Austrian Airlines – Full of Surprises
In May, I was off to Hamburg for a get together with some other flying friends and I arranged to fly Austrian Airlines via Vienna. I had planned my trip to have a day in Vienna, fly to Hamburg, and then return to Vienna for a couple of days of sightseeing.
As you may recall, my first trip on Austrian Airlines resulted in a little bit of disappointment when the Coffee Service for which they are well-known was not presented on my flight. When I reviewed the Austrian Business Class product and wrote ‘Where’s the Coffee?’, Austrian responded to my post via Twitter apologizing for my disappointment. Not thinking much more of that, a few weeks later, I received a message via Twitter requesting my address. A few weeks after that, I was surprised to no end to receive an entire coffee service from Austrian Not only did they send the coffee service, there was a lovely note from Bernd Hartweger, Vice President of the Product and Marketing Division of the Austrian Airlines Group, together with a video featuring Petra, one of Austrian’s stellar flight attendants, demonstrating step by step how to create the perfect Viennese coffee (Austrian Airlines Delivers a Smile).
Shortly after I booked my ticket, I contacted Austrian via Twitter to let them know I would once again be flying with them and added teasingly that I certainly hoped there would be coffee service on my flight! Later I contacted them about not having a seat assignment and they assured me that all would be well when I checked in for my flight in Washington. As I boarded my flight – OS 94 – at Washington Dulles, and made my way towards my seat the first thing I noticed was…
Austrian Seat Surprise
And standing beside my seat was Petra – the flight attendant who was the star of the coffee making video! Oh my gosh! I just could not believe it! We both started laughing and hugging each other – it was such a magic moment!
Surprise! It’s Petra!
My seat on the plane was, as always, just perfect…
Austrian Business Seat
After settling in, it took me a little while to become accustomed to the new IFE control…but I loved the massage function!
Austrian IFE and Seat Control
Business Seat Power Port and Reading Lamp
On board Austrian’s long-haul flights, a qualified chef from Austrian’s catering partner DO & CO accompanies the crew, takes the passengers’ orders and also serves the freshly prepared meals. Dinner was delicious! For my starter I chose the Prawns with eggplant puree…
Starter -Marinated Prawns with Eggplant Puree
For the main course I selected the Grilled Monk Fish. I know that often people say they never order fish on a plane, but I honestly have never been disappointed when I do.
Grilled Monk Fish, Fried Potatoes Lentils and Spinach
And for dessert, a choice from the Dessert Trolley…
Dessert Trolley
And, of course, this was followed by a cup of their special coffee, Maria Theresia – a black coffee with orange liqueur (and I had mine topped with whipped cream)… (Business Class passengers are fortunate to be offered a unique coffee house service of different Austrian coffee specialties).
Maria Theresia – Black coffee and Orange Liqueur
I always sleep like a baby on Austrian Airlines flights and I believe one of the reasons is its bedding. I absolutely love the duvet that they use. It is light but provides just enough warmth during the night. The neat thing is that they are available for purchase!
Comforter
After a great six hours’ sleep, I was treated to a wonderful breakfast… and, of course, another cup of their delicious coffee (with extra whipped cream)…
Egg Omlette with Bacon, Fruit and Fresh Bread
So once again, I was absolutely blown away by the service and thoughtfulness of Austrian Airlines. Petra shared with me that she had been contacted about six weeks before my flight and asked if she would like to arrange her schedule to be on board. I am so happy that she said yes! And even if it means a detour through Vienna (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing), I believe Austrian has become my ‘go-to’ airline for flights to Europe. Austrian Airline’s motto is “We Fly for your Smile”… and they most certainly succeed in doing just that!
Thank you Austrian Airlines… and the entire flight crew of Austrian Airlines Flight OS 94!
Austrian Flight Crew OS 94
And thank you, Petra – I feel as though I have definitely made a new friend!
A new friend!
About Austrian Airlines Austrian Airlines is Austria’s largest carrier and operates a global route network of round 130 destinations. That route network is particularly dense in Central and Eastern Europe with 43 destinations. Thanks to its favourable geographical location at the heart of Europe, the company’s hub at Vienna International Airport is the ideal gateway between East and West. Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe’s largest airline group, and a member of the Star Alliance, the first global alliance of international airlines. The flight operations of the Austrian Airlines Group has been bundled at its 100% subsidiary Tyrolean Airways since 1st July, 2012. (Austrian Airlines Website)
And, in case you missed Petra in her video debut, here she is again:
Read More:
‘Where’s the Coffee?’ – A Review of Austrian Airlines Business Class
Austrian Airlines Delivers a Smile
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what an amazing story!!
It was definitely a most memorable flight!
I love it! That is great service. Now I want coffee and a duvet.
Honestly Helen…. Austrian’s duvet’s are the best! And the pillowcase is heavenly as well! Guaranteed a good night’s sleep!