- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Introduction
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Brussels Airlines Check-in New York JFK
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Brussels Airlines Business Class New York to Brussels
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Brussels Airlines and SAS Business Class Lounges Brussels
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Austrian Business Class Brussels to Vienna
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Hotel Imperial Vienna
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Austrian Senator Lounge Vienna
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Austrian Business Class Vienna to Tokyo Narita
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: ANA Business Class Lounge Tokyo Narita
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Turkish Business Class Tokyo Narita to Istanbul
- Review: Park Hyatt Istanbul
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Turkish Business Class Lounge Istanbul
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: LOT Business Class Istanbul to Warsaw
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: Hotel Bristol Warsaw
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: LOT Business Class Lounge Warsaw
- Vienna to Istanbul via Tokyo: LOT Business Class Warsaw to Chicago
I arrived at the airport at around 11:30AM, about 90 minutes before departure.
Terminal exterior
Inside the terminal I easily found Austrian’s business class check-in, where there was no queue.
Check-in desks
Business class check-in
The agent asked if I had any checked bags, and I responded that I only had carry-ons. She asked for me to show her the carry-on, so I lifted it with almost theatrical ease in hopes of her not trying to weigh it. Fortunately she didn’t, and I was off the hook.
I also asked her to confirm that my flight would be operated by the reconfigured 777, which seemed to throw her off. She tried to figure out which tail number featured the new business class and had no luck, so I suggested she instead look at the business class seatmap and see whether the seats were staggered or in a 2-3-2 configuration. She quickly confirmed they were staggered, and I was thrilled to get confirmation that I’d be on the only reconfigured 777.
After check-in I headed to the security checkpoint and then passport control, all of which was completed within a few minutes.
Walkway to passport control
Just past passport control was the Austrian lounge, where I was invited to use the Senator side of the lounge on account of my Star Gold status. As a quick reminder, there are some good alternative options in Vienna for anyone who wouldn’t otherwise have access to a lounge, thanks to a credit card with airport lounge benefits.
Austrian Lounge entrance
I was kind of surprised how empty the lounge was given that it’s Austrian’s primary non-EU Senator lounge. The lounge was a single big room with seating at tables, along counters, etc.
Senator Lounge
Senator Lounge
Senator Lounge
There was a small room with four lounge chairs for napping, which no one was taking advantage of.
Senator Lounge relaxation area
While I wasn’t hungry the food spread looked excellent, with potato broccoli gratin, a potato salad dish, and some pasta salad.
Food spread
Food spread
Food spread
Food spread
There was also an open bar.
Booze
Drinks
Drinks
More than anything else I really enjoyed the tarmac and runways views, as it was a clear and sunny day in Vienna.
View from Senator Lounge
View from Senator Lounge
Vienna Airport is AWESOME given that they have free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, which must be the only airport in Europe to offer that. Hell, even a lot of airline lounges in Europe charge for internet.
At around 1:20PM I headed for the departure gate, G11, which was fairly empty until a large group of Japanese passengers (led by someone carrying a flag, no less) showed up.
Walk to G11
Walk to G11
Gate G11
Beautiful 777 on a beautiful day
At around 1:40PM boarding began, starting with business class. Interestingly they have a “self boarding” system, whereby you scan your boarding pass and then the gate opens, which I found interesting.
I was quite excited to board and see just how sexy Austrian’s new business class was.
Copenhagen Airport also has free wifi throughout
EU *G/SEN lounge is pretty much the same, minus the lounge-chairs
"I never had a carry on weighted in Europe."
I had it just a few weeks ago in Vilnius on a LH flight to FRA. I took the jacket out of the carry-on, the weight became below 8kg, I said «have a nice day», went to security and put the jacket back on the carry-on.
@ Dan -- I have several times. You don't have to fill out any form, you just pay the $150 fee and the miles and taxes are redeposited.
Hi Ben
Very jealous of this trip so far!
I was wondering if you have ever cancelled a us airways award ticket and if you have to fill out a refund form or anything to get your taxes/fees back?
Prague airport has free unlimited wi-fi as of this year. You should come visit sometime. :)
@Lucky,
I came through Vienna just yesterday, and although I also visited the non Schengen lounge, the Schengen should be pretty much the same, as far the new terminal goes as they are right next to each other according to the airport map.
Your review is on the old terminal, which I very much disliked, unlike the new one.
I never had a carry on weighted in Europe. (they did it in the past, but now-days only Ryanair would do that) Also adding to the list of airports with free wifi in Europe are BUD or ZRH(although BUD is quite useless since Malev went down, and in ZRH you are limited to 60 mins on free)
Asian tour groups love their flag bearers/wavers.
LJU and PRG also have free wifi. So does IST (which is technically in Europe), but you need to be able to receive a text message.
@ SG -- I reviewed the other lounge here:
https://onemileatatime.com/four-continents-and-37000-miles-in-two-weeks-austrian-business-class-lounge-vienna-british-midland-business-class-vienna-to-london-great-british-lounge-london/
I liked the design of this one much better.
Any idea how the EU lounge compares to non EU?
@ Usairelite -- Stay tuned for the next installment for full details on that. :)
Lucky, would you say that you like Austrian's food better than most airlines' first class foods save Swiss, Singapore, and Asiana.
Luckily my experience is that LH hasn't enforced carry-on restrictions so long as I am in C class - meaning I've been able to take aboard a rollaboard plus backpack, with the backpack surely weighing above 8 Kg or whatever is the limit.
Shiphol (AMS) has only one hour free wifi :( One is better than none, I guess. Though, I think MUC has free wifi now.
@ Carl -- Aside from Lufthansa first class I've always found that carry-on limitations are enforced.
Do they really enforce carry-on weight limits if you booked in C?
LH has tons of automated gates at FRA, so if you ever aren't in F, you'll encounter them
@ Miguel -- Good to know they're not the only airport!
@ caveman -- The other side is the business lounge. I didn't take a peak, though in most cases they're quite similar. Sometimes the Senator side has a slightly better spread.
@ jon -- Hah, it's fine by American standards, not so fine by European standards.
Maybe I missed it but just how heavy is your carry-on anyway? :)
You said you used Senator side of the lounge. So what is the other side of lounge? Did you take a peek?
"Vienna Airport is AWESOME given that they have free wifi throughout the airport, which must be the only airport in Europe to offer that"
OPO also has free wifi!
I've been on several LH flights with the self-boarding, scan your own boarding pass, thing.
@ Amol -- All of the above. :)
Just curious, what *G do you have as an AA flyer? I think you said US, but once they merge into AA and OneWorld, what's your backup? A3, TK?