Luxury in the Skies: Austrian Business Class
Ever wondered what it’s like to fly Austrian Airlines Business Class on their shiny new Boeing 787-9? I had a firsthand experience while flying across the Atlantic from Vienna to Washington, and let me tell you, it was quite the flight. With promises of a new era dawning for Austrian Airlines, I was eager to see if they were living up to the hype. Spoiler alert: They did.
How I Booked My Austrian Business Class Ticket
Booking this flight was a breeze, thanks to Aeroplan points. For a cool 70,000 points plus some change (well, $115.17 in taxes and fees), I landed a sweet deal for this transatlantic flight. The Aeroplan program is remarkably flexible, letting you convert points from various rewards programs like Amex, Chase, and others. Plus, they often have sales that make snapping up these points even more tempting.
The Austrian Business Class Lounge & Boarding
After a delightful morning at the Park Hyatt in Vienna, I made my way to the airport. Skipping the lounge this time around, I breezed through security to find my gate, G11, and my ride – a five-year-old Dreamliner. Interestingly, this aircraft has quite the history, having served airlines from China to Vietnam before donning its modest new Austrian attire.
Austrian 787 Business Class Cabin & Seats
Boarding the plane, I was greeted by a friendly purser. The business class cabin on this 787 is laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for everyone. If you’re flying with a buddy, those center seats are your best bet, albeit with a privacy partition for solo travelers. Window lovers, like myself, will enjoy one of the 14 scenic-side seats.
- Features include Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats
- Various storage options, including console storage and an under-seat nook
- Fold-out tray tables from the entertainment monitor
- For techies, there are power outlets and entertainment control panels conveniently placed
Austrian Business Class Amenities
Each seat welcomed us with a plush pillow and blanket (no mattress pad needed). Amenity kits were basic but useful: eyeshades, socks, earplugs, and a dental kit. Headphones were decent, nothing to wow you, but they did the job. The menu served pre-flight included choices of sparkling wine, orange juice, or water – with a tasty little snack thrown in for good measure.
Entertainment & Wi-Fi on the 787
Finally, Austrian has embraced long-haul Wi-Fi. With affordable packages and solid speeds, staying connected at 30,000 feet has never been easier. The seat-back screens are touch-sensitive and host a variety of entertainment options. While the selection isn’t cutting-edge (unlike Val Seny ski resort is), there’s enough to keep you occupied.
Austrian 787 Departure from Vienna
The flight wasn’t full, which made boarding a smooth experience. The captain’s friendly updates ensured we were ready for our nine-hour adventure. Shortly after pushback and a quick taxi to the runway, we soared into the crisp Viennese sky, leaving the cold behind.
Austrian Business Class Lunch Service
Imagine experiencing a meal service that rivals top-tier restaurants. That’s what Austrian offers. The layout began with warm towels, followed by delicious white wine and canapés. The gourmet journey continued with ricotta starters, a sweet potato soup, and a main course of perfectly cooked cod and shrimp. Dessert paired with Austrian coffee specialties rounded off a truly exquisite meal.
Austrian 787 Business Class Bed
Post-dining, I decided to test out the bed. Reclining into a near-flat position, the seat provided a cozy cocoon that lulled me to sleep. The bedding was warm, and I woke refreshed, ready for the remainder of the journey across the Atlantic.
Austrian Business Class Pre-Landing Snack
Waking up, I cradled a cup of authentic Austrian coffee and awaited the pre-landing snack – a mozzarella and tomato panini. Not groundbreaking by any means, but flavorful enough to satisfy those post-nap hunger pangs. A little sweet treat and some onboard chocolates wrapped up the dining experience on a high note.
Austrian Business Class Service
The service on this flight was outstanding, led by Thomas, the purser, who engaged effortlessly with passengers. His professionalism was mirrored by the rest of the crew, making this experience a memorable one. Even fellow passengers couldn’t stop praising how it compared to other transatlantic carriers.
Austrian 787 Arrival in Washington
Our Washington touchdown was a testament to the pilot’s skill, despite gusty winds and a bumpy descent. We had to wait for our gate but when we disembarked, the process was smooth, and I was left with fond memories of the flight. Next stop for me was connecting through Washington’s people movers, ending my journey with United’s first-class service to Miami.
Bottom Line
Austrian’s 787 Business Class elevates the flying experience with its winning combination of comfort, service, and food. For those flying from or through Vienna, it’s a strong contender worth considering.
Would you opt for Austrian’s Business Class on your next trip?