Austrian Airlines doesn’t make a lot of noise in the airline industry. It’s not flashy like Emirates, not budget like Ryanair, and not gigantic like Lufthansa. Yet, after flying it repeatedly over the past 10 years, both short-haul within Europe and long-haul across the Atlantic, I’ve come to see Austrian Airlines as one of the most underrated carriers in Europe. With its blend of traditional service, Vienna’s efficient hub, and strong Star Alliance integration, this airline offers a polished, comfortable experience that many competitors can’t match.
In this detailed review, I’ll break down my own experiences flying Austrian Airlines across different classes, along with hard facts, industry ratings, and what to watch out for before you book.
Who Owns Austrian Airlines and Where Does It Fly?
Austrian Airlines is the flag carrier of Austria and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group. It operates out of Vienna International Airport (VIE), which functions as both its hub and operational base.
As of 2024, the airline serves over 130 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. While its European network is strong, it also offers long-haul flights to cities like New York, Chicago, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Montreal.
Its integration within the Star Alliance means smooth connectivity and loyalty perks, particularly for frequent flyers linked to Miles & More or other partner programs.
Booking With Austrian Airlines: Efficient, Clear, and Transparent
In my experience, Austrian Airlines has one of the better online booking platforms in Europe. The interface is intuitive, pricing is usually transparent, and the process is quick even for multi-leg international trips.
You can book four travel classes:
- Economy Light (no checked luggage)
- Economy Classic (includes one checked bag)
- Premium Economy (available on long-haul flights)
- Business Class
Austrian frequently codeshares with Lufthansa and SWISS, so double-check the operating carrier if that matters to you. Booking directly on the Austrian Airlines site usually offers better rebooking and customer service options than third-party sellers, especially if travel plans might change.
What Are the Cabins Like on Austrian Airlines?
This is where Austrian quietly excels. Their long-haul cabins are consistently clean, well-maintained, and logically laid out. The short-haul fleet, mainly Airbus A320 family and Embraer 195s, is comfortable for regional hops, though service is streamlined due to flight duration.
Long-Haul Economy Class
Seats are in a 2-4-2 layout on their Boeing 777 and 767 aircraft, with a 31-inch seat pitch and 6-inch recline. I’ve flown economy on routes from Vienna to Chicago and found the seats reasonably supportive, and the legroom manageable, even on flights over 9 hours.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy is where Austrian sets itself apart. The seats offer 38 inches of pitch and wider cushions, with footrests, enhanced recline, and upgraded meals served on real tableware. If you’re flying intercontinental and don’t want to splurge on Business, this is a solid middle-ground product.
Business Class
The Business Class cabin follows a 1-2-1 and 2-2-2 staggered configuration depending on the aircraft. Seats recline fully flat, and while they aren’t all-aisle-access (a downside), the comfort level is high. The Austrian touch comes through in the service: attentive but never overbearing, with beautifully plated food and curated Austrian wines.
In-Flight Service: Polished and Consistently Professional
From check-in to disembarkation, Austrian Airlines delivers service that I’d describe as elegant, discreet, and consistent. The cabin crew often speaks fluent German and English, and on international flights, at least one crew member typically speaks the language of the destination country.
Dining
Austrian’s in-flight catering has a strong reputation, especially in Business Class. Meals are designed by DO & CO, a premium airline caterer based in Vienna, known for their restaurant-quality meals at altitude.
Even in Economy, the food feels a notch above standard European carrier fare. On long-haul flights, meals include fresh salads, warm bread rolls, and mains that reflect a balance of Austrian and international cuisine. The airline also offers a paid “Flying Chef” upgrade in Business, which is not just a gimmick, it’s genuinely a curated culinary experience.
Entertainment and Connectivity
Seatback entertainment systems are available in all long-haul classes and include a wide range of recent films, TV shows, and multilingual options. The interface is responsive and modern, though the selection isn’t as deep as Emirates or Qatar.
Wi-Fi is available on most long-haul aircraft but not all short-haul planes. Plans range from basic messaging to full browsing, with average speeds, not great for streaming, but fine for emails and light browsing.
Is Austrian Airlines Punctual?
