Austrian Airlines premium economy tips

Elevate Your Journey: Essential Austrian Airlines Premium Economy Tips for a Smoother Flight

Long-haul flights can be daunting, often leaving you feeling cramped and restless upon arrival. While Business Class offers ultimate luxury, its price tag isn't always within reach for every traveler. This is where Austrian Airlines' Premium Economy steps in, bridging the gap between standard Economy and Business Class, offering enhanced comfort and services without the premium cost. But how do you truly make the most of this elevated experience?

If you're looking to transform your next journey into a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, these Austrian Airlines premium economy tips are exactly what you need. We'll guide you through everything from understanding what's included to selecting the best seat, ensuring you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go.

What is Austrian Airlines Premium Economy?

Austrian Airlines' Premium Economy class is designed to provide a significantly more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience than standard Economy, without the full cost of Business Class. It's a dedicated cabin section, typically located just behind Business Class, offering a noticeable upgrade in space, amenities, and service for long-haul flights.

This class is available on Austrian Airlines' long-haul fleet, including their Boeing 787, 777, and 767 aircraft.

Why Choose Austrian Airlines Premium Economy?

The decision to upgrade often comes down to value. Is the extra investment worth it? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, especially on longer flights. Here's why:

• Enhanced Comfort: The most immediate benefit is the seat itself. Austrian Airlines Premium Economy seats are notably wider than Economy seats, offering approximately 18.5 to 19 inches (48.3 cm) of width, about 2 inches more than their Economy counterparts. You also get a generous seat pitch of around 38 inches (97 cm) and a greater recline of up to 40 degrees (9 inches), allowing for more stretching room and a better chance to rest.
• Improved Amenities: Beyond the seat, you'll receive a range of thoughtful amenities designed to enhance your journey. This includes a welcome drink upon boarding, a three or four-course meal served on china, and a wider selection of beverages, including Austrian wines, beer, and spirits. You'll also get noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit with essentials like a sleep mask, bamboo toothbrush, and socks.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: Say goodbye to baggage worries! Premium Economy passengers typically benefit from an increased baggage allowance, usually two pieces of checked luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 pounds), plus one carry-on bag and a personal item. This is double the allowance of many Economy fares.

Maximizing Your Austrian Airlines Premium Economy Experience

Now that you understand the benefits, let's dive into actionable tips to ensure you get the absolute best out of your Austrian Airlines Premium Economy ticket.

1. Strategic Seat Selection

Your seat choice can significantly impact your comfort.

• Consider Bulkhead Seats: The first row of the Premium Economy cabin (often Row 11 or 12, depending on the aircraft) offers substantial legroom due to the bulkhead wall. These seats often come with integrated leg rests, which can be a game-changer for taller passengers. However, be aware that bulkhead seats typically have a smaller, fold-out entertainment screen compared to the larger 12-inch screens in other rows.
• Window Duos for Couples: If you're traveling as a pair, the window duos (sets of two seats by the window) are often the best choice for privacy and ease of movement without disturbing others.
• Avoid the Back Row if Sensitive to Noise: Seats at the very back of the Premium Economy cabin might be more susceptible to noise from the Economy cabin behind them. If you're sensitive to noise, aim for rows closer to Business Class.
• Check Aircraft Configuration: Austrian Airlines operates different aircraft (Boeing 777, 767, 787) with varying Premium Economy layouts (e.g., 2-2-2 on 767s, 2-4-2 on 777s). Familiarize yourself with your specific aircraft's seat map before selecting.

2. Leverage the Enhanced Amenities

Don't let the extra perks go unnoticed!

