After a quick ride on the City Airport Train I made it to Vienna Airport about 90 minutes before my flight. I had a bit of trouble finding the British Midland check-in area, until I realized that Austrian Airlines handles their check-in. Vienna terminal Business class check-in After queuing in the business class line for…
Continue reading: Four Continents and 37,000 Miles in Two Weeks: Austrian Business Class Lounge Vienna, British Midland Business Class Vienna to London, Great British Lounge London
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
The logo on the Korean Air Cargo plane looks very much like Pepsi's logo.
That bus ride doesn't quite look as nice as those rides from FRA FCT in Mercedes/Porsches. I'm glad I've had that experience once in my life.
Great report Ben! Loved the pix.
@Ben - why do Euro airlines have business class like that? I know US "First Class" is not that great - but at least we get a bigger seat with better pitch. Why do European airlines block of the middle seat? if you are only going to sell two seats - why not install some nicer seats and give more pitch?
Some Euro routes can be as long as US domestic routes. Why are all the airlines intent doing it this way?
Side note - I love bmi's livery! And the Great British Lounge looks beautiful. Will check it out next month when I am there. Love the decor.
That Great British Lounge doesn't look so great. The bev fridge has Pepsi products 🙁 DC with Lime, please!
@Tim
By having the same seats in Economy and Business Class, it is easier to adjust the curtain, which divides Business from Economy to the rows needed. Unlike US Airlines, there is no wall between the cabins. If a US fligt has only 16 seats, no more first clss seats could be sold. European Carriers could just move the curtain to another row, if they can sell more Business Class seats. This would be impossible, if there was another bigger seat installed.
Flexibility is the key point
@Jan - thanks for reply. Just seems weird. I mean it's not business class at all is it. It's not even Premium Economy as even PremEco gives you a bigger seat with more pitch. You think historical data could tell them how many "business class" seats an A320 needs.
I'm surprised Europeans pay for these "business class" seats. Probably just a prestige thing. Because you certainly are not buying any more comfort. They should call it "Economy Extra" or something. Or "Economy+50%" LOL
How was the food on BMI? And how does their London lounge compare to others, like Virgin's?
@ Tim -- @ Jan is exactly right, though I'd add one more thing. Keep in mind US airlines survive because of their loyalty programs, and a big part of those are complimentary upgrades. So when you have a large, "set" first class cabin, it's easy to justify by upgrading elites. European airlines are different, in that they don't provide elite upgrades (except in very rare circumstances), so they can literally tailor cabins based on demand on a particular route. I've seen three row business class cabins, and I've seen 12 row business class cabins. The flexibility to be able to change it based on demand is huge for the airlines.
@ Andy Bluebear -- The food was tasty, especially for a regional flight, so I have no complaint on that front. The lounge was aesthetically pleasing, though can't in any way be compared to the Virgin Clubhouse, which is MUCH better.