Yes, and it’s one of the reasons I continue to fly them. According to OAG 2023 stats, Austrian Airlines maintained an on-time performance rate of 83.6%, which is strong for a European full-service carrier. Vienna Airport, the airline’s main hub, is compact and well-run, meaning layovers are generally efficient, even for intercontinental transfers.
However, winter weather can cause ripple effects, snow in Vienna has delayed several of my December flights. Still, delays are typically communicated in advance, and rebooking options are handled well if you booked directly through Austrian.
How Does Customer Service Compare?
This is one of the more subjective parts of any airline experience. Personally, I’ve found Austrian’s customer service to be polite, structured, and fast when dealing with flight changes or luggage inquiries. Their social media team is fairly responsive, though not as quick as, say, KLM.
That said, online reviews are a mixed bag. On Skytrax, Austrian holds a 4-Star rating with user scores averaging around 7/10, while Trustpilot ratings hover around 3.5/5. Common complaints include tight seating in Economy and the occasional short-haul delay, but praise is often given for food, service, and cleanliness.
Baggage Policy: Competitive and Transparent
Austrian Airlines follows the Lufthansa Group baggage model. Economy Light includes only a carry-on (8 kg), while Economy Classic gives you 1 checked bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy includes two checked bags, and Business Class offers 2 bags up to 32 kg each, plus two carry-ons.
Special items like skis or instruments require advance registration but are handled with care, Austria being a ski-heavy destination, the airline is used to transporting gear efficiently.
How Safe Is Austrian Airlines?
Austrian has an excellent safety record, and as part of the Lufthansa Group, it meets or exceeds all EU and IATA standards. The airline passed its most recent IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and maintains strict aircraft maintenance via Lufthansa Technik and Austrian Technik.
Its fleet is a mix of Airbus A320-family aircraft for short-haul and Boeing 777s and 767s for long-haul. The long-haul aircraft have undergone consistent cabin upgrades, with average ages under 15 years, a bit older than industry average, but well-maintained and recently refurbished.
Frequent Flyer Program: Miles & More Integration
Austrian Airlines is fully integrated into the Miles & More loyalty program. You can:
- Earn and redeem points across Star Alliance partners.
- Access Lufthansa Group lounges with status or Business Class tickets.
- Qualify for elite tiers like Frequent Traveller, Senator, or HON Circle.
If you already collect with SWISS, Lufthansa, or Brussels Airlines, flying Austrian complements your mileage accumulation seamlessly.
How Does Austrian Airlines Compare to Other European Legacy Carriers?
Long-Haul Business Class Comparison
| Airline | Seat Type | Catering Quality | IFE/Comfort | Service Style |
| Austrian Airlines | Lie-flat, staggered | Excellent (Do&Co) | Good | Refined, relaxed |
| Lufthansa | Lie-flat (older) | Good | Good | Formal, structured |
| Air France | Reverse herringbone | Very Good | Excellent | Elegant, upscale |
| British Airways | Club Suite (new) | Moderate | Excellent | Friendly, variable |
Austrian is strongest in catering and service tone, though their hard product (seat style, IFE) is just average and in need of an upcoming refresh.
So, Should You Fly Austrian Airlines?
If you’re looking for quiet efficiency, genuine service, and polished in-flight experience, Austrian Airlines is an excellent choice, especially for long-haul or Central European routes. Its Premium Economy is one of the best in Europe. The Business Class isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s reliable and well-priced. And the food, particularly in Business, is genuinely something to look forward to.
It’s not a “wow” airline in terms of branding or buzz. But it doesn’t need to be. Austrian Airlines delivers what many travelers secretly want: comfort, punctuality, and a sense of calm professionalism that feels increasingly rare in European air travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austrian Airlines
Is Austrian Airlines safe to fly?
Yes. Austrian Airlines is IOSA-certified and adheres to EASA and Lufthansa Group safety standards.
Does Austrian offer lie-flat Business Class seats?
Yes. All long-haul flights feature lie-flat seating in Business Class.
Is the food really that good in Austrian Business Class?
Yes. Catering by Do&Co is widely regarded as among the best in Europe.
Is Vienna a good airport for connections?
Yes. Vienna is small, efficient, and well-staffed, with short walking distances between gates.
Can I earn or redeem miles through Star Alliance partners?
Yes. Austrian participates fully in Star Alliance, and Miles & More miles can be used with all member airlines.