Lufthansa vs Austrian Airlines: Choosing Right Airlines

Base & Routes

Lufthansa. Founded in 1953, it's based in Frankfurt and Munich, Germany, and is one of Europe's largest airlines. It covers over 210 destinations in 73 countries, including 20 in the U.S. You can read more about Lufthansa here. 

Austrian Airlines. Established in 1957 from the merger of Air Austria and Austrian Airways, its main base is at Vienna International Airport. It operates a global route network of around 130 destinations, including 5 direct flights from Austria to the US (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York/JFK, Newark, and Washington, D.C.)

Lufthansa wins.Lufthansa serves a  vast number of international destinations, providing a comprehensive global network compared to Austrian Airlines. 

Baggage

When it comes to choosing an airline for our travels, the baggage policy can be a determining factor for many passengers. Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, two giants in the aviation industry, offer different sets of baggage allowances and fees. 

Carry-On Baggage

• Lufthansa: Economy & Premium Economy: 1 carry-on bag up to 8 kg. // Business & First Class: 2 carry-on bags each up to 8 kg.
• Austrian Airlines: Economy: 1 carry-on bag up to 8 kg // Premium Economy, Business & First Class: 2 carry-on bags each up to 8 kg.

Checked Baggage

• Lufthansa:
  • Economy: 1 piece up to 23 kg.
  • Premium Economy: 2 pieces each up to 23 kg.
  • Business Class: 2 pieces each up to 32 kg.
  • First Class: 3 pieces each up to 32 kg.
• Austrian Airlines:
  • Economy (Short & Medium-haul): 1 piece up to 23 kg.
  • Economy (Long-haul): 1 piece up to 23 kg.
  • Premium Economy: 2 pieces each up to 23 kg.
  • Business Class: 2 pieces each up to 32 kg.

Excess Baggage Fees:

• Lufthansa: Varies depending on route and weight, but fees can be significant, especially for heavier or additional bags beyond the allowance.
• Austrian Airlines: Similar to Lufthansa, excess baggage fees are dependent on the route and weight, with substantial charges for bags beyond the allowance or overweight/oversized items.

Special Baggage:

• Lufthansa: Charges apply for special items like sports equipment, and they request passengers to inform them in advance.
• Austrian Airlines: Also requires passengers to inform the airline in advance for special baggage items, and charges vary depending on the item and based on ticket class. For exact fees and more detailed information on specific routes or special items, passengers 

Ties. Both air companies offers really similar services and fees so it's hard to choose the winner. 

Flight Experiece: classes, dinning

Lufthansa wins

Lufthansa, with its renowned First and Business Class offerings, establishes itself as an industry leader for travelers who seek unparalleled service and amenities. This German carrier's commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous attention to detail, from spacious seating to curated in-flight entertainment. 

On the other side, Austrian Airlines, although not offering a First Class segment, prides itself on delivering an exemplary in-flight dining experience. Many seasoned travelers opine that Austrian's culinary offerings often surpass those of its contemporaries, making every flight a gourmet journey. In essence, while Lufthansa excels in delivering a comprehensive luxury experience, Austrian Airlines ensures that its passengers are treated to have delicious meals during the flight. 

Affiliation

Lufthansa again wins

Lufthansa is more than just an airline; it's a big group with many smaller companies under its name. This German airline has a strong place in the aviation world. On the other side, Austrian Airlines is Austria's main airline and has a long history of serving its passengers well. While it keeps its unique character, it's also a part of the Lufthansa Group. Being in this group helps Austrian Airlines work better and gives passengers more options, as they can benefit from being part of a bigger network.

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