Better Award Redemption - Austrian or Turkish
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: WAS/ BOM
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,567
Better Award Redemption - Austrian or Turkish
Experts, I am really conflicted on what might provide a better experience in Business class. I currently have J award ticket from VIE to IAD (originating in MUC) or switch over to Turkish via IST to IAD. Both seem really appealing and both have Do&Co catering.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 14, 2016 at 11:50 am Reason: Moved to *A forum
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
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Personally I would do OS rather than TK. Although the lounge in IST is fantastic, the rest of the airport is ghastly - endless corridors, frequent bus transfers and long queues for security. VIE is much smaller and friendlier and, with superb catering on both airlines, you don't need the best lounge, not to say that the one in VIE is bad - it's good, just not amazing.
So, why OS. The flights are shorter, the routing more direct and the seats are better. Also, whilst the service on TK is good, things like getting a refill of wine are not automatic.
So, why OS. The flights are shorter, the routing more direct and the seats are better. Also, whilst the service on TK is good, things like getting a refill of wine are not automatic.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SRQ, PDX
Programs: UA 1 MM, AA, DL
Posts: 929
Personally I would do OS rather than TK. Although the lounge in IST is fantastic, the rest of the airport is ghastly - endless corridors, frequent bus transfers and long queues for security. VIE is much smaller and friendlier and, with superb catering on both airlines, you don't need the best lounge, not to say that the one in VIE is bad - it's good, just not amazing.
So, why OS. The flights are shorter, the routing more direct and the seats are better. Also, whilst the service on TK is good, things like getting a refill of wine are not automatic.
So, why OS. The flights are shorter, the routing more direct and the seats are better. Also, whilst the service on TK is good, things like getting a refill of wine are not automatic.
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
From MUC, you really don't even need to conclude that OS is better . . . it's the obvious choice to avoid three hours extra in the air.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
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OS is great. Just finished my second OS J trip this time from the ex-OSL fares. My routing included a 1 hour layover to connect from OSL - VIE - ORD. Transfer was a breeze and I still had time for 20 minutes in the lounge.
Lounge definitely isn't as good as TK but the rest of the experience is top notch and honestly for an all daytime flight, the shorter flight is better. My crew was on point and proactive (crew in my aisle went and collected extra pillows to help pad the Norwegian beer I'd bought in duty free).
Despite being a daytime flight I managed 5.5 hours of sleep too. I recommend checking in right at T24 is possible too and snagging 1A. Extra room in the footwell is key for throne seat comfort.
Lounge definitely isn't as good as TK but the rest of the experience is top notch and honestly for an all daytime flight, the shorter flight is better. My crew was on point and proactive (crew in my aisle went and collected extra pillows to help pad the Norwegian beer I'd bought in duty free).
Despite being a daytime flight I managed 5.5 hours of sleep too. I recommend checking in right at T24 is possible too and snagging 1A. Extra room in the footwell is key for throne seat comfort.