Austrian flights and airline information

Austrian Airlines (OS) is the national carrier of Austria, deservedly considered one of the most reliable and hospitable operators in Europe. As part of the powerful Lufthansa Group aviation holding, the company ensures high standards of safety and service quality, connecting Western and Eastern Europe. The main hub and "home" of the airline is Vienna International Airport, from where flights are operated to more than 130 destinations worldwide.

As a full member of the global Star Alliance, Austrian offers its passengers access to an extensive route network and seamless connections at the world's largest airports. The airline positions itself as a classic network carrier focused on comfort and preserving traditional Austrian style in every detail of the flight.

One of the carrier's key features is its exceptional service, which has repeatedly been honored with prestigious aviation awards. Passengers especially value the unique atmosphere on board, which begins with the friendly staff and ends with gourmet cuisine inspired by the best culinary traditions of Austria. On long-haul flights, Austrian often offers "flying chefs" service, bringing in-flight dining to a restaurant level.

The airline's fleet is constantly being modernized, including both medium-haul Airbus aircraft and powerful Boeing liners for intercontinental flights to North America and Asia. Thanks to a clever combination of regional and global routes, Austrian remains a key player in the Central and Eastern European transport market, offering convenient schedules and flexible fare solutions for all types of travelers.

You can contact Austrian representatives through official global communication channels:

• Official website — austrian.com
• Customer service phone (German) — +43 5 1766 3000 (Mon–Fri 07:30–22:00, Sat–Sun 10:30–19:00 local time)
• 24-hour support phone (English) — +43 5 1766 3100 (daily, 24/7)
• Official email for legal inquiries — impressum@austrian.com
• Social media — Austrian Airlines accounts on Facebook, Instagram (@austrianairlines), Twitter (X: @_austrian), and LinkedIn
• Mobile app — Austrian App is available for download on the App Store and Google Play
• Emergency support — in cases of flight delay or lost baggage, it is recommended to contact the check-in desks at the airport or use the web forms in the Help & Contact section on the official website.

Head office address: Austrian Airlines AG, Office Park 2, Postfach 100, A-1300 Vienna Airport, Austria. We recommend always checking the current contact information on the airline's official website before making calls.

Baggage allowance at Austrian depends directly on the chosen fare and class of service. For hand luggage, economy and premium economy class passengers can take one piece weighing up to 8 kg and with dimensions no more than 55x40x23 cm. In business class, 2 pieces of hand luggage of 8 kg each are allowed. In addition to the main allowance, a small personal item, such as a laptop bag or a handbag, is permitted.

For checked baggage, the following standards apply: Economy Classic & Flex fares include 1 piece up to 23 kg. In premium economy, the allowance increases to 2 pieces of 23 kg each, and business class passengers can transport 2 pieces of 32 kg. Please note that the budget Economy Light fare usually does not include free baggage in the cargo hold, and it must be paid for separately.

Excess baggage and exceeding weight limits are paid according to established rates, which depend on the flight distance. It is cheapest to pay for additional baggage online through the "Manage Booking" service on the airline's website rather than at the airport check-in desk. For sports equipment, such as skis or snowboards, special conditions often apply, but it is better to book their transportation in advance.

For safety reasons, it is forbidden to carry flammable substances, toxic materials, high-power lithium batteries (without following rules), and other dangerous goods in checked and hand luggage. Before packing your suitcase, it is recommended to check the full list of restrictions in the Baggage section on the official website to avoid delays during inspection.

Cabin Transportation

Austrian allows small domestic dogs and cats to be transported in the cabin. Basic requirements:

• The maximum weight of the animal together with the soft carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• The carrier must be waterproof, bite-resistant, and have dimensions no larger than 55x40x23 cm so that it can fit under the seat in front of you.
• The animal must remain inside the carrier throughout the entire flight.

Transportation in the Baggage Compartment

If the pet weighs more than 8 kg or its dimensions exceed the cabin standards, it is transported in a heated cargo hold:

• The container must comply with IATA standards, be rigid, and provide sufficient ventilation.
• The size of the container must allow the animal to stand, lie down, and turn in a natural position.
• A special fee is charged for transportation in the baggage compartment, the amount of which depends on the weight of the animal and the route.

Required Documents and Preparation

• An international veterinary passport, a microchip, and current vaccinations (primarily against rabies) are mandatory.
• The passenger is responsible for complying with all import regulations of the destination country.
• It is recommended not to feed the animal for 4 hours before departure and to accustom it to the carrier in advance.

Restrictions

There are restrictions for brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flat faces, such as pugs, bulldogs, or Persian cats), as they do not tolerate stress and temperature changes well. Seasonal restrictions on transportation in the cargo hold may also apply during periods of extreme heat or cold. To clarify the possibility of transportation and to book a place for a pet, you must contact the airline's service center as early as possible.

