Austrian Airlines aircraft
Airlines

Austrian Airlines Baggage, Check-In + Boarding Guide

8 Min Read
Austrian (OS)

Disclosure:

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Quick Answer

Austrian Airlines (OS) is Austria’s flag carrier — Star Alliance member since 2000, part of Lufthansa Group since 2009. Founded 1957. 70+ aircraft, 130+ destinations specializing in Central + Eastern Europe + Middle East. Baggage allowance (Economy): Cabin (all): 8kg main bag 55x40x23cm + 1 small item 40x30x15cm. Economy Light: only cabin. Economy Classic: + 1×23kg checked. Economy Plus: + 2×23kg + flexibility. Premium Economy: 8kg cabin + 2×23kg + extra legroom + better food. Business: 14kg cabin + 2×32kg checked + lie-flat + lounge. Check-in: online 23 hours-1 hour before departure. Hub: Vienna VIE (mega-hub). Star Alliance: shared with Lufthansa, SWISS, ANA, etc. Common fees: 2nd checked €60-100, name change €70+, flight change €70-300. Tip: Miles & More integrated (Lufthansa Group). Strong for Central + Eastern Europe connections via Vienna hub.

Austrian Airlines aircraft
Austrian (OS)

Austrian baggage + fares

  • Cabin (Economy): 8kg main bag 55x40x23cm + 1 small item 40x30x15cm.
  • Cabin (Business): 14kg (2 pieces × 7kg).
  • Economy Light fare: NO checked.
  • Economy Classic: 1×23kg checked + paid seat selection.
  • Economy Plus: 2×23kg + free seat + 1 free change.
  • Premium Economy (long-haul only): 1×23kg cabin + 2×23kg checked + better food + dedicated cabin.
  • Business (long-haul): lie-flat + 2×32kg + lounge + Premium meals + chauffeur (some markets).
  • Sports equipment: ski/golf/bike €40-80.
  • Star Alliance Gold: +1 checked bag.
  • Online check-in: 23 hours to 1 hour before departure.

Austrian routes + hubs

  • Hub: Vienna VIE (mega-hub).
  • European routes: all major capitals + extensive Central + Eastern Europe.
  • Eastern Europe specialty: Vienna ↔ Bucharest, Kiev, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Skopje, Sofia, Pristina, Tirana, Yerevan, Baku, Tbilisi. STRONGEST European airline for these routes.
  • Middle East: Tel Aviv, Beirut, Erbil, Tehran, Dubai, Doha, Amman, Riyadh, Cairo.
  • USA: NYC JFK, Newark, Chicago, Washington Dulles, Los Angeles.
  • Asia: Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi (limited).
  • Africa: Cairo, Mauritius.
  • Austrian Arrows / Tyrolean Airways: regional subsidiary.
  • Codeshare: Lufthansa Group + Star Alliance.

Austrian service + Miles & More

  • Service style: Austrian elegance — multilingual cabin crew (German, English, French + Eastern European languages).
  • Food: Austrian-influenced menu — Sachertorte, schnitzel, melange coffee.
  • Premium Economy + Business: Wiener Kaffeehaus coffee service. Austrian wines.
  • Miles & More: Austrian uses Lufthansa Group’s program.
  • Senator (Star Alliance Gold): Austrian Senator Lounge VIE + Lufthansa lounges + all Star Alliance lounges worldwide.
  • HON Circle: private check-in + concierge service.
  • Austrian Servus Card: Austrian co-branded credit card with bonus miles.
  • Best for: Vienna transit, Eastern Europe connections, Lufthansa Group regulars.
  • Skytrax: 4-star airline.
  • Reviews: 4/5 stars typical. Reliable Austrian service.

Common Austrian fees + tips

  • 2nd checked bag: €60-100 short-haul, €100-200 long-haul.
  • Economy Light upgrade: €25-60 to add bag = Classic fare.
  • Excess baggage: €40-100 per kg.
  • Name change: €70+.
  • Flight change: €70-300 + fare difference (Light = no changes).
  • Cancellation: non-refundable Light. Refund Plus + Business.
  • Pet (in cabin): €60-100.
  • Pet (in hold): €120-300.
  • Special assistance: FREE — book 48h ahead.
  • WiFi onboard: €5-25.
  • Best routes: Vienna → Bucharest, Vienna → Kiev (when operational), Vienna → Belgrade, Vienna → Yerevan.
  • Hub Vienna delays: rare. Vienna Airport is efficient hub.
  • Common complaints: Light fare strict baggage enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austrian Airlines cabin baggage?

Economy: 8kg main bag 55x40x23cm + 1 small item 40x30x15cm. Business: 14kg (2 pieces × 7kg). Economy Light fare = cabin only (no checked).

Austrian check-in online?

23 hours to 1 hour before departure. FREE. Mobile boarding pass via app. Self-service kiosks at Vienna + other airports.

Austrian Economy Light worth it?

Only if no checked bag needed. +€25-60 to add bag = same as Classic. Avoid for any leisure trip with luggage.

Austrian vs Lufthansa?

Both Star Alliance + Lufthansa Group + Miles & More. Austrian: Vienna hub + Eastern Europe specialty. Lufthansa: Frankfurt + Munich hubs + larger network. Austrian best for Vienna transit + Eastern Europe.

Austrian Star Alliance Gold benefits?

Senator Lounge VIE + Lufthansa lounges + all Star Alliance lounges globally + +1 checked bag + priority everywhere. Earned via 100K Miles & More tier miles in year.

Austrian best routes?

Vienna → Eastern Europe routes (Bucharest, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Skopje, Sofia). Vienna → Middle East (Tel Aviv, Tehran, Erbil). Best European airline for Central + Eastern Europe connections.

grandgo.com is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Links open your local Amazon store.

See also

Last reviewed: April 2026
Author: Kir Rud, Grandgo editorial
Sources consulted: official tourism authorities, government health and law publications, peer-reviewed travel references. This article is for informational purposes; for formal advice, consult the relevant authority.

TAGGED: , , , ,
Share This Article
 
Lost your password?
grandgo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Amazon EU Associates Programme, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.