About Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is a full-service legacy carrier operating out of Vienna (VIE), where it runs 132 of its 272 non-stop routes. It's part of the Lufthansa Group, which tells you most of what you need to know about the business model: hub-and-spoke operations, Star Alliance membership, and a product that sits comfortably in the "solid European flag carrier" category rather than anything flashy. The network leans heavily on Europe and the Mediterranean, with Austria itself accounting for 139 routes, but it stretches far enough to reach Los Angeles at the long end. Think of it as Germany's aviation empire with a Viennese accent.
Why fly Austrian Airlines?
The honest case for Austrian comes down to VIE's geography. Vienna sits at a genuinely useful crossroads for anyone routing between Western Europe and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, or Africa — it's not just a pretty airport (though it's a decent one). The Star Alliance membership means your Miles and More points, United miles, or ANA mileage actually go somewhere. Greece gets 20 routes from the network, which is unusually deep coverage for a single country and useful if you're island-hopping without wanting a connection through Athens every time. The VIE-LAX route (9,853 km, their longest) is worth knowing about if you're transiting through Vienna on a long-haul trip westbound. Service reputation is reliably European business class without being remarkable — comfortable, not coddled.
Austrian Airlines hub airports
- VIE Vienna — 132 Austrian Airlines routes from Austria
- INN Innsbruck — 5 Austrian Airlines routes from Austria
- CPH Copenhagen — 2 Austrian Airlines routes from Denmark
- BRU Brussels — 2 Austrian Airlines routes from Belgium
- WAW Warsaw — 2 Austrian Airlines routes from Poland
Top destination countries on Austrian Airlines
- Austria — 139 Austrian Airlines routes
- Greece — 20 Austrian Airlines routes
- Italy — 12 Austrian Airlines routes
- Spain — 11 Austrian Airlines routes
- Germany — 11 Austrian Airlines routes
- France — 6 Austrian Airlines routes
- USA — 6 Austrian Airlines routes
- Norway — 4 Austrian Airlines routes
Tips for booking Austrian Airlines
Book through the Lufthansa Group umbrella if you're comparing fares — Austrian sometimes prices differently than its sister carriers on overlapping routes, and it's worth checking all three. Star Alliance Gold status gets you lounge access at VIE, which matters if you have a long connection. Watch your fare class carefully: cheaper economy tickets often carry baggage restrictions that catch first-timers out, especially on shorter intra-European legs. Innsbruck (INN) operates only five routes, so don't assume you can connect through there — it's essentially a point-to-point spoke. For Mediterranean travel, the Greece coverage is genuinely strong and worth routing around if flexibility allows.
Frequently asked questions about Austrian Airlines
Where does Austrian Airlines fly?
Austrian Airlines operates 272 routes across Europe and beyond, with a strong focus on Austria, Greece, and Italy. The airline connects major cities throughout Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and other key European destinations.
What is Austrian Airlines's main hub?
Vienna International Airport (VIE) serves as Austrian Airlines's primary hub, making it the central connection point for most of the airline's network.
Is Austrian Airlines a legacy carrier, low-cost airline, or regional carrier?
Austrian Airlines is a legacy/full-service carrier offering traditional airline services with multiple fare classes and amenities. With 272 routes spanning major European cities, it operates as a network carrier rather than a point-to-point budget airline.
When should I book Austrian Airlines flights and what fare classes are available?
Booking 4-8 weeks in advance typically offers better fares on Austrian Airlines. The airline offers multiple fare classes ranging from economy to premium cabin options, allowing flexibility based on your travel needs and budget.
What are Austrian Airlines's baggage allowance and check-in policies?
Baggage allowance varies by fare class and ticket type; generally, economy passengers receive one carry-on bag and one checked bag on most routes. Check-in opens 24 hours before departure online, with airport check-in available 3 hours before international flights.