Austrian Airlines introduces new air fares for bargain hunters

Starting in the autumn of 2015, Austrian Airlines will begin implementing its new air fare concept in Austrian and European flight traffic. The system allows passengers greater freedom of choice in the future with respect to additional airline services. For example, it will be possible to individually book DO&CO à la carte menu on board, lounge access or additional baggage on the flight or other services in advance regardless of the fare category. The new, more favorably priced “Light” air fares will be offered at a considerably lower price than the current “red ticket” and target price-sensitive customers.“With our new ticket price strategy, we want to send a clear signal to the market in our role as a quality-oriented carrier and appeal to new customer target groups”, according to Andreas Otto, Chief Commercial Officer of Austrian Airlines.

A passenger will be able to individually design his or her own flight services. There will be four air fare packages with different service features. In addition to the existing Business Class, three new Economy Class price categories will be introduced for travel within Europe as of the autumn of 2015, namely “Light”, “Classic” and “Flex”. Sales will already begin in summer of 2015.

The Light category will serve as the least expensive air fares for passengers who only take hand luggage on board and do not require any possibility to rebook flights or reimburse the air fares. “Travel habits have changed. Today one-third of our passengers only fly in Europe with carry-on baggage. They are currently paying for a service which they actually do not need”, adds CCO Andreas Otto.

The Classic and Flex fares will offer customary services (e.g. free baggage allowance) and additional services (e.g. selection of desired seat at no cost) along with greater freedom of choice. In any case, Austrian Airlines passengers can continue to take advantage of cost-free service featuring drinks and snacks with the new air fares. Taking hand luggage on board, selecting seats at check-in starting 23 hours before departure and collecting Miles & More will remain integral services provided without any surcharge.

How high ticket prices are will continue to depend on the respective route and availability, and will be further differentiated by the new air fare options mentioned above.

Austrian Airlines is introducing the new air fare concept together with Lufthansa and SWISS, and will thus reflect the different ticket price systems prevailing in Europe. More details on the new fare categories will be presented before the start of sales in the summer. Intercont and Austrian myHoliday flights (“charter flights“) will not be affected by this new concept.