After an efficient hop from Newcastle to Düsseldorf on Eurowings (reviewed separately), it was time for the longer stretch east: Austrian Airlines to Vienna, then onwards to Košice. This leg promised a mix of lounges, legroom, and late-night arrivals.
Stopover at Düsseldorf – Lufthansa Senator Lounge
Düsseldorf Airport is no stranger to chaos at peak times, but on this connection, everything flowed smoothly. Passport control was quick and easy and we emerged into the concourse only six gates away from our next departure gate and immediately next to the Airline Lounges. With Star Alliance Senator status, I made my way to the Lufthansa Senator Lounge.
It’s not the flashiest of lounges, but it does the job: plenty of seating, self-serve buffet with hot and cold dishes, and a selection of German beers and wines. Décor is corporate bland with Lufthansa branding throughout, comfort over character.
Düsseldorf → Vienna, Austrian Airlines A320
Exit row, check. Smooth boarding, check. Friendly Austrian crew, check. For a 90-minute hop, this was about as good as it gets.
Seat pitch was excellent in the exit row, and free with Austrian thanks to status, it was worth every penny. Service was efficient, and the plane spotless. Austrian’s branding may be understated, but it oozes reliability. Having eaten in the lounge I settles for a coffee and a cake to keep me occupied until Vienna.
Vienna Airport – A Disappointing Connection
Vienna Airport surprised me. Shops shuttered, long sterile corridors, and no options for food or drink. It felt more like walking through an outstation than a flagship European hub. After walking the length of the concourse seeking coffee I eventually resigned myself to my fate and settled at the gate to await boarding.
When boarding started it was the inevitable bus to the airplane and this is where things took an unusual turn. I was on the first bus and we were all decanted onto the tarmac only to find that the plane was not ready, the cleaners were still aboard!
Vienna → Košice Austrian Airlines Embraer E195LR
The final leg into Košice was another win for Austrian. Even at nearly midnight the crew were cheerful, and somewhat amused by the irregular boarding method. Again, exit row seating delivered great legroom. The flight passed quickly with a drink and a couple of Austrian Airlines signature chocolates.
Landing into Košice was on time, and the tiny airport meant I was in a taxi within minutes.
Review Summary
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Düsseldorf – ★★★☆☆
Functional with solid food and drink options, but more stopover convenience than memorable experience.
Austrian Airlines DUS → VIE – ★★★★☆
Comfortable exit row, spotless aircraft, and efficient, professional crew. A short but polished sector.
Vienna Airport Transit – ★★☆☆☆
The concourse closures made the connection frustrating. Limited facilities, closed shops.
Austrian Airlines VIE → KSC – ★★★★☆
Another smooth hop with generous legroom. Friendly crew, punctual service, and exactly what you want from a late-night connection.
Overall – A long but comfortable way east, with Austrian reliability outweighing Vienna’s disappointing transit experience.
👉 Next: Walking Tour of Košice – Pastel Streets, Cathedrals & 34°C Heat
👈 Back: Newcastle to Düsseldorf – Champagne, Aspire Lounge & Eurowings Economy