I flew Austrian Airlines A320 Business Class from Sofia to Vienna after a short work trip. It’s a familiar setup for European business travel – economy seats with the middle blocked, a small cabin, and DO & CO catering to lift the experience. What stood out here was the crew’s warmth and efficiency, along with a proper hot meal served on a two-hour evening flight. Austrian might not have the newest cabins, but their consistency, punctuality, and genuine hospitality still make them one of the most dependable choices in Europe. Read on to see why.
In this review:
Flight Details
Flight No: OS798
From/To: Sofia (SOF) to Vienna (VIE)
Departure time: 18:45
Ticket Class: Business
Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Frequent Flyer Points: 2,000 (Credited to Miles+Bonus)
Status Points: 2,000
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200
Number of classes: 2 (Business and Economy)
Number of seats in flying class: 8
Seat: 2F
Position: Window, right-hand side
Airport Experience
Sofia Airport is small and surprisingly efficient, though not particularly charming. There’s just one lounge for premium passengers – the Aspire Lounge, shared by all airlines. It’s a compact space with worn seating, basic snacks, and a self-serve drinks fridge. A small buffet of cold finger food and a coffee machine kept the essentials covered, but there’s little to tempt anyone into arriving early. Wi-Fi was free but patchy, and views through the frosted glass were limited to the taxiway rather than the runway. Functional, but far from inspiring.
Boarding & Welcome
Boarding had already begun by the time I reached Gate C1, which felt oddly tucked away from the airport’s main pier. Priority boarding was still in progress, and business passengers were waved through without delay. I stepped straight onto the jet bridge and was greeted warmly at the aircraft door by a smiling crew member.
The Austrian Airlines A320 Business Class cabin was tiny, with just two rows separated from economy by a movable curtain. My bag easily found space in the overhead bin above Row 2, though I noticed the bins above Row 1 were crammed full of crew equipment and safety gear – not exactly premium treatment for those in the front row.
Seat
The cabin was fitted with Austrian’s familiar Recaro slimline seats, the same ones used in economy but with the middle seat blocked for extra shoulder space. The seat pitch was around 31 inches – enough for a short flight, but hardly generous. Recline was available, which isn’t always a given on European short-haul routes. I had two windows, although slightly misaligned with the seat.
Storage options were minimal, though the seatback pocket held the essentials. The small cabin gave an intimate feel, with just eight seats in total. Overhead storage would have been fine for the three passengers in the cabin that evening, but would’ve been overspilling if the cabin were full.
Which is the best seat on Austrian Airlines A320 business class?
Avoid Row 1 on this configuration unless you particularly enjoy tucking your feet against the bulkhead and fighting the crew for overhead bin space. The safety equipment above the first row limits carry-on storage considerably. Row 2 is the sweet spot, with unobstructed window views, full use of the overhead lockers and storage beneath the seat.
See the seating plan on SeatGuru.
Onboard Experience
With only three passengers in the business cabin, the service was exceptional. The sole crew member dedicated to business class was genuinely attentive, addressing passengers by name and checking in multiple times during the flight.
A single lavatory at the front was reserved exclusively for business passengers – clean and tidy, if a little cramped. The cabin lighting remained comfortably dim throughout the flight, and the captain’s updates were brief but reassuring. The flight left and arrived on time, true to Austrian’s strong record for punctuality on connecting European routes.
Food & Drink
Before departure, a glass of water was offered, followed by Austrian’s trademark DO & CO service shortly after take-off. The meal was served on a tray from the galley – braised beef stew with butterflied frankfurter sausages and potatoes. It was hearty but a little short on vegetables.
Dessert was apple strudel with chantilly cream – a tasty Austrian classic! A selection of wines and sparkling water was offered, and I chose a glass of red, accompanied by water – the crew offered to top these up throughout the service.
Coffee service completed the meal service, accompanied by two small Lindt Fioretto chocolates. The whole service felt unhurried and refined, typical for Austrian’s short-haul routes, but less so with some others.
In-flight Entertainment
There were no seatback screens or headphones, but FlyNet Wi-Fi was available and offered free messaging throughout the flight. It connected easily and worked reliably, which isn’t always the case on short European hops. The inflight shopping catalogue was also available.
BG1 Verdict
Another strong performance from Austrian. The Austrian Airlines A320 Business Class seat might not be luxurious, but the crew and catering elevated the flight well above most European competitors. With only three passengers in the cabin, the attention to detail and service were outstanding. It’s a reliable choice for business travellers connecting through Vienna, especially when punctuality and comfort matter more than seat width.
BG1 Tip
Try the Viennese Melange. It’s not just a coffee; it’s practically a cultural obligation. Austrian’s DO & CO service makes one of the best short-haul coffees in Europe. Also, Einspänner” (Viennese coffee with whipped cream)
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