Greetings from Washington! I’m winding up my blissful getaway, having zipped back from a whirlwind trip to Versailles. And what a jaunt it was, nestled in the business class seat of Austrian’s Boeing 787-9, gracefully gliding over a nine-hour stretch from Vienna to Washington. Cue the clinking of glasses!
So, let’s talk about this flight, shall we? Austrian Airlines has long been my pocket ace within the Lufthansa Group. Never mind that Austrian sometimes gets the side-eye, treated as the group’s lesser sibling; it’s their business class chops that I’m here for. Enter the Boeing 787 Dreamliner—a new dawn for Austrian—and boy, was I eager to try these beauties on for size.
Austrian’s 787 Business Class: Where Familiarity Meets Flair
At this point, Austrian’s got two Dreamliners on their roster, previously under the Bamboo Airways flag. While Lufthansa and SWISS are busy shiny-new plane shopping, Austrian’s playing it cool with some savvy second-hand picks. Silver linings, folks.
These Dreamliners come fitted with 26 reverse herringbone business class seats in a neat 1-2-1 layout. Face the front and everything screams “Austrian charm,” but pivot around and it’s an airline chameleon.
Specifically, Austrian flies with Collins Aerospace’s Super Diamond seats. Not cutting-edge but a dramatic leap forward when compared to your run-of-the-mill Lufthansa screensaver. If you’d let me be candid, I’d say goodbye to Austrian’s former staggered setup in a heartbeat for this.
Curiously, the planes are sporting an interim livery—stripped down to an all-white look with “Austrian” draped on the side and a logo on the tail. My eagle-eyed guess is an effort to get these babies flying ASAP.
Fun fact: I had actually been on one of these when it was Bamboo Airways. Aviation connectivity, eh?
Food Aficionados, Rejoice!
- Austrian’s lasting legacy with its DO & CO catering and memorable onboard chef was on full display. While their fancy aisle cart may be a pandemic casualty, the taste sure isn’t.
- I began with a starter of ricotta and grilled veggies. It’s a good thing I did some sit-ups before the flight.
- Next, the soothing embrace of sweet potato coconut soup, which could convince anyone of its creamy merit.
- The main course? Baked cod with shrimp lounging amid pea purée and crayfish sauce, art on a plate.
- With tummies buzzing, a dessert cart rolled out full of sweet wonder. White chocolate mousse? Don’t mind if I do.
- And as a cherry on top, their coffee menu was aces. My choice: the Wiener Eiskaffee—a decadent dance of espresso, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. Enough said.
- The pre-landing snack trot out wasn’t winning any beauty contests with my mozzarella panini, but oh did it deliver on flavor.
- As a special nod, Austrian’s variety of local wines was spectacular, supporting the culinary journey with Austrian reds, whites, and bubbly goodness.
Wi-Fi Onboard and Entertainment: A Modestly Unpretentious Offering
Hallelujah, the 787s finally bring Wi-Fi to Austrian’s long haul flights. It’s €25 well spent for the ride, with a no-cap assurance. Messaging? Complimentary darling!
As every armchair traveler will expect, each seat comes equipped with entertainment options—though not overflowing with Hollywood’s latest. It’s perfectly fine, but I prefer my laptop’s company.
The Only Way to Fly: Austrian’s Loverly Crew
Warm mentions go to the amiable cabin crew. From the purser to attendants, every team member made sure to shine.
Hey, there was even this moment when a chatty American lady wanted to wax lyrical about how Austrian toppled her beloved United Polaris experience. Good vibes rolled high in the cabin that day.
Final Thoughts
If they held a pageant for long haul business classes, Austrian would be on the podium, stealing the show with newfound charisma. Their Dreamliners bring a fresh twist with full aisle access and Wi-Fi, not to forget their culinary distinction and charming crew.
It’s a head-scratcher why Austrian sometimes feels pushed aside by the Lufthansa Group. They’ve crafted an enviable high-flier’s escape—so if you’re ever given a ticket to ride on an Austrian 787 business class, hold it tight and enjoy the view!
Now, here’s holding out for that fleet expansion, whenever Lufthansa decides to wave in the next act…but let’s not hold our breath too much.
Your thoughts on Austrian’s 787 business class experience?