Full-screen background image

Blog

Return to blog list

Austrian Airlines Business Class Review

Cover image for Austrian Airlines Business Class Review

Austrian Airlines, the flag carrier of Austria and a proud member of the Lufthansa Group, is renowned for its blend of refined European style and genuine Austrian warmth. On long-haul flights, the airline delivers a Business Class experience that combines comfort, quality, and hospitality with a distinct local flair. Operating from its Vienna hub, Austrian Airlines connects Europe to key destinations around the world, including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Montreal, Bangkok, Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and seasonal service to Cape Town.

The long-haul fleet currently consists of Boeing 777 and 767 aircraft featuring the trusted Thompson Vantage Business Class seats, while the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is being introduced to gradually replace these older jets. With its modern reverse-herringbone layout, improved privacy, and upgraded technology, the Dreamliner represents a new chapter for Austrian Airlines’ premium travel experience.

Whether you fly on the current Business Class cabin or the new Dreamliner, Austrian Airlines continues to uphold its commitment to comfort, fine dining, and the signature charm that makes Austrian hospitality stand out. Let’s explore what you can expect when traveling long-haul in Austrian Airlines Business Class.

Cabin Design & Seat Configuration

Austrian Airlines Business Class cabin reflects the brand’s elegant simplicity, combining functionality with a distinctly Austrian sense of style. The cabin features a clean and modern red-and-gray color palette accented by warm lighting that creates a calm, premium atmosphere. Every detail, from the seat stitching to the subtle use of wood and metallic tones, contributes to an understated yet refined aesthetic that feels both businesslike and welcoming.

Business Class on Boeing 767 & 777

The Boeing 777 and 767 aircraft are equipped with the Thompson Vantage seat in a staggered 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 configuration. This layout provides a good balance between privacy and accessibility, with most seats offering direct aisle access.

Personalized dining service to Business Class passengers on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 767. Photo by Austrian Airlines.Personalized dining service to Business Class passengers on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 767. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

The coveted “throne seats,” found in select single-seat rows, are especially popular among solo travelers thanks to their extra surface space and enhanced privacy.

Business Class on Boeing 787 Dreamliner

On the other hand, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner introduces a completely new Business Class cabin featuring a reverse-herringbone 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access and significantly more personal space.

Lie-flat Business Class seat on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner, designed for restful long-haul travel. Photo by Austrian Airlines.Lie-flat Business Class seat on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner, designed for restful long-haul travel. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

The seats are enclosed in sleek shell-style suites with improved privacy, larger storage areas, and intuitive controls. The Dreamliner also benefits from a quieter cabin, dynamic mood lighting, and better air quality, all of which enhance comfort during long flights.

[photo] The Austrian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner features the new Business Class cabin with reverse-herringbone seating for maximum privacy. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

Across all aircraft, Austrian Airlines maintains a consistent emphasis on ergonomic comfort, thoughtful design, and efficient use of space. Whether you’re seated on a 777, 767, or the latest 787, the cabin layout delivers a sense of privacy and tranquility that helps make even the longest journeys feel restful and refined.

Seat Comfort & Features

Every seat in Austrian Airlines’ long-haul Business Class converts into a fully flat bed measuring roughly two meters in length, ensuring a restful night’s sleep on intercontinental routes. The seating design prioritizes both comfort and practicality, offering multiple adjustment options for recline, firmness, and lumbar support. The built-in massage function adds an extra layer of relaxation during extended flights.

Each seat is equipped with convenient features including USB ports, universal power outlets, reading lights, and easily accessible storage compartments. The side console provides ample space for personal items, while a sturdy tray table offers a stable surface for dining or working in flight.

Travelers on the Boeing 777 and 767 enjoy the established Thompson Vantage seat, which, while slightly older, remains one of the most comfortable options in its class. The 787 Dreamliner, however, introduces a next-generation Business Class seat with a more private shell, higher walls, and expanded personal space. The seat design feels more modern and secluded, ideal for travelers seeking maximum privacy.

Modern and spacious Business Class seat on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo by Austrian Airlines.Modern and spacious Business Class seat on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

Solo passengers will particularly appreciate the throne seats on the 777 and 767, which feature additional side surfaces and direct aisle access. Meanwhile, the new Dreamliner’s layout eliminates the need for such distinctions, as every traveler enjoys a similarly premium and accessible seating experience.

Together, these thoughtful seating options ensure that Austrian Airlines delivers consistent comfort across its long-haul fleet, with the 787 Dreamliner setting a new benchmark for the airline’s future Business Class experience.

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity

Austrian Airlines offers an entertainment system designed to make long-haul travel enjoyable and effortless. Each Business Class seat is equipped with a large, high-definition touchscreen that provides access to a wide range of movies, television shows, documentaries, and music channels. The interface is easy to navigate, allowing passengers to browse genres, create playlists, or follow their flight progress using an interactive map.

