catocony

Going through YYZ is horrible advice. You have to go through Canadian Immigration just to get to the connecting flight.

Also, it's more like 10-20 minutes to get from C or D UA gates to the flight to Vienna in the B gates.

exerda

Correct.

Domestic-to-international connections at IAD or EWR do not require re-clearing security unless you want to leave the secure area.

All international-to-domestic ones do require reclearing security in the US (with limited exceptions, e.g. preclearance at some Canadian or Caribbean airports).


The downside is that OS is a great TATL carrier, and going west coast - FRA means taking UA or LH, both of which offer a subpar premium cabin experience compared to OS IMHO. However, I'd probably opt for the longer sleep time, too.

FTstudent

I know this has been common wisdom for a long time. I have jiggered routings to include an OS TATL multiple times in the past. I've been disappointed with the service the last few times. I noticed the service was only on fixed cycles on my last few flights. They never once walked around seeing if you needed anything. If you wanted something, you better darn well get it while they were pushing one of the courses passed you. I do love their food tho.

UA_Flyer

Since OP is able to get flat seating from West Coast to IAD, then I would definitely skip flying through FRA/MUC for the following reasons:

1. Flat seating all the way instead having to get on LH's intra-Euro business class which is just Y seats with an empty middle seat.

2. I cannot get around why frequent business flyers would go through the maze at FRA, and long lines of immigration and security checkpoints, and crowded LH lounges at FRA/MUC, and then get into a narrow body sardine-like business cabin.

3. Easy connecting process on the US East Coast versus going through a third country border control at the airport with a jetlag.

4. OS catering and overall experience

5. Arrive fresh into VIE directly from the US on the long haul flights

joshwex90

The same is true of IAD (and all other US airports).

But for the outbound, you can use the shuttle without needing to re-clear security

MrCUBS

Agree OS has great service, that is the reason I am trying to fly with them again

Thanks, I think this summarizes perfectly my reason for choosing OS

catocony

IMHO, an extra reason is five hours on a plane from LAX-IAD, then a break, then nine hours IAD-VIE. This vs 11.5 hours LAX-FRA or LAX-MUC, dealing with FRA or MUC, then the short hop in an economy seat to VIE.

The door to door travel time is a bit longer with an East Coast connection, about an hour or two.

On the way back, however, I would be inclined to route directly from Europe to LAX. I'm a big fan of going through US Customs and Immigration at my home airport. That way, if there are any delays, it won't cause me to miss my connecting flight. That or just having a long layover after the transatlantic flight before the connection.

Kacee

Which I consider to be far preferable. Particularly if the domestic transit is at IAD or EWR, both of which are simply miserable airports.

But this is obviously a matter of personal preference. Can't really say anyone is right or wrong here.

MrCUBS

Exactly, usually on the way back I've done LX via ZRH and has worked really good.

MrCUBS

Agree!

JacobVB27

Flying to VIE I would go through IAD and then coming back would connect in the EU back to LAX. Here are the reasons why I would do so:
1. While IAD is just like any other huge International airport, the A/B terminal is a lot nicer than the C/D terminal. Plus since the OP is flying Business class, they would have access to the Lufthansa Lounge/Star Gold Lounge by B51.
2. Since Austrian generally uses B51, they would have direct access to the plane from the Lounge. You can't beat that.
3. The layover might not be a lot but still having the Lounge access certainly beats any US based United Club.
4. Are we positive that the EWR shuttle drops passengers to the right area for Austrian in Terminal B? If someone doesn't have to go through security at EWR going to different terminal on the shuttle, all the better. You wouldn't have that issue at IAD coming domestic-domestic/International unless they leave the sterile area.
5. As for coming back to LAX, if you can connect through FRA, MUC or ZRH all the better. It safes you the hassle of doing Immigration/ Customs in another US city than LAX.

PenaltyBox

Dulles might not be pretty but the chances of making your connection or avoiding the potential delays at EWR make IAD my choice.

Nothing worse than being on a delayed flight and worrying the entire way if you'll make your connecting flight. Will you have to sprint through the airport with your rollerboards/kids in tow only to arrive at the new gate frazzled and sweaty? That would make your connecting flight miserable as well.

cesco.g

Agree, prefer IAD over the zoo at EWR any day.

MrCUBS

Thanks, I think almost everyone agrees that IAD is a better option over EWR.
Coming back, yes usually do LX via ZRH if available if not LH via MUC

MrCUBS

Thank you all for the advice, just took the flight LAX-IAD and it was a super easy connection from terminal C to B. Much easier and less of a hassle than ORD


On my way to VIE and very nice feature to board from the Lounge