Inflight Review Posted on

The Austrian Airlines Experience

What to Expect When You Fly Austrian Airlines on short and long haul flights.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

I’ve always enjoyed flying with Austrian Airlines. Before 2021, passengers could enjoy an array of pre-order upgrade meals that were phenomenal in terms of value and quality.

These options were available on both short and long-haul flights but have since been discontinued.

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

Since 2021, the airline no longer provides complimentary catering in economy class on short and medium-haul flights.

Instead, you can pre-order meals or purchase items onboard. Long-haul flights still include complimentary catering.

SHORT/MEDIUM HAUL

While the famous schnitzel is still available for pre-order, it’s now presented as a boxed meal concept. Gone are the days of the lavish full-sized meal tray with all the trimmings that cost €15.00 (in 2020) and included schnitzel, a side salad, fresh bread, and proper cutlery.

Today, for €13.80, you receive a boxed meal. (yes, I know there’s been inflation since 2020, but still…).

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

Though some might see this as a downgrade, the food’s taste and quality remain impressive despite the airline’s shift towards a more profitable product.

However, the previous meal presentation felt more upscale, offering passengers an indulgent experience with full-sized meal trays, elegant cutlery, and diverse accompaniments that the current boxed concept lacks.

Austrian airlines schnitzel meal economy upgrade meal by Do&Co

While the new boxed meals are convenient and maintain the same great taste, they don’t quite match the full dining experience the original trays offered.

This change, although practical and cost-effective, somewhat reduces the overall perceived value and enjoyment for passengers who remember the previous offerings.

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.

Ultimately, while the core quality of the food remains unchanged, the shift in presentation has inevitably altered the dining experience, making it less of a special treat and more of a standard meal.

Another option I’ve sampled is the club sandwich. This delicious sandwich is generously filled with a variety of fresh ingredients, and they certainly don’t skimp on it.

At a cost of €9.90, it might seem a bit pricey when compared to other buy-on-board programs. However, the quality of the product justifies the price.

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.

The bread is fresh and not soggy, the fillings are ample and varied, and the overall taste is enjoyable.

If you’re not pre-ordering meals before your flight, the Austrian Melangerie menu, which changes twice a year, offers an excellent selection of local Austrian food for purchase.

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.

It’s refreshing to see that Austrian Airlines hasn’t completely conformed to the typical buy-on-board menus seen across Europe, maintaining a unique and appealing selection of quality food items. Even if they are a little more pricey than your usual buy-on-board program.

LONG HAUL

Last year, I had the opportunity to fly from Vienna to Bangkok with Austrian Airlines in economy class.

This was my first experience on one of their long haul flights, and it did not disappoint.

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

The 9-hour and 45-minute journey included two meal services: a substantial dinner and a lighter breakfast before landing.

Austrian Airlines doesn’t provide printed menus or hot towels on long haul flights. Instead, the cabin crew announced the dining options over the PA system.

For dinner, passengers could choose between chicken with Spätzle or vegetarian tortellini, served on Austrian Airlines’ signature triangle tray.

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.

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.

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 chicken dish was a delightful introduction to Austrian cuisine—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. 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

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

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

The boxed schnitzel, though more practical, still retains the flavors that passengers love.

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