In keeping with its national heritage, the airline includes a curated selection of Austrian and European films, as well as classical music and local programming, adding a cultural touch to the onboard experience. Noise-canceling headphones are provided to ensure clear sound and a more immersive viewing or listening experience.

While the Boeing 777 and 767 aircraft provide a solid entertainment selection, they do not offer onboard Wi-Fi, meaning passengers can fully disconnect and unwind during their flight. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, however, introduces a major upgrade in connectivity with high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the cabin. Travelers can stay connected, check emails, or browse online during the flight. The 787 also supports Bluetooth audio pairing, allowing passengers to connect their own wireless headphones to the entertainment system.

Dining Experience

Culinary excellence is at the heart of Austrian Airlines’ Business Class premium experience. Partnering with DO & CO, one of Europe’s most acclaimed gourmet catering companies, the airline brings restaurant-quality dining to the skies. Each meal is freshly prepared and plated on board, offering passengers a refined and flavorful introduction to Austrian and international cuisine.

Fine dining experience in Austrian Airlines Business Class, featuring a freshly prepared meal and premium wine service. Photo by Austrian Airlines.Fine dining experience in Austrian Airlines Business Class, featuring a freshly prepared meal and premium wine service. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

The multi-course menu includes appetizers, a selection of main dishes, cheese, and desserts, all served with precision and style. Signature Austrian specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Apfelstrudel highlight the airline’s cultural roots, while lighter international options cater to diverse tastes. To complete the experience, passengers can enjoy a curated wine list featuring fine Austrian and European vintages.

Wine service for Business Class passengers on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo by Austrian Airlines.Wine service for Business Class passengers on the Austrian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

A hallmark of Austrian’s service is its Flying Chef, present on most long-haul flights, who ensures every dish is served with restaurant-level presentation. The personalized service adds warmth and authenticity, enhancing the feeling of dining in a fine restaurant rather than on an aircraft.

Austrian Airlines Flying Chef presenting gourmet menus in Business Class on a long-haul flight. Photo by Austrian Airlines.Austrian Airlines Flying Chef presenting gourmet menus in Business Class on a long-haul flight. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

Equally distinctive is the airline’s renowned coffee menu, which offers a variety of specialty brews inspired by Vienna’s famous coffeehouse culture. From classic Melange to Einspänner, each cup is brewed and served with attention to detail, adding a comforting touch to the inflight experience.

Amenity Kits & Sleep Comfort

Austrian Airlines’ Business Class amenity kits reflect the airline’s focus on functional luxury and Austrian craftsmanship. The kits include essential travel items such as skincare products, socks, an eyeshade, and earplugs, presented in a sleek, reusable pouch. Bedding on long-haul Business Class flights includes a soft blanket and a full-size pillow, ensuring a cozy rest. On overnight routes, passengers can request a mattress topper for added comfort. The Dreamliner’s improved cabin pressure, humidity, and quietness enhance sleep quality, helping travelers arrive refreshed and ready to go. Airport Experience & Lounges From the moment you arrive at the airport, Austrian Airlines delivers a seamless and premium experience for Business Class passengers. Travelers enjoy priority check-in, dedicated security lanes, and early boarding for maximum convenience.

The Austrian Airlines Business Lounge at Vienna Airport offers refined comfort and dining before departure. Photo by Austrian Airlines.The Austrian Airlines Business Lounge at Vienna Airport offers refined comfort and dining before departure. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

At Vienna International Airport, the airline’s flagship Austrian Business Lounge offers a relaxing pre-flight environment with freshly prepared Austrian dishes, a self-service bar, work areas, and comfortable seating.

Cozy and stylish lounge chairs in the Austrian Airlines Business Lounge at Vienna Airport, offering privacy and comfort before departure. Photo by Austrian Airlines. Cozy and stylish lounge chairs in the Austrian Airlines Business Lounge at Vienna Airport, offering privacy and comfort before departure. Photo by Austrian Airlines.

Elegant design elements and warm lighting create a calm space that mirrors the onboard experience. For international departures, Austrian Airlines provides access to Star Alliance partner lounges, ensuring a consistent level of comfort and service across its global network.

Find the Best Deals on Business Class Flights

Flying in Business Class means comfort, quality, and premium experience. To make this journey even more accessible, Above9 Travel helps travelers secure exclusive, unpublished fares and tailor-made itineraries.

Our experts specialize in finding the best Business Class deals on leading long-haul airlines, ensuring a seamless and stress-free booking experience.

Say yes to premium travel at the best value, and reach out to our experts to book your next Business Class flight with Above9 Travel today!


Inspired to plan your next trip? Share your travel details with us!