Introduction

I had booked an Austrian Airlines business class ticket to Bangkok during the 50% off campaign in March. I decided to expand my intinerary, allowing me to visit some new places and sample a few new airlines, aircraft and premium classes. I also planned to visit my dad who was working in Bangkok, and use the excellent LHW $19.28 promotion I’d won in Samui. Well, that was my plan anyway. So I packed my rollaboard and headed off to enjoy myself.

On a side note, this is my first attempt at a trip report, so please be gentle. I've added some picture links for those interested. Unfortunately there's only pics from some segments, and of dubious quality at times. I'll do better next time

OSL-VIE
OS336 Business class
Dep 13.45
Fokker 100
Seat 1F


I checked in at the SAS Star Gold counter at OSL, which was deserted this afternoon. The friendly gentleman at check-in informed that I had first row windows seats all the way to BKK, and said” it doesn’t get any better than that”. To which I agreed.

I changed to my LH FF card as the earnings are much better for intra-Europe business class. I briefly tried to explain this to the agent as he seemed confused I would forego my Eurobonus Gold earnings, but he didn’t catch on so I let it go.

Security was a breeze, though no fast track for me, as Austrian Airlines flights are not offered this at OSL. This reflects poorly on SAS in my opinion, and contrasts to the treatment SAS flyers (Star golds) receive at e.g. German airports handled by LH.

Entering the Scandinavian Lounge 2 hours before my scheduled departure, it was very quiet and I had some simple Norwegian lunch food. This is typical of SAS OSL lounge, and not as good as the offerings at ARN and especially CPH. Perhaps it’s to do with the Norwegian lunch habits of only eating some simple packed lunch. I settled down with papers and the free wifi while waiting for my flight.

Approached the gate 20 mins before departure, but noticed the Fokker 100 aircraft was not even at the gate yet. Considered heading back to lounge, but no info on delay given so I figured it would soon arrive for a quick turn-around. Noticed OS changes crew for this day-time flight, which strikes me as rather odd, costs considered. But of course it’s always nice to see flaming red OS attendants walking down the departure hall.

Boarding was smooth, though no priority offered as usual at OSL. 2 rows in business on this flight, and only one other passenger in my section, seated in 1A. I had pre-booked 1F, due to the 2-3 config on this aircraft and OS keeping the middle seat blocked on the 3-seater. There was a slight delay as loading was finishing up, and I opted for a beer as pre-departure drink.

Once airborne I could smell the hot meal being prepared. This is a Do & Co catered flight, and today’s lunch consisted of scampi salad, a hot pork and pasta dish and a fatty bun with cream for desert. Decided to have red wine with the meal and a Baileys with the coffee afterwards. Spent some time reading the English papers handed out before takeoff before napping the final half hour. The final sunlight of the day was fast disappearing, and it was getting dark when we arrived in VIE.

Pictures:
Taxiing at OSL
Taking off from OSL
The winter sun setting
VIE tower



VIE

On arrival in Vienna I headed to the Austrian business lounge plaza, which is very big and has some nice tarmac views. It was rather crowded this afternoon, and as I could not find a seat I moved on to the Senator lounge. The Senator lounge had plenty of space when I entered, and a better food and drink selection. I guess a large number of FTLs crowd the business lounges at peak times. The lounge was nice and quiet and had a good selection of newspapers and magazines, I was surprised to even find some Norwegian titles. One shower was available in this lounge.

From the selection of hot food I had a casserole and cauliflower soup which was very nice, after which I sampled the selection of spirits. The Senator lounge in Vienna closes at 9PM every night and is located in the Schengen area, so I headed towards international departures in terminal A.

On my way I passed the Jet Lounge, where apparently all non-Star Alliance airlines have a common lounge. I saw Saudi Arabian, BA, El Al, KLM and so on. I considered having a look, as my Diners Club card would gain me entry, but seeing the flow of people I decided to skip it.

Upon entering terminal A I was happy I had delayed coming there, as it was quite poor. OS doesn’t have many longhaul departures and not lot of foreign carriers either from outside Schengen. Austrian has a combined Senator and Business lounge in terminal A, and it was pretty crowded and noisy close to departure. It is to be expected on a Bangkok flight when the lounge admits status passengers with family, and the kids want to watch a portable DVD using the speakers.

This lounge also had tarmac views, but the only plane to be seen was the EL Al departure for Tel Aviv. It boarded several hours before departure, it seems all EL AL flights have massive security.

Soup, bread, snacks and spirits were available. There is a shower facility as well as free wifi.