Austrian Airlines Business Class "Upgrade" - avoid
 

We recently flew from London to Vienna on Austrian Airlines and booked return tickets in economy. Checking in for the return flight on-line we were offered upgrades to business class for €129 each - which seemed like a good deal, especially as our two-hour flight was in the evening and we wouldn't have time to have a meal at the airport before we flew.

No problem with the check-in or the lounge, but the "dinner" served at the front of the plane would have tested the sense of humour of any traveller - a tray containing a bread roll, a plate with a tiny beefburger(!), potato salad and a few leaves, and a small custard dessert.

I complained to Austrian Airlines customer services afterwards but they couldn't care less. My advice is stick to economy on this airline, you can purchase an in-flight meal in advance for €15 which is infinitely better and more filling than the derisory rubbish they serve in business class.

All that extra room, too!

Dukey - not sure what you mean by "all that extra room". As you may or may not be aware the seating configuration in intra-European business class is frequently the same as in Economy, the only difference being that they don't sell the middle seat of the 3. But seat pitch, width etc - exactly the same.

Is a "meal" even an option on a 2 hour flight? Sounds like you got a fancy snack instead of a bag of pretzels or crisps.

I would never bother to pay to upgrade to business class on such a short flight, unless there is a good reason for it.

It sounds like your primary reason for upgrading was to have a good meal on the plane and 129 euros each is a heck of a lot of money for that. I know this advice comes too late but I would grab a sandwich to go at the airport and eat it on the plane.

Once I was given a free upgrade on BA for a flight from LGW to GVA. Like your flight it was about 2 hours and while the meal was better than yours it was still not too impressive.

I'm glad check in and the lounge were OK, at least you got something for your money. Thanks for the warning.

Why pay that much for a 2 hr. flight??

Thanks for the warning! Pity you didn't just grab something at the airport!