Airport (VIE) gives you access to the Austrian Business Lounge, located in the non-Schengen and Schengen areas. The lounge itself isn’t huge, but it’s functional and well-designed.
Expect comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, showers, and hot meals prepared by DO & CO. I’ve often found traditional Viennese fare like goulash, apple strudel, and fresh pastries served buffet-style. There’s also a fully stocked bar with beer, wine, and spirits.
The views of the tarmac and Austrian’s red-white-red liveried aircraft offer a nice touch for aviation enthusiasts. During off-peak hours, the lounge is peaceful. But during morning or late-night waves, it can get crowded.
Outside of Vienna, lounge access depends on the departure airport. In North America, Austrian often uses Lufthansa or Star Alliance lounges, such as the United Polaris Lounge (Newark, Chicago), which adds a nice touch if you’re starting your journey abroad.
Is Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Up to Date?
Austrian’s inflight entertainment system is reliable, though not spectacular. Screens are 15 to 17 inches, touch-enabled, and paired with a handheld controller. The movie selection is modest but well-curated: recent Hollywood releases, German-language films, Austrian documentaries, and European classics.
Noise-canceling headphones are provided, though I usually bring my own Bose or Sony pair. Audio quality is acceptable, but not premium.
As for Wi-Fi, Austrian offers onboard connectivity on most long-haul flights via Lufthansa Group’s FlyNet system. Packages are sold by time or data usage:
- Messaging (free or very low-cost)
- Surf & Stream packages (paid, 1–3 hours or full flight)
The speeds are average,enough for email, browsing, and messaging, but not for streaming. I’ve used it successfully to stay connected mid-flight but wouldn’t rely on it for heavy tasks.
What Are the Best Routes to Fly Austrian Business Class?
The best routes for experiencing Austrian’s Business Class are long-haul flights to and from Vienna. These include:
- Vienna to New York (JFK/EWR)
- Vienna to Chicago (ORD)
- Vienna to Washington D.C. (IAD)
- Vienna to Los Angeles (LAX)
- Vienna to Tokyo or Bangkok
Flights are typically scheduled overnight westbound and daytime eastbound, which gives you flexibility in choosing between rest or productivity.
I personally recommend westbound overnight flights (e.g., VIE to JFK) to get the full sleep experience, including the meal, the lie-flat seat, and the curated breakfast before landing.
How Does Austrian Airlines Business Class Compare?
| Feature | Austrian | Lufthansa | Swiss | Finnair |
| Seat Comfort | Moderate | Moderate | Similar | New AirLounge seats (superior) |
| Privacy | Limited except throne seats | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Catering | Outstanding (Do & Co) | Good | Good | Decent |
| Lounge | Good in VIE | Good in FRA | Great in ZRH | Moderate |
| IFE/Wi-Fi | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
If food, wine, and sleep quality are top priorities, Austrian outperforms Lufthansa. It’s behind Finnair and Qatar in seat innovation, but not in service or value.
Typical Pricing
- Europe to U.S. roundtrip: 2,800–4,500 euros
- Mileage (Miles & More): 55,000–70,000 one-way in Business
- Aeroplan: 60,000–70,000 miles one-way from Europe to North America
Austrian often offers promo fares and Star Alliance partner awards, making it a good-value redemption option compared to Swiss or Lufthansa.
What Do Other Travelers Say?
Most reviews of Austrian’s Business Class echo what I’ve seen firsthand: reliable service, exceptional food, and a clean, well-run cabin. Frequent flyers on forums like FlyerTalk and Reddit regularly praise the coffee menu and DO & CO catering, while occasionally noting that the seats are starting to feel dated.
Complaints, when they happen, tend to focus on the smaller IFE library or limited amenity kit contents. But those are minor, especially compared to the food, crew consistency, and punctuality Austrian delivers.
Who Should Choose Austrian Business Class?
Ideal for:
- Couples (middle seats) or solo travelers (throne seats)
- Food and wine lovers
- Mileage redemptions via Star Alliance
- Sleep-prioritizing travelers
Less ideal for:
- Passengers needing high-tech suites or seat privacy
- Business travelers requiring cutting-edge connectivity
- Travelers expecting a modern cabin design
Is Austrian Airlines Business Class Worth It?
Yes,especially if you’re flying to or through Vienna, or connecting to Eastern and Central Europe. Austrian’s Business Class offers one of the most well-rounded experiences among mid-sized European carriers.
What stands out is the balance: the food is excellent, the seat is fully flat and functional, and the staff delivers consistently high service. It’s not ultra-luxurious, but it’s thoughtfully executed.
If you’re someone who values food quality, privacy, and consistent European hospitality, Austrian Airlines Business Class is absolutely worth it.
FAQ: Austrian Airlines Business Class
Are the seats fully flat?
Yes. On all long-haul aircraft (777/767), the seats recline to a full flat-bed position.
Is lounge access included?
Yes. Business Class passengers get lounge access in Vienna and all Star Alliance lounges globally.
Do all seats offer aisle access?
Most do, but some window seats are adjacent to the window without direct aisle access. Throne seats are solo and best for privacy.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code, but smart casual is standard among Business Class passengers.
Can I book using points?
Yes. Austrian is part of Star Alliance, so you can book using Aeroplan, United, Miles & More, and other partner programs.