Star AllianceOfficial Review 2026
Austrian Airlines
Business Class
8.5
BBC Score
Lie-flat Bed
Chef Dining
Wi-Fi Available
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UnpublishedFares
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Every itinerary manually verified for perfection.
100% Secure
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Real humans available around the clock.
Seat TypeStaggered Lie-flat
Bed Length78 inches
Config1-2-1
Seat Width21 inches
Screen15-inch
The Verdict
Is Austrian Airlines Business Class worth it?
Austrian Airlines Business Class is a strong choice for travelers connecting through Vienna, offering the polish and reliability of the Lufthansa Group alongside a distinctly Austrian sense of hospitality — most notably through its renowned DO & CO catering. The long-haul product on the Boeing 777 and 787-9 delivers comfortable, fully flat seating, though the airline's fleet is a patchwork of older and newer cabins, so the experience can vary noticeably by aircraft. Short-haul business class remains a economy seat with a blocked middle, which is standard for European carriers but won't wow anyone. Overall, it's a dependable, well-catered product best suited to Star Alliance loyalists and those routing through Vienna's efficient hub.
Why We Love It
- ●Exceptional DO & CO catering, widely regarded as among the best in the industry
- ●Fully flat seating on long-haul Boeing 777 and 787-9 aircraft
- ●Strong Star Alliance connectivity through the efficient Vienna hub
- ●Distinctive Austrian wine list and warm, culturally rooted service style
Considerations
Always check your specific aircraft before booking a long-haul Austrian flight — the 787-9 offers a newer cabin than some of the airline's 777s, and the difference in seat comfort and privacy is significant. If you have a long Vienna layover, the Austrian Airlines lounges at VIE Terminal 3 are worth arriving early for, particularly for the Sacher torte and Austrian wine selection.
Cabin Blueprint
The Hard Product
Configuration1-2-1
Bed Length78 inches
Seat Width21 inches
Entertainment15-inch
Onboard Experience
The signature strength of Austrian's business class is its onboard catering, produced by DO & CO — the acclaimed Vienna-based hospitality company known for elevated, chef-driven meals rather than standard airline fare. Expect multi-course dining featuring Austrian specialties, a curated wine list often showcasing Grüner Veltliner and other domestic labels, and a warm, attentive service style that reflects the airline's Viennese heritage. On long-haul flights aboard the Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 787-9, business class offers fully flat seating suited for overnight rest, though seat generation and direct aisle access vary between the two aircraft types. Entertainment is delivered via a seatback IFE system with a reasonable film and TV library, and power outlets are standard in business class. Short- and medium-haul flights within Europe use Airbus A320-family aircraft with recliner seats and blocked middle seats, more comparable to a premium economy experience than a true long-haul business product.
Coffee House Service
Chef on Board
DO & CO Catering
Vienna Hub
Ground Experience
Austrian Airlines Business Lounge (VIE)
Located at Vienna Airport, featuring DO&CO catering, Viennese coffee specialties, premium Austrian wines, shower facilities, and a calm, efficient environment. The Vienna hub is one of Europe's easiest to navigate.
Exclusive AccessBusiness & First Only
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Review last updated: January 2026
Further Reading
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about flying Austrian Airlines Business Class.
Is Austrian Airlines business class worth the price?▼
For long-haul flights, yes — the combination of flat-bed seating and standout DO & CO catering makes it a compelling option, especially when priced competitively against Lufthansa or SWISS. Short-haul intra-European business class is less remarkable, offering mainly a blocked middle seat and better catering rather than a true premium seat. Travelers prioritizing food and wine quality will find excellent value; those seeking cutting-edge seat privacy may prefer other Star Alliance options.
What seat type does Austrian Airlines business class use?▼
On long-haul routes, Austrian operates fully flat business class seats aboard its Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleets, though seat generation and configuration differ between aircraft types. Short- and medium-haul flights on Airbus A320-family aircraft use standard recliner seats with a blocked middle seat rather than a dedicated business class seat.
What lounges can I access with Austrian Airlines business class?▼
Business class passengers departing from Vienna International Airport (VIE) can access the Austrian Airlines lounges in Terminal 3, known for showcasing Austrian wines, coffee specialties, and light Viennese fare. As a Star Alliance member, Austrian business class travelers also gain access to partner lounges worldwide when flying internationally.
How does Austrian Airlines compare to competitors?▼
Austrian's long-haul business class is broadly comparable to Lufthansa's business class in hard product, though it differentiates itself through superior DO & CO catering, arguably among the best in the Star Alliance network. It doesn't match the privacy of Qatar's Qsuite or the suite-style seating found on carriers like Singapore Airlines, but for a European legacy carrier, the dining experience places it above many peers of similar seat hardware.
Fly Austrian Airlines on These Routes
Business class routes featuring Business Class. Save up to 40% on unpublished fares.
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