Miles & More Loyalty Program

Austrian passengers are members of Miles & More — Europe's largest bonus program, combining flights of the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance partners. Participation in the program allows you to accumulate miles and exchange them for valuable privileges.

Membership Tiers and Statuses

• Frequent Traveller — the silver level, granting the right to use business class check-in desks and access to lounges.
• Senator — gold status with access to exclusive Senator lounges, priority boarding, and increased baggage allowance.
• HON Circle Member — the highest tier for the most frequent flyers, offering personal assistant services at the airport and limousine transfers.

Earning and Using Miles

• Miles are earned for every flight on Austrian and partner airlines. The amount depends on distance, booking class, and status.
• Bonuses can be earned not only in the sky but also on the ground: with partner hotels, car rental companies, and when using co-branded bank cards.
• Accumulated miles can be spent on award tickets, cabin upgrades (for example, from economy to business), or purchases at WorldShop.

Program Registration

You can join the Miles & More program completely free of charge on the official website or through the mobile app. Immediately after registration, you will begin to accumulate miles that will make your future travels with Austrian even more comfortable.

On board Austrian Airlines, passengers can expect a high level of service divided into three main service classes. Economy Class offers ergonomic seats and Austrian hospitality. On long-haul flights, economy provides personal monitors and full meals. Premium Economy features increased seat pitch, a larger backrest recline angle, and the possibility of carrying additional baggage. Business Class offers maximum comfort with seats that fold into a flat bed, access to business lounges, and an exquisite menu from top chefs.

The Austrian entertainment system includes hundreds of hours of video content: from the latest movie releases to classic films, music, and games. Austrian FlyNet — in-flight Wi-Fi — is available on many aircraft, allowing you to stay connected even at an altitude of 10,000 meters. On-board catering is the pride of the airline; in business class, a unique "coffee service" is offered, where you can order traditional types of Viennese coffee right during the flight.

For small travelers, special children's kits and menus are provided (ordered in advance), and the staff is always ready to help with heating baby food. For passengers with disabilities, the airline provides escort services and specialized equipment for moving around the cabin. If you follow a specific diet, you can order vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, or halal meals at Austrian — just be sure to do so at least 24 hours before departure.

The Austrian route network covers more than 130 cities in 55 countries, making Vienna a vital transit hub between East and West. The carrier's main hub in Vienna provides convenient connections for travelers heading to Central Europe, Asia, and North America.

The airline operates regular flights to major European capitals such as London, Paris, and Berlin. Special attention is paid to the German market, with a high frequency of flights to Frankfurt am Main, Munich, and Zurich. For lovers of Italy, direct flights to Milan and romantic Venice are available, while business trips are convenient to plan to Brussels or Amsterdam.

To book an Austrian flight at the best possible price, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance — ideally 2–3 months before departure. Ticket prices can change significantly depending on the day of the week: mid-week departures are often cheaper than flights on Friday or Sunday. Use the low-price calendar on austrian.com to compare flight costs on neighboring dates.

Online check-in at Austrian opens 47 hours before departure. We recommend checking in as early as possible to get access to the best choice of seats in the cabin. On budget fares, choosing a specific seat before check-in starts may involve a fee, but during the online check-in itself, the option to choose a standard seat for free is often provided. A mobile boarding pass in the app will save you from having to print paper documents.

When choosing a fare, carefully evaluate your baggage needs: if you are traveling with only a backpack, the Economy Light fare will save you money, but for family trips, it is more profitable to take Economy Classic right away, which already includes a suitcase. Also, don't forget to enter your Miles & More number when booking — this guarantees the accrual of miles, which can be used for upgrades or ticket purchases in the future. For additional peace of mind, you can take out travel insurance directly during the ticket purchase process on the website.

The history of modern Austrian Airlines began in 1957 when it was founded as the national carrier of the Republic of Austria. The company emerged from the merger of Air Austria and Austrian Airways, becoming a symbol of the restoration of the country's sovereignty and its desire for integration into the world community. The airline made its first flight in March 1958 on the Vienna – London route.

Over the decades, Austrian actively expanded its geography, paying special attention to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. This allowed the hub in Vienna to become a key bridge between Western countries and the growing markets of the East. In the 2000s, an important event in the carrier's history took place — its entry into the Lufthansa Group, which gave a powerful boost to technological development and fleet renewal.

The airline's fleet has come a long way in its evolution: from propeller-driven aircraft and early Sud Aviation Caravelle jets to modern Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Each fleet update was aimed at increasing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact, which is now part of the airline's sustainable development program.

Today, Austrian is a modern, dynamically developing airline that successfully combines rich historical traditions with innovative digital services. Participation in the Star Alliance allows the carrier to provide world-class services while remaining true to its identity — the "red-white-red" flag on the aircraft tail, which is recognized in major airports on all continents.