Just returned from a RS tour via Austrian Airlines and wanted to state how impressed I was by this airline. I usually fly American-owned airlines so this was a new experience for me. For those who don't know, at the Vienna airport, you go through security at your gate. As such, you cannot carry a bottle of water, etc. onto the plane with you. The flight attendants did a nice job of providing water and juice numerous times throughout the flight. Also, the food was actually good! We were fed twice (not including snacks), the food was served on real dishes and we were given real cutlery for the heaviest meal (not plastic) as well as hot bread. I think the food was prepared on the plane b/c as I was exiting off, I saw a chef standing with the flight attendants. Anyway, with all the bad luck folks have been having with various airlines, I wanted to post a positive experience. I will certainly consider flying this airline again, if plans allow it. I definitely felt well-taken care of.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I have flown Austrian Air a few times, too. They have always treated their passengers well. The food IS marvelous and the attendants plesant. They value quality and it shows!
Posted by
NYC, USA
219 posts
Kim, With such nice service did you find the ticket price to be competitve with other airlines going to Vienna or very expensive? Can I assume you flew economy?
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
I would be very suprised if in fact, a Chef was on board the aircraft during the flight, actually preparing the meals for the hundreds of passengers on board.
Aircraft have very limited space and very limited facilities. Aircraft do not have fully equipped Galley kitchens on board. Passengers are dissappointed when they ask for milk to be refrigerated and I can only offer them a small bag of ice.
If it was in fact what appeared to be a Chef standing with the Crew upon arrival, I'd imagine he/she was the Catering staff from the Airport.
I'm pleased to hear that your in-flight experience was a pleasant one. It seems the majority of passengers are quick to complain and reluctant to praise. So I thank you for letting us all know that some of us CAN get it right!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
It is nice to hear a good report, and yes, please post back to let us know if price was comparable, and if you flew economy.
I would definately take FlightAttendents word on " no chef", it would be impossible to allow cooking on a plane, open heat sources and piped in oxegen don't seem to mix in my mind. LOL I would also think chopping knives and sudden turbulence could be nasty, LOL.
Posted by
Miami, Fl, USA
33 posts
Very nice to see some good experiences as well. I had great ones all the time with LH and Delta. The last time I flew Delta I was really impressed. LH is always like that, but I can definitely say that DL exceeded expectations. The attendants were so nice and friendly, always there if you needed anything. It was a WOW experience and everyone should know that.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
Kim, I'm wondering if it was a white uniform or something you might have read on their name badge that might have led you to wonder if they had a Chef on board?
My Brevet says "Chef de Cabine" which in French means "Incharge Flight Attendant". It's not uncommon for passengers to glance at it and just see "Chef" and ask if we are Chefs, too!
I was just hanging up my uniform and wondered if that might explain the whole Chef idea?
Safe Skies,
F/A
Posted by
OP
Durham, NC
43 posts
Flight Attendant - That could very well be it. :)
Regarding questions about cost: I went through cheapoair.com so the flight was part of that itinerary. I'm not sure how its normal prices compare.