Intro

Austrian Airlines has always been a hidden gem in inflight dining.

Before 2021, passengers had the option to pre-order gourmet upgrade meals— fantastic value considering the quality of food from DO & CO, one of the best airline caterers in the world.

Austrian airlines japanese meal economy class upgrade meal by Do&Co
austrian airlines do&co inflight breakfast pre order meal

But things have changed. Those lavish pre-order meals with full trays, fresh side dishes, and proper cutlery are long gone.

And on short—and medium-haul flights, complimentary catering has disappeared altogether.

So, is Austrian Airlines’ economy class experience still worth it? Let’s find out.

Short & Medium Haul

Flying within Europe? Be prepared to pay for your food.

The airline has transitioned to a buy-on-board system called Austrian Melangerie, featuring locally inspired meals and snacks.

While the menu is impressive, the pre-order meals are where things get interesting.

The Famous Schnitzel

Yes, the schnitzel is still available, but it’s now served as a boxed meal instead of the elegant full-sized tray meal that used to cost €15.00 (back in 2020).

For €13.80, you get a schnitzel in a more compact, grab-and-go-style box.

Airplane meal on tray table with boxed meal labeled "Henry" along with cutlery, napkin, and salt and pepper packets.

While the quality remains top-notch, the presentation feels like a step-down.

A meal with breaded meat, vegetables in a white box, a cup of tomato juice, a napkin, and cutlery packet on an airplane tray table.

Still, it’s probably one of the better airline meals you can buy in European economy class today.

Austrian airlines schnitzel meal economy class upgrade meal by Do&Co

The fresh side salads, warm bread, and proper metal cutlery are gone. Instead, you get a simple box meal—good, but not as special.

If schnitzel isn’t your thing, the club sandwich is another solid choice.

At €9.90, it’s not cheap, but the quality justifies the price: fresh bread (not soggy!), generous fillings, and an overall tasty experience.

A sandwich in a brown cardboard box is placed on an airplane tray table with a white napkin and an empty sachet labeled "Servus freshness.
A boxed sandwich with lettuce and bacon, placed on an airplane tray table alongside a napkin and a packaged moist towel, inside an aircraft cabin.
A close-up of a sandwich with layers of lettuce, tomato, and meat, sitting on a white surface. The bread and cheese are visible in the background.

For those who don’t pre-order, the Austrian Melangerie menu rotates twice a year and features Austrian specialties.

It’s a nice touch compared to the generic buy-on-board menus on other European airlines.

Airline food and beverage menu on a tray table, featuring a cover image of sandwiches filled with vegetables. The text "Melangerie" is visible on the cover, associated with Austrian Airlines.
An in-flight menu displaying different sandwiches and wraps with detailed descriptions and prices in multiple languages.
Open in-flight magazine showcasing various snack options with images, descriptions, and prices in English and German. Snacks include chips, chocolates, bars, and gummies.

Long Haul

Long-haul economy class passengers still receive complimentary meals.

Interior of an airplane cabin showing rows of economy class seats with red headrests marked "Austrian" and grey upholstery.

Vienna to Bangkok

On my 9-hour and 45-minute flight to Bangkok, I got to experience two meal services.

An airline meal tray with a foil-covered hot dish, salad, bread roll, butter, cream cheese, dessert cup, salt and pepper, napkin, and a drink cup on an airplane tray table.
An airline meal tray with pasta, sauce, and vegetables in a main dish. Sides include salad, dessert, bread roll, butter, and jam. A cup with a lid and a napkin with “Servus, Guten Appetit” are also present.

The meal came with a side salad and a delightful marble cake, all complemented by sustainable cutlery and thoughtful extras like milk, butter, and salad dressing.

The chicken dish rich, creamy, and full of flavour.

The homemade feel of the dessert was an added bonus.

The cabin crew’s service was exceptional—genuine, cheerful, and attentive.

They even offered extra bread and drinks after the main meal service and continued to serve beverages throughout the night.

Breakfast was served 1.5 hours before landing.

Though there wasn’t a choice, the small portion of food provided was delicious, featuring fluffy eggs and a side of yogurt.

A tray with an Austrian Airlines in-flight meal, including a foil-wrapped container, bread roll, small dessert container, and a napkin with "Servus, Mahlzeit. Appetit." text.
An in-flight meal tray that includes a bread roll, a main dish of scrambled eggs, potatoes, and tomatoes, a dessert, and a wrapped napkin with the text "Servus, Guten Appetit.

Conclusion

Austrian Airlines economy class remains one of the better options in Europe.

While there have been changes, particularly in the presentation and availability of meals, the quality remains good, and the service is exceptional.

The schnitzel is still a must-try, but the boxed meal concept is downgraded from the whole tray experience.

Austrian Airlines partners with renowned caterers to ensure that even their simplified meal options do not compromise on taste.

Similarly, the Melangerie menu brings a touch of Austrian culinary tradition to the skies, offering passengers a good experience.

About Austrian

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