Austrian Airlines Now Sells Private Check-In Counter

I guess it seems just about as appealing as paying extra to have a private self-checkout at the grocery store where I have to do the labor myself anyway, and am trying to avoid as much as possible spending 30 minutes there unnecessarily. Well, good on them if they can get anyone to cough up for this add on.

This could be particularly fun (and good value) for a bigger themed event, or for something like a bachelorette party/girls trip. After all, 99 euros for one person is very different than 16.5 euros per person

For years, AA has offered Five Star Services, which can be purchased with cash or points. Depending on the airport, it might include Flagship check-in, an escort, lounge access, and (depending) a golf cart ride or tarmac transfer. At one point, it offered expedited private Customs clearance for international arrivals. A person can opt for the service robustness that suits their needs. Perhaps there's an article about FSS wanting to be written.

@ Fred Farkle -- Appreciate the idea, but see here:
https://onemileatatime.com/guides/american-airlines-five-star-service/

🙂

Sure, sure... The personalized message is all fun and games until someone has their spouse drop them at the airport and the message board says, "I'm leaving you."

Seems like would be better packaged with priority security and lounge access

Or someone decides to use an inappropriate logo and either gets the airline in hot water, or the airline refuses to use the logo and gets sued by the passenger for breach of contract

That would be $499, please

I would think the check-in counter is staffed (not self-serve) and the 30-minutes block is what you are entitled to, not obligated to spend there.

Watch half the people in these groups use the normal check in counter and then realize they had a special one available

@f15x28: Sir, this is Europe, it doesn't have a ridiculous claim and sue culture like the USA. And I'm pretty sure the airline has such eventualities covered in the ToS.

@f15x28: Sir, this is Europe, they don't use USD.

Why would anyone want to spend 30 minutes checking in? Unless the space has all the features of an excellent lounge, surely the objective is to get through check-in ASAP.

I used to travel to and from BKK and used Thai business class most of the time. They had a sort of private check in area with a nearly personal assistant for those flying business at the time. I once had a companion with me who still speaks about how luxurious and privileged that felt (but then, we continued through a semi-private security channel and directly into a great lounge). So, I guess it can add something to the airport experience.

I actually see how this must be appealing for the DYKWIA's and wannabe-VIPs whose ego is bigger than their fame. Imagine them going around the airport, asking staff where 'the private check-in area' is in a just too loud voice, despite knowing bloody well where to find it. It must be amazing for their ego's. Austrian may want to add an extended package including fast track and lounge, so their ego boosting experience doesn't end within a few seconds when receiving their boarding pass.

It may actually work for some companies sending workers with tons of luggage or special equipment, who need some assistance at check in anyway. Hence the logo and text thing, I guess: it's easy to recognize your employer's logo.

For families? Not really. Families with small children already have special check in and security opportunities at lots of European airports (and I think VIE is one of them), and most of them fly economy anyway to save costs. Adding €99 to the bill won't make sense.

I'm thinking this would be good for elderly family members you book tickets for.

"GRANDMA SUSAN CHECK IN HERE THEN CALL ME"

Those are the scenarios that make the most sense to me:

Smaller company/non-corporate - Types that either have extensive luggage or pieces requiring specific handling. Trekking/ski resort guiding companies.

Expats / Seasonal workers - O&G/Mining contract workers, people who spend ~half the year somewhere else.

International Conference destinations - OPEC etc, which have security personnel, although I'd guess many are flying private.

I've never had more than a one person ahead of me in the *G area at VIE, and even when not eligible for that, the self service bag drop never takes more than 5 minutes (and that's the pesimistic end of it). So it's quite useless for practicalities but it can be a fun thing to do when travelling with a group. But then I'd maybe consider the VIP services available at VIE.

This will *surely* be an airline blogger's delight! We fully expect Ben to try this out! 🙂

I much prefer checking in and dropping the bag at the city train station. Now if they would just resume the VIE MIA flight.

Excellent.

Maybe this can be useful for an already buzzed group that might slightly loud and boisterous at the meet up.

Connections for people finishing a Danube cruise might be one use case

@Ben, is that going to be a counter in the regular check-in area for economy? Or maybe in the premium (Business class and Senator) area? Or yet somewhere else?