An Austrian Airlines Upgrade offers you the chance to upgrade your travel experience in several ways. You can bid for an upgrade to a higher class of service. This allows you to potentially upgrade your seat while also controlling the cost. You can also upgrade at a fixed price after booking your ticket, use your frequent flyer miles to upgrade to a higher class, upgrade during online check-in, or make a last-minute upgrade at the airport or on board your flight.
Keep in mind that all upgrades are subject to seat availability and may not always be possible.
Overview of Austrian Airlines Upgrade Policy
Austrian Airways offers a variety of options for passengers looking to upgrade their travel experience. The airline’s upgrade policy includes both paid and complimentary upgrades (rare), depending on the fare class and availability of seats in higher classes. You can request an upgrade at check-in or through the airline’s website. Complimentary upgrades may be offered to elite members of the airline’s frequent flyer program or based on other factors, such as flight disruptions or overbooking. Paid upgrades are available for purchase with cash or miles and can provide access to a range of benefits including increased legroom, enhanced meal options, and access to premium lounges.
Below is an overview of Austrian Airways upgrade policy:
Seat upgrade methods. You can upgrade your seat on Austrian Airlines in the following ways:
- Bid for an Upgrade. If you’ve booked an Economy or Premium Economy ticket, you can bid for an upgrade to a higher travel class by making an offer at your own price. If your offer is accepted, you will be charged the bid amount and upgraded to the higher class of service. If not, you’ll get to travel in the class of service originally booked by you (Bid upgrades are not available on flights to or from Japan).
- Upgrade at a fixed price. You can upgrade at a fixed price to the next higher class after purchasing your ticket.
- Upgrade with miles. If you’re a Miles & More member, you can upgrade to a higher class of service from Economy Class for as little as 10,000 miles. Mileage upgrades can be booked online (through Miles & More), through your local Miles & More Service Team, or directly at the airport check-in counter.
- Upgrade during online check-in. You can also upgrade when checking in online for your flight starting 47 hours before departure.
- Upgrade last-minute at the airport. If you decided to upgrade at the last minute, you can do so at the check-in desk, gate, or on board your flight after speaking with a crew member.
Points to Remember
- You can purchase an upgrade (if available) post-ticket issuance until the check-in deadline for your flight.
- You can upgrade all types of fares, incl. Light fares.
- You cannot purchase an upgrade before buying your ticket.
- No additional taxes or charges will be applied to the total upgrade cost displayed to you.
- Subject to availability, you will receive an offer to upgrade during online check-in, starting 47 hours before departure.
- If you book a fixed price upgrade, the fare conditions of your original ticket will remain the same, such as for rebooking, refunds, and baggage allowance.
- After upgrading, the status and award miles earned by you will be based on the upgrade value.
- You cannot make a fixed-price upgrade to a Miles & More award ticket.
- To make changes to an upgraded flight, you must contact Austrian Airlines by phone—you cannot modify online via Austrian.com.
- Upgrades are non-refundable. If you cancel your trip, the upgrade amount will not be refunded.
- In case of flight disruptions:
- At least 2 days before departure, you will be rebooked to your original travel class based on your ticket’s pricing conditions, and the upgrade price will be refunded in full.
- 1 day before departure or on the day of departure, you will be rebooked in the upgraded travel class (with all services and entitlements) at no additional charge.
Austrian Airlines Bid Upgrade
When placing a bid, you can indicate how much you want to pay for an upgrade by selecting your bid amount with a sliding scale. You can increase, reduce, or cancel your bid more than 60 hours before departure. Once you submit your bid for your flight, it will be examined and shortlisted 60 hours before departure. You will be informed whether your bid has been accepted or not.
Who can bid for Bid Upgrade?
To participate in the bidding, your ticket must be for an Austrian Airways flight and document and should have been issued at least 3 days before departure.
To use the Bid Upgrade program, you must have a valid Austrian Air ticket (starting with 257) that has already been issued for an Austrian Airlines-operated flight. You’re allowed to submit your bid:
- Up to 60 hours before departure.
- In the following currencies: USD, GBP, or EUR.
Exceptions to Bid Upgrades. You will not be allowed to use the Bid Upgrade program if:
- You’re flying with children below 2 years of age
- You’re traveling in a group booking comprising more than 9 people
- Your flight booking is not confirmed
- You’re traveling with a pet (cabin or hold)
- You’ve booked an extra seat for:
- Medical reasons
- Added comfort
- Transporting carry-on baggage, such as a musical instrument, etc.
Route availability. Bid Upgrades are available on routes except for flights to or from Japan.
Bid upgrade cost. Placing bids is free of charge. Your credit card will only be charged the bid amount if your bid is successful.
Are outbound and inbound flights eligible for bid upgrades? All flights eligible for Bid Upgrades will display on the Bid Upgrades page. You can choose the flights you’d like to bid for.
Will be terms and conditions of my ticket change? The terms and conditions of your original ticket will continue to remain valid. No. All terms and conditions maintain their original validity.
For what classes can Bid Upgrades be made? You can bid for an upgrade from Economy Class to both Premium Economy or Business Class, as well as from Premium Economy to Business Class.
If my bid is successful, will my baggage allowance be upgraded? The conditions of your original fare will continue to apply even if your bid is successful and this applies to your baggage allowance as well. However, you’ll be allowed to carry 1 additional bag at web check-in, starting 47 hours before departure.
What if I’m traveling with my family or in a group? Bid Upgrades apply to all passengers in the same booking.
Austrian Airlines Upgrade with Miles & More
As a Miles & More frequent flyer, you can use your award miles to upgrade to a higher service class on Austrian Airlines. You can either upgrade online through Miles & More, the local Miles & More team, or directly at the airport check-in counter. Additionally, you can redeem your eVoucher to upgrade your flight.
To upgrade with Miles & More, follow the steps below:
- Go to the Miles & More page
- Click on the Now book online link
(i.e., the Miles & More log-in page) - Click on Book upgrade now
- From My bookings, select the flight that you want to upgrade
(If your flight does not show up, use your booking code to add it or contact the Miles & More Service Team for assistance) - Click on Upgrade
- Select how you want to redeem your miles/eVoucher
Austrian Airlines Upgrade Cost in Miles by Region
Austrian Airlines offers upgrades for its flights using miles. The cost of upgrading will depend on the region you are traveling to and from, as shown in the tables below. For flights within Europe, upgrading from Economy to Business Class on a one-way ticket typically costs 10,000 miles (from Economy B, Y), 15,000 miles (from other Economy Class tickets), and 20,000 miles (from Economy K, L, T).
For more information, refer to the tables below.
| Upgrade Cost from Economy to Business Class | |||
| Region | Upgrade From Economy Class (B, Y) | Upgrade From Economy Class (Other Booking Classes) | Upgrade From Economy Class (K, L, T)2 |
| Within Europe*, South America, North America, SE Asia, Central Asia, The Far East, The Middle East, Caucasia, Central & North Africa | 10,0004 | 15,000 | 20,000 |
| 1 Upgrades for within-Europe domestic flights are available only on connecting flights combined with upgrades on intercontinental flights and are included in the miles needed to upgrade an intercontinental flight. 2 Applies only to flights operated by SN, OS, LX, and LH. 3 On SQ flights, you can only upgrade from Economy to Business Class if no Premium Economy seats are offered on the flight. 4 Upgrades on a route within Europe, incl. from Economy (M) to Business, are available only on SN, LG, OS, OU, LX, LO, and LH, as well as from Economy (Y, K, and Q) on LG. Upgrades from booking class B are not allowed on LG. The award availability can vary by destination, season, and date. Also, the miles shown above may not be indicative of the most favorable flight for you. | |||
| Upgrade Cost from Economy to Premium Economy Class5 (Flights from Europe) | |||
| From Europe to: | Upgrade From Economy Class (B, Y) | Upgrade From Economy Class (Other Booking Classes) | Upgrade From Economy Class (K, L, T)2 |
| North America, India, Southern Africa Central America, South America, the Caribbean Middle East, Caucasia, Central/North Africa7 SE Asia, Central Asia, the Far East New Zealand | 20,000 25,000 20,000 30,000 / | 30,000 30,000 20,000 35,000 / | 45,000 45,000 30,000 50,000 / |
| Upgrade Cost from Economy to Business Class3 (Flights from Europe) | |||
| From Europe to: | From Economy Class (B, Y) | From Economy Class (other booking classes) | From Economy Class (K, L, T)2 |
| North America, India, Southern Africa Central America, South America, the Caribbean Middle East, Caucasia, Central/North Africa7 SE Asia, Central Asia, the Far East New Zealand | 35,000 40,000 30,000 50,000 60,000 | 50,0006 55,0006 35,0006 65,0006 75,000 | 70,000 75,000 45,000 85,000 / |
| 2 Applies only to flights operated by SN, OS, LX, and LH. 3 On SQ flights, you can only upgrade from Economy to Business Class if no Premium Economy seats are offered on the flight. 6 Only applies to flights operated by UA, LX, LH, OU, SN, