There are airlines you simply fly. And then there are airlines you remember.
For many years, Austrian Airlines firmly belonged to the latter category for me. It was one of my personal favorite carriers in Europe, regardless of whether I was flying short-haul, medium-haul, or long-haul, and especially in Business Class. Austrian once stood for something increasingly rare in European aviation: character.
Yet, as is often the case in a fast-paced aviation career, circumstances change. New routes, new hubs, new priorities. For more than ten years, I simply did not find myself on board an Austrian Airlines flight. Not out of intention, but out of coincidence. Until now.
This Business Class flight from Hamburg (HAM) to Vienna (VIE) was therefore far more than just another European sector. It was a reunion. And reunions are always risky. Because memories tend to age better than reality.
The question was simple and brutal: Is Austrian Airlines still Austrian Airlines?
About Austrian Airlines: Identity in a Group-Dominated World
Today, Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, one of the largest airline conglomerates in the world. And yet, unlike many airlines that dissolve into corporate uniformity once absorbed by a group, Austrian has, at least on paper, managed to preserve a strong, independent identity.
Vienna as a hub. Red and white as visual anchors. Do & Co as a culinary benchmark. And a brand promise rooted in Austrian hospitality, culture, and refinement.
In a European aviation landscape where many Business Class products have become interchangeable, Austrian Airlines claims to stand for something more emotional, more human, more refined.
But branding is easy. Execution is not.
Business Class Check-In at Hamburg Airport: Familiar Faces, Efficient Processes
At Hamburg Airport, the Business Class check-in for Austrian Airlines is handled by group sister Lufthansa, a setup that frequent travelers will immediately recognize.
Hamburg has been a regular airport for me for quite some time, and it was genuinely pleasant to see familiar faces at the Business Class counter. I was greeted warmly and asked, almost casually:
“Where are you flying to today, Mr. Hohl?” Hamburg to Vienna.
Within minutes, the check-in process was completed. Professional, efficient, and refreshingly uncomplicated, exactly what Business Class should be.
Hamburg Airport does offer a Fast Lane for Business Class, First Class, and frequent flyer status passengers. In theory, this should significantly reduce waiting times. In practice, Hamburg remains… Hamburg.
Security screening here is notoriously inconsistent. One day it flows perfectly. The next day it feels like an unintentional stress test. Unfortunately, this particular afternoon fell into the latter category.
The Fast Lane was anything but fast. After a brief evaluation of the situation, I did what seasoned travelers often do: I checked the regular Economy security lanes. More passengers, yes, but also more open screening lines. Decision made.
Result: Approximately 15 minutes waiting time. Not impressive, but acceptable. And sometimes, pragmatism beats privilege.
Boarding & First Impressions: The Importance of Atmosphere
We all know it: First impressions matter. Especially when boarding an aircraft. For me, three things define the initial experience:
- The attitude and warmth of the crew
- The atmosphere inside the cabin
- The overall presentation and cleanliness
From the very first moment, Austrian Airlines delivered.
The welcome on board felt genuine, not scripted, not forced. That unmistakable Austrian warmth was instantly present. Whether it was the melodic Austrian accent, the strong red-and-white branding, or perhaps the fact that I lived nearly 15 years in Austria myself, something felt immediately familiar.
Comfortable. Authentic. Human. Before even taking my seat, I already had a strong feeling: This flight would be different.
Business Class Seat & Cabin: Familiar, Clean, Well-Maintained
The Business Class seat itself will look familiar to anyone who regularly flies within the Lufthansa Group. A Recaro seat in a 3–3 configuration, with the crucial Business Class advantage: the middle seat remains blocked.
And that remains, to this day, one of the most underrated comfort features on European short-haul flights. More space. More privacy. Less compromise.
The cabin was spotlessly clean, bright, and well-organized, impressive given that the aircraft had already been operating throughout the day and this was a late-afternoon departure.
Waiting at the seat was a branded refreshing towel, a small but important detail that still signals premium intent.
Austrian Airlines offers Austrian FlyNet, allowing passengers to stream inflight entertainment directly to their personal devices, smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
The selection included:
- Movies
- TV series
- Documentaries
- Live flight information
The system worked flawlessly. The Airbus A320 was also equipped with Wi-Fi, with several paid packages available. I chose not to use it, sometimes, disconnecting is part of the luxury.
Catering in Austrian Airlines Business Class: Where the Magic Happens
Historically, Do & Co catering was one of Austrian Airlines’ strongest differentiators. Naturally, I was curious, and slightly skeptical, whether this reputation still held true. Then the service began. Let me be very clear:
On a 90-minute flight from Hamburg to Vienna, Austrian Airlines served a full hot meal in Business Class. Not a snack. Not a cold compromise. Not a symbolic gesture. A proper meal. This is something you will not find on Lufthansa. This is something you will not find on SWISS.
Austrian Airlines deliberately chooses a different path, and executes it at an impressively high level. The Menu, Detail Matters.
The meal consisted of:
- Freshly filled tortellini in a creamy cheese sauce
- Refined with tomatoes and basil
- A beautifully baked plum cake
- A fresh bread roll
- Coffee served in a real porcelain cup
Presentation was elegant and thoughtfully designed. Taste-wise, this easily rivaled a good restaurant on the ground.
Even the tableware reflects Austrian Airlines’ individuality. A combination of triangular and round plates and bowls, a design language that has remained consistent over the years. It is a small detail. But it creates brand recognition, and that matters.
What impressed me most was the cabin crew’s attentiveness. Where many European airlines essentially disappear after the first service round, the Austrian crew remained present throughout the flight. Drinks were refilled proactively. Guests were checked on regularly. Smiles felt natural, not obligatory.
To finish the meal, a true Austrian classic was served: A Mozartkugel. Marzipan core, wrapped in fine chocolate. A small gesture, and a perfect finale.
Arrival in Vienna: On Time, As It Should Be
The arrival into Vienna International Airport was as smooth as the flight itself. A beautiful approach over the city center, followed by a perfectly on-time landing. No rush. No chaos. Just calm efficiency.