• Enjoy the Welcome and Meal Service: Take advantage of the welcome drink upon boarding and savor the three or four-course meal served on china. Review the menu provided to make your choice of main course.
• Utilize the Entertainment System: The 12-inch touchscreen (or 9-inch in bulkhead) offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. Use the provided noise-canceling headphones for an immersive experience.
• Stay Charged: Each Premium Economy seat comes with its own power outlet and USB port, perfect for keeping your devices charged throughout the flight.
• Make Use of the Amenity Kit: The amenity kit, with its sleep mask, earplugs, and other useful items, is designed for your comfort. Don't forget the comfortable pillow and blanket provided to help you relax or sleep.

3. Smart Packing with Increased Baggage Allowance

With two checked bags (up to 23 kg each) included, you have more flexibility.

• Optimize Your Checked Bags: Plan your packing to utilize the two-bag allowance. This can be especially useful for longer trips or if you plan to do some shopping at your destination.
• Carry-on Essentials: Remember you're still allowed one carry-on bag (max 8 kg) and a personal item. Keep essentials like medications, important documents, and anything you'll need during the flight in your carry-on.

4. Understand the Service Differences

While Premium Economy offers significant upgrades, it's important to set realistic expectations.

• It's Enhanced Economy, Not Business Lite: As some reviews point out, Premium Economy is a "better economy class, not a slightly worse business class". While the food is improved and served on china, the overall meal and service style may still feel closer to economy than business class.
• Shared Lavatories: Unlike Business Class, Premium Economy cabins typically do not have dedicated lavatories; passengers will use the economy class restrooms.

Comparing Premium Economy: Is It Right for You?

Still weighing your options? Here's a quick comparison to help you decide if Austrian Airlines Premium Economy is the sweet spot for your travel needs:

• Economy Class: Best for budget-conscious travelers focused on getting from A to B. Offers standard comfort and services.
• Premium Economy Class: Ideal for long-haul flights where extra space, comfort, and amenities are desired without the full Business Class price. It's a significant step up in personal space, allowing for better rest and work on board.
• Business Class: Offers the highest level of comfort, including fully flat beds, gourmet dining, lounge access, and priority services. Perfect for those prioritizing luxury and seamless travel.

For many, the added comfort and perks of Austrian Airlines Premium Economy are well worth the moderate price increase over standard Economy, especially on overnight or very long flights where the ability to recline and stretch makes a huge difference.

Conclusion

Flying long-haul doesn't have to be an endurance test. By understanding the unique advantages of Austrian Airlines Premium Economy and applying these practical tips, you can significantly enhance your travel experience. From the moment you settle into your wider seat with ample legroom to enjoying a multi-course meal and unwinding with the in-flight entertainment, Premium Economy offers a valuable upgrade that can make all the difference to your journey.

So, next time you're planning an intercontinental trip with Austrian Airlines, consider giving Premium Economy a try. You might just find it's the perfect balance of comfort, service, and value, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed and ready to explore.

What are your go-to tips for making long flights more comfortable? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the baggage allowance for Austrian Airlines Premium Economy?

A1: Austrian Airlines Premium Economy typically includes two pieces of checked baggage, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 pounds). You are also allowed one piece of carry-on baggage (max 8 kg) and one personal item.

Q2: Is there a significant difference in seat comfort between Economy and Premium Economy on Austrian Airlines?

A2: Yes, there is a significant difference. Premium Economy seats are wider (approx. 18.5-19 inches) and offer considerably more legroom with a pitch of around 38 inches, along with a greater recline of up to 40 degrees. This provides much more personal space and comfort compared to standard Economy seats.

Q3: Do Austrian Airlines Premium Economy passengers get lounge access or priority boarding?

A3: Generally, Premium Economy passengers do not receive lounge access or priority boarding. These benefits are typically reserved for Business Class passengers or elite status holders.

Q4: What kind of food and drinks are served in Austrian Airlines Premium Economy?

A4: Premium Economy passengers receive a welcome drink upon boarding, followed by a three or four-course meal served on china, with a choice of main courses. A wide range of complimentary beverages, including Austrian wines, beer, coffee, tea, and spirits, are also available throughout the flight, along with a bottle of water.