Contact Air From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 888 posts, RR: 16 Posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 5020 times:
Alex (A.Net member Ndebele) and I had decided that a day trip to VIE would be nice again. There are four airlines linking our home airport STR with VIE: Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Berlin and Germanwings. All in all there are ten daily flights on that route. At first we had thought about flying Air Berlin, but then we decided to book Austrian Airlines as they use the Dash 8-400 on one of their three daily flights, a type of aircraft that was still missing in both of our logs. Booking was made through Lufthansa’s web page as the flights were OS / LH code-share.
Wednesday, 22 April 2008
Stuttgart (STR) – Vienna (VIE)
Airline: Austrian Airlines, operated by Tyrolean Airways
Flight number: OS 184
Scheduled departure time: 11:35
Scheduled arrival time: 12:55
Type of aircraft: Dash 8-400 Q
Registration: OE-LGI “Eisenstadt”
This aircraft was built and delivered to Tyrolean Airways in 2005. It is the 100th Dash 8-400 that was built.
We met at Stuttgart Airport in Terminal 1 that is used by LH and their Star Alliance partners:
We checked in at one of the self-service check-in machines and took seats number 18A and 18C, in the second last row. Then we passed security control quickly and made our way to gate 163, a bus gate on the ground floor of Terminal 1. Boarding started soon, and a bus took all passengers to our Dash 8-400 aircraft for this flight which was OE-LGI:
I was surprised to see that the Das 8-400 is equipped with full-size doors at the rear as well, different from the other Dash-8 variants. With our seats at the back, we boarded through the rear door, of course:
We were welcomed by one of all in all two really friendly female flight attendants and took our seats. Viennese waltz music (“Wiener Walzer”) was played during boarding. The cabin was equipped with green fabric seats with headrest-covers in different colours. Here is a cabin picture (taken during flight):
All in all, seating was comfortable for a regional aircraft. Window shades were not available, which I personally didn’t really miss. After everybody had found his / her seat, cabin crew came through with a small cart offering Austrian and international newspapers.
There were 3 passengers in Business Class and 38 passengers in Economy Class, so load factor on the flight was 57%. As the row behind us was completely empty, I changed to seat number 19A, so Alex and I both had a window seat. Cabin crew performed the safety demo and we were off-block on time. We taxied the short way to runway 07 where we took off immediately; there is not too much traffic at STR around noon.
The weather was really bad in Southern Germany on that day, so we were up in the clouds very soon. The captain made an announcement and told us that our routing would be STR-Linz-VIE, flight level was 7,600 metres. The cabin wasn’t noisy at all, so the “Q” (for quiet) in the title of the type of aircraft is really correct.
Cabin crew started meal and drinks service. Catering was really excellent for such a short flight. Every passenger got a small triangular tray containing a mixed salad with chicken breast, a warm bread roll and a small piece of apricot cake:
The meal had been prepared by Do & Co catering company and was delicious. Much better than the standard-sandwiches that LH or AB offer on the same route.
After the meal trays were collected again, we were soon on our approach into VIE. Sweets were distributed shortly before landing. The weather was much better than at STR:
They are building a new road:
A channel:
The River Danube:
We touched down on runway 16 and taxied to a parking position on the apron.
Leaving OE-LGI:
A bus took all passengers to the arrivals facilities. Then we checked in for our return flight at one of the Austrian Airlines check-in counters. There was no waiting time at all. The check-in agent gave us our boarding passes for seats 8D and 8F, telling us that this was the last available row with two seats together as they were expecting a full load on this flight.
Then we met with Jens (A.Net member TriStar500) who was on his way back from a business trip and who would fly home on Air Berlin to DUS later that afternoon. Jens visits Vienna quite frequently for business reasons, so it was a nice coincidence that we were there on the same day. We spent the afternoon together at the airport and surrounding. Thanks again to Jens for showing us around!
Wednesday, 22 April 2008
Vienna (VIE) – Stuttgart (STR)
Airline: Austrian Airlines, operated by Tyrolean Airways
Flight number: OS 187
Scheduled departure time: 17:25
Scheduled arrival time: 19:05
Type of aircraft: Dash 8-300 Q
Registration: OE-LTP “Lienz”
This aircraft was built and delivered Tyrolean Airways in 2000. In 2005, it received its new Austrian arrows livery.
When we had booked this flight in January, it was scheduled to be operated with Fokker 70. Later during the year, the equipment was changed to a Dash 8-300, leading to 20 minutes more of travel time due to the slower equipment (arrival time at STR was changed from 18:45 to 19:05 while departure time from VIE stayed the same). It was a pity for Alex as the Fokker 70 is still missing in his log. I have already had two flights on the Fokker 70, both with Austrian.
We entered the gate area. Security control at VIE is done decentralized at every jet-bridge gate or at the entrance of a bus-gate area. As Jens was departing from the same bus-gate area as we did, we passed security control together. Then we said good-bye to Jens whose flight left 45 minutes earlier than ours.
The gate for our flight was opened about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Boarding passes were checked when entering the gate.
The gate agent made an announcement that boarding would be delayed for some minutes due to preparation works for the flight. It started 10 minutes before scheduled departure. A bus took all passengers to the aircraft that was waiting on a parking position on the apron. It was OE-LTP, the newest Dash 8-300 aircraft in the fleet of Tyrolean Airways. A snap-shot from the bus:
Boarding OE-LTP:
Two flight attendants (one female, one male) welcomed the passengers and we took our seats. They were playing Viennese waltz music again. The cabin was still equipped with the older grey fabric seats and a grey carpet with the Tyrolean logo on it. When boarding was completed, the flight attendants distributed newspapers again, followed by the safety demonstration. There were 47 passengers on this flight, so load factor was 94%.
We were off-block around 10 minutes behind schedule and taxied to a holding point at runway 29. The captain told us that we were number six in departure queue and it would take about 10 more minutes until it would be our turn.
After these six aircraft (nearly all of them Austrian arrows) had departed, we were allowed to enter the runway and took off. Here is a take-off video again: Taking off from VIE
Leaving VIE airport:
An industrial area:
Suburbs of Vienna:
A railway depot:
Soon we were above the the clouds again:
Meal and drinks service was started. The offer was similar to our flight in the morning, but with some variety. This time the plate contained chicken salad and the dessert was plum cake:
The captain made his in-flight announcement and told us that despite the late departure, we were expecting to arrive at STR on time. Flight route was very similar to our flight STR-VIE that morning.
Soon we were approaching STR again. The weather was still awful:
The motorway A8:
We touched down on runway 25 and taxied to a parking position on the apron.
Leaving OE-LTP:
A bus took us to Terminal 1 where Alex and I left the airport by train in different directions.
Conclusion: Austrian arrows performed a really great service on these two flights. Flights were on time, cabin crews were really friendly and in-flight catering was one of the best I have ever received on a short-haul flight. On the STR-VIE route you have the choice between OS, LH, AB or 4U. For me, Austrian is definitely the best option of all four, if you don’t mind flying with turboprop equipment, which I don’t. And at least the Das 8-400 is flying nearly with jet-speed, while its little sister Dash 8-300 is a bit slower. I would definitely fly Austrian Airlines again.
Thanks for reading this report. Questions and comments are always appreciated.
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 6155 posts, RR: 52 Reply 1, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 4988 times:
Nice report Christoph, thanks.
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): There are four airlines linking our home airport STR with VIE: Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Berlin and Germanwings.
- Wow, never realised how well this market was served.
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): Catering was really excellent for such a short flight. Every passenger got a small triangular tray containing a mixed salad with chicken breast, a warm bread roll and a small piece of apricot cake:
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): Meal and drinks service was started. The offer was similar to our flight in the morning, but with some variety. This time the plate contained chicken salad and the dessert was plum cake:
- I must say OS have really stepped up to the plate with their catering, very impressive for usch short flights, I remember not so long ago they removed free catering.
Good to fly 2 different Dash 8 models in onc day, though I'd be bummed if on these flight's as I need the F70 too!
DavidkunzVIE From Austria, joined Mar 2007, 393 posts, RR: 3 Reply 2, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 4751 times:
Very nice to read about yet another nice VO/OS experience. I just love the Dashes, so very comfortable - and capable of doing the most amazing approaches!
Ndebele From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 2884 posts, RR: 37 Reply 3, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 4398 times:
Hi Christoph and thanks for taking the time to write this report about our recent trip to VIE. OS was definitely a good choice. Now if they had let me fly on their Fokker 70 (as planned when we bokked that flight) it would have been even better, but well - the F 70 is just a shorter F 100, so what
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): There are four airlines linking our home airport STR with VIE: Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Berlin and Germanwings.
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter):
All in all there are ten daily flights on that route.
- Wow, never realised how well this market was served.
As of today, Air Berlin has discontinued serving this route - so at the moment there are "only" eight daily flights between STR and VIE. One of the four airlines had to discontinue this route, it was just a matter of time.
StefanPAD From Germany, joined Dec 2005, 270 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 4249 times:
Hi Christoph (and Alex)!
Interesting day trip. I hope the weather in VIE was better than in STR?!
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): Much better than the standard-sandwiches that LH or AB offer on the same route.
If ever you get a sandwich. I've been on a LH flight from ZRH to MUC last weekend and just got some chocolate.
Your meals are really large for such a short flight. And they are looking delicious. Was the chicken hot or cold?
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 3151 posts, RR: 71 Reply 5, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 4188 times:
Servus Christoph and Alex,
Great report, Austrian reports don't show up very often here.
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): Cabin crew started meal and drinks service. Catering was really excellent for such a short flight. Every passenger got a small triangular tray containing a mixed salad with chicken breast, a warm bread roll and a small piece of apricot cake:
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): Meal and drinks service was started. The offer was similar to our flight in the morning, but with some variety. This time the plate contained chicken salad and the dessert was plum cake:
Simply amazing - there aren't many carriers in Europe offering such a high standard of catering on short hops.
It is really amazing what some companies offer in short hops like this one, only if others offer something like this I would consider flying them: IB, UX and JK do not even bother to offer a bottle of water for free on flights to the Canaries, more than 3 hours, all is BOB.
I am now more eager to fly Austrian to VIE from BCN as this route is operated by Tyrolean on Fokker 100.
Airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 1914 posts, RR: 19 Reply 7, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 4128 times:
Hi
Nice report!
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): The meal had been prepared by Do & Co catering company and was delicious. Much better than the standard-sandwiches that LH or AB offer on the same route.
Great meals. I had the same experience last December when I flew OS on AMS-VIE and back. Also Do&Co catering. They do an outstanding job, and really makes OS the better choice on most routes to VIE.
Quoting Contact Air (Thread starter): When we had booked this flight in January, it was scheduled to be operated with Fokker 70. Later during the year, the equipment was changed to a Dash 8-300, leading to 20 minutes more of travel time
I wouldn't mind. With only the Dash 8-200 in my log so far, both -300 and -400 would perfectly fit my needs
Cheers,
Eric
Flying is finished for 2009. In 2010: I booked to secure the Q400 on a new route from LCY, for January...
Contact Air From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 888 posts, RR: 16 Reply 8, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 4060 times:
Hi and thanks to all of you for your replies!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): - Wow, never realised how well this market was served.
Quoting Ndebele (Reply 3): As of today, Air Berlin has discontinued serving this route - so at the moment there are "only" eight daily flights between STR and VIE. One of the four airlines had to discontinue this route, it was just a matter of time.
Interesting to hear, Alex, I didn't know that. I also think that there were definately too many flights on this route which lead to cheap prices on all four airlines. This isn't bad from a customer's point of view, of course, but I guess for the airlines it was clear that one would have to leave.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): Good to fly 2 different Dash 8 models in onc day
Quoting DavidkunzVIE (Reply 2): I just love the Dashes, so very comfortable - and capable of doing the most amazing approaches!
Yes, the Dash 8 is really a great plane. It is one of my favourite turboprop aircraft.
Quoting StefanPAD (Reply 4): I hope the weather in VIE was better than in STR?!
Yes, it was indeed very nice. Only in the evening, when we left, the bad weather front was arriving in Vienna from the West, too.
The chicken was cold. Only the bread rolls were warm.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 6): I am now more eager to fly Austrian to VIE from BCN as this route is operated by Tyrolean on Fokker 100.
I think you can really look forward to this. It would be interesting to know what they serve on such a much longer flight than STR-VIE. Maybe we will see a report?
Quoting Airbuseric (Reply 7): Also Do&Co catering. They do an outstanding job, and really makes OS the better choice on most routes to VIE.
Yes, this is really something special that sets OS apart from nearly all other European airlines.
DALCE From Netherlands, joined Feb 2007, 1220 posts, RR: 16 Reply 10, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 3680 times:
Hi Christoph,
You really made a nice trip, with some interesting equipment. Very nice to compare the -300 and the -400, were there real big differences noticable besides the different seats?
Both types are still missing in my log, but a nice option for the near future perhaps!
Thanks for sharing!
Gruss,
Joost ( D-ALCE )
flown on : F50,F70,CR1,CR2,CR9,E75,143,AR8,733,735,736,73G,738,753,744,319,320,321,AB6. Next flights AMS-CFU-AMS with OR
Contact Air From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 888 posts, RR: 16 Reply 11, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 3659 times:
Hi and thanks for your comments, Markus and Joost!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 9): VIE is always a nice place for a short visit
Quoting DALCE (Reply 10): Very nice to compare the -300 and the -400, were there real big differences noticable besides the different seats?
I guess the most important difference is still the speed - the Dash 8-400 has got stronger engines and is much faster than the -300, so the -400 is more like a "long-haul prop". And the -400 has got full doors in the rear as well. Apart from that, I didn't realize any important differences from a passenger's point of view.
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