LAUDA AIR's CRJ service
 

For those who think that CRJs don't have proper galleys that can serve more than drinks, take another look at Lauda Air's CRJ services between main cities in Europe.

My flight today was NG9241 from Hamburg to Vienna. Take off was on time at 1040am. After take off, the 2 cabin attendants, dressed in their famous black jeans, polka dot shirts and black jackets, whipped into action. One was kept busy in the galley while the other handed out hot towels, drinks with a choice of orange juice or sparkling wine served in actual glasses. Then she came back with a basket of what seemed like cutlery wrapped in a cloth napkin. Upon opening it one realises that it actually doubles up as a table cloth with slots sewn in it that holds the cutlery. A seperate napkin is in it too.

There were even menu cards given up and then a choice of 2 hot meal choices. Pasta in a creamy mushroom sauce or fried chicken with roast potatoes. A shrimp cocktail mix started off with a choice hot rolls to accompany the main meal. And there was even chocolate cake to end with. All these are served on proper china - not plastic, mind you. More juice or sparkling wine? Then coffee and tea followed. There was enough time for even a second cup before the dishes (note there are no trays, so each dish was collected seperately)cleared. All this for an 75 minute flight!

Most airlines that have only one class, do an economy class service for all, even for those holding business class tickets. But on Lauda Air, they offered a business class service for all including those holding deep discounted economy class tickets, and it is very impressive.

Wait till I tell you about their longhaul services!


[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 09-01-1999).]

Celestar340, what aircraft was the CRJ? I've never seen a proper galley in an RJ. Does Lauda Air partner with any US carriers?


[This message has been edited by Eidetic (edited 09-01-1999).]

Thanks for that Celestar. On flights even as short as an hour, airlines can provide very nice service if they choose to. And your report just goes to prove it. It's nonsense that there is not enough time etc.

As far as good single class service. I've noticed the same thing with Lufthansa's City Class flights. It can be much better in City Class than in economy and sometimes even Business Class on some of their European flights.

Edetic - the aircraft in question was the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) 100 Series. Seats 50 passengers.

Lauda Air itself does not have any US partners though they are under Austrian/Swissair's Qualiflyer programme.

Lauda Air currently only flies to one US city - Miami, using their own aircraft. That is also the only route that they codeshare with Lufthansa Airlines as the flight goes VIE-MUC-MIA.

Celestar340, thanks. I thought CRJ might be the Canadair, but I just couldn't imagine Comm Air serving a meal between CVG and GSP, which would be about the same distance.

Do all CRJs have 2x2 seating (if those scale model of real seats can actually be called seats)?

I had previously done some investigating on Lauda's website, they actually are pretty proud of the way they thought to do the catering on the CRJs--apparently things are ladled up in the plane from thermoses--not reheated (which takes up too much room). Compare the room needed for a big bucket of food and a stack of 50 plates with 50 individually plated entrees. Made me want to try them!