This is a review of the Austrian Airlines Business Lounge in the non-Schengen area of Vienna Airport. There is a separate lounge if you are travelling in the Schengen zone.
Last week, I wrote about my experience flying in business class with Austrian Airlines on the way back from seeing the Christmas markets in Vienna and Budapest. My experience was mixed. Although I wouldn’t travel in business class with Austrian again, I enjoyed using the lounge and would consider paying for access another time.
In this post:
Location and Opening Times
The non-Schengen lounge is located at the G gates of terminal 3 immediately after passport control.
The lounge is open from 05:30 – 23:30 daily.
Who Can Use the Vienna Business Lounge – Non-Schengen
Business Class Passengers
If you are flying in business class with Austrian or another Star Alliance airline on the same day, you will have access to the lounge.
Miles and More Frequent Traveller Card
If you are departing on an Austrian or Star Alliance flight in economy on the day and you present a miles and more frequent traveller card, you can also access the lounge. To get a frequent traveller card, you must earn 35,000 miles or go on 30 Star Alliance flights in one calendar year. Once you have your frequent traveller card, it will be valid for two years.
Paying to Enter
You can pay a fee of €39 for one-time use of the lounge. A lounge pass can be purchased from 47 hours before departure at online check-in. You can also pay for access to the lounge at the desk for €49.
Entering the Vienna Business Lounge
The lounge is impossible to miss. The lounge is on your right when you go through the non-Schengen passport control. I had previously tried to enter the Schengen lounge and was told I could, but there was also another lounge for non-Schengen passengers.
When I entered at around 6:00, it was quiet, with only two other people. I was greeted by two members of staff who scanned my boarding pass.
No staff were present inside the lounge until 30 minutes later. At first glance, the lounge was very small. There was a good selection of food available and ample seating.
Seating
There were a few different seating areas, from tables with plane views to high tables with plug sockets and chairs with rests in front of the news.
Food
Catered by Do & Co, the lounge provides a range of dining options. The food selection was good, but it wasn’t extensive. As soon as I walked in, the hot breakfast was visible. Initially, the lids were on because the staff were not present, but it looked more appealing once the lids were off. It was a good selection for an airport outside the UK.
In true Austrian style, there was a selection of delicious pastries. I enjoyed the cinnamon and nut rolls.
Drinks
The lounge’s bar boasted a commendable selection of beverages, catering to a wide range of preferences. Later on, staff arrived and topped up the ice bucket. There was a nice selection of wines and premium spirits.
There was a good selection of soft drinks and beers too, including the popular ‘national drink of Austria’ – Almdudler.
Other Facilities
There are also several toilets and showers. I could not see a shower room because they were locked, but a shower would be very beneficial after a long journey to the airport or on a stopover. The toilets were nicer than standard airport toilets but nothing extra special.
Additional facilities include air conditioning, conference rooms, flight information monitors, newspapers, magazines, and TVs.
Walking to the Gate
The gate was a 10-minute walk from the lounge. Gates ranged from a 5-20 minute walk.
Once at the gate, it was crowded and unorganized, so I was pleased to have spent time in the lounge.
Other Lounges at Vienna Airport
The Vienna Lounge: The VIENNA Lounge is located after the security check, in front of passport control in Terminal 1, on Level 2.
SKY Lounge: The SKY Lounge is located after the security check, in front of passport control in Terminal 3, on Level 2
Other Austrian Lounges: The Austrian HON Circle Lounge and Austrian Senator/Star Gold Lounge are also in the non-Schengen area. The Schengen area also has a version of these three lounges.
Final Words
The Austrian Airlines Business Lounge in Vienna’s non-Schengen area is a quiet, comfortable space well-suited for a peaceful pre-flight experience. The seating options, food options, and good drink selection make it a worthy visit if you are travelling in business class or can access the lounge due to benefits. I would consider paying for the lounge again, but the €39 fee at check-in is quite steep.
