Tired of cramped seating on long-haul flights but not ready to pay for Business Class? Austrian Airlines offers a comfortable middle ground: Premium Economy.
Launched to bridge the gap between standard Economy and the full luxury of Business, this cabin class promises increased space, better service, and enhanced amenities. But is the significant investment worth it for your next intercontinental journey?
This comprehensive 2024 review dives into the specifics of Austrian Airlines’ Premium Economy product, detailing seat comfort, unique Austrian in-flight dining, baggage allowance, and comparing the value against other classes. We specifically look at the experience onboard the highly searched Boeing 777-200ER.
1. Comfort & Seat Specifications: Your Home in the Sky
The centerpiece of the Austrian Premium Economy experience is the dedicated seat, a custom product designed specifically for the Lufthansa Group, offering ergonomic support unmatched in standard Economy.
Detailed Seat Dimensions and Features
The premium economy seat is designed for maximum relaxation on flights lasting over seven hours.
| Specification | Premium Economy | Standard Economy (Comparison) |
| Seat Pitch (Legroom) | 38 to 40 inches (Generous space for stretching out) | 31 inches |
| Seat Width | 18.5 inches (Almost 2 inches wider than standard) | ~16.5 to 17.5 inches |
| Recline Angle | Up to 40 degrees (Significantly deeper recline for rest) | Standard limited recline |
| Foot/Leg Support | Integrated footrest or leg rest (Articulating support from the second row). | None. |
| Connectivity | Two USB ports and an in-seat power supply at every seat. | Usually one shared USB port per seat pair/row. |
| Monitor Size | Large 12-inch (30 cm) personal touchscreen. | Smaller screens, often 9 inches. |
The seat’s deeper recline, combined with the dedicated footrest, significantly reduces fatigue and the need to constantly shift position, ensuring you arrive feeling more refreshed.
The Boeing 777-200ER Premium Economy Cabin
The majority of Austrian Airlines’ long-haul routes (e.g., to New York, Chicago, Tokyo) are operated by the Boeing 777-200ER.
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Configuration: The Premium Economy cabin on the 777 is configured in a spacious 2-4-2 layout. This is superior to the tight 3-4-3 layout found in Economy, drastically reducing the chances of getting a middle seat and ensuring easier aisle access.
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Cabin Size: The cabin is intimate, typically featuring 24 to 30 seats. This small size contributes to a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere.
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Best Seat Recommendation:
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First Row (Bulkhead): Offers maximum, unrestricted legroom. Note that the IFE screen and footrest are mounted on the wall.
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Window Pairs (A & K): Ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking privacy.
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Seats in the second row onwards: Benefit from the articulating leg rest feature.
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2. The Unique In-Flight Experience: Food, Drink, and Amenities
Austrian Airlines prides itself on the “Austrian charm” and exceptional service, which is clearly visible in the Premium Economy offering.
Enhanced Dining and Beverage Service
The culinary experience is a major highlight and a clear differentiator from standard Economy:
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Dedicated Menu: Passengers receive a special menu card featuring high-quality meals. The main course is served on porcelain tableware, a noticeable upgrade from plastic trays.
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Welcome Drink: Complimentary sparkling wine, juice, or water is offered shortly after boarding.
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The Famous Viennese Coffee Menu: A signature Austrian Airlines feature. Premium Economy passengers can select from a wider variety of specialty coffees, including Wiener Melange, Espresso, and Cappuccino, served throughout the flight.
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Beverage Selection: A complimentary selection of premium wines (with an emphasis on Austrian vintages), spirits, and soft drinks are available throughout the service.
Premium Amenities and Entertainment
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Comfort Kit: An enhanced amenity kit is provided, typically containing essentials like socks, earplugs, an eye mask, and a toothbrush set, ensuring comfort for overnight flights.
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Bedding: A high-quality fleece blanket and a soft pillow are provided at every seat.
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Entertainment System: The large 12-inch personal screen provides crystal-clear viewing. The IFE system is intuitive and packed with new releases, international films, and TV shows.
3. Ground Services and Travel Logistics
The benefits of the upgrade begin long before you step onto the aircraft.
Baggage and Check-in Policy
The baggage allowance is a significant benefit for travelers on longer trips:
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Checked Baggage: Premium Economy passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage, with each piece weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). This effectively doubles the standard Economy allowance.
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Priority Check-in: Access to dedicated Premium Economy or Business Class check-in counters (where applicable), leading to much shorter wait times.
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Priority Boarding: You are invited to board the aircraft before the general Economy cabin, giving you ample time to settle in and store your carry-on luggage without rushing.
Lounge Access Policy
A common point of confusion for travelers is lounge access.
Important Clarification: Austrian Airlines Premium Economy tickets DO NOT include complimentary lounge access. Lounge access is reserved exclusively for Business Class passengers and individuals with Star Alliance Gold status. If you wish to use a lounge, you must either purchase day access (if available) or rely on a third-party lounge pass program.
Using Miles and Upgrading
You can often upgrade a confirmed Economy ticket to Premium Economy using Miles & More miles, cash bids, or a fixed cash upgrade fee.
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Cash Upgrade: Usually available during the online check-in window (48 hours before departure) at a reduced rate if the cabin is not full.
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Miles & More: Upgrades typically require a set number of miles, offering a flexible way to use loyalty points.
4. Historical Context: Timeline of the Premium Economy Upgrade
The introduction of Premium Economy marked a significant investment by Austrian Airlines to align itself with its peers in the Lufthansa Group and enhance its long-haul offering.
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2017: The airline commenced the fleet-wide retrofit program.
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2019: The retrofit of the long-haul fleet (including the Boeing 777s and 767s) was completed, successfully installing the new cabin across all intercontinental routes.
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Goal: The move was explicitly designed to capture the growing market segment demanding increased comfort at a reasonable price, particularly for routes to North America and Asia. The product’s success has since cemented its permanent place in the airline’s offerings.
5. Comparison and Value: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The decision to upgrade depends heavily on the cost difference, the flight duration, and your travel priorities.
Cost Analysis and Typical Upgrade Price
The cost of upgrading from Economy to Premium Economy varies significantly based on route, seasonality, and how early you book.
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Price Range (Round Trip): You should generally anticipate paying an additional €600 to €1,200 on top of the base Economy fare.
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Value Threshold: If the price difference is less than 50% of the standard Economy ticket price, the upgrade offers exceptional value due to the doubling of baggage allowance and the major comfort jump.
Premium Economy vs. Business Class: Final Breakdown
| Feature | Premium Economy | Business Class |
| Seating | Wider seat, deep recline, dedicated footrest. (Excellent for resting) | Lie-flat bed (Provides actual sleep). |
| Dining | Enhanced meal on china, special coffee menu. | Multi-course gourmet dining, dine-on-demand options. |
| Lounge | Not included. | Complimentary. |
| Cost Ratio | Typically 2x to 3x the price of Economy. | Typically 4x to 8x the price of Economy. |
Final Verdict
Is Austrian Airlines Premium Economy worth the extra money? Yes, absolutely, for long-haul flights.
Austrian Airlines has delivered a polished and comfortable Premium Economy product, successfully providing a premium experience that is far superior to standard Economy. For travelers prioritizing physical comfort, space, and a substantial meal/drink service on a journey over 8 hours—without the steep price tag of a lie-flat Business Class seat—the Premium Economy cabin is an excellent, well-justified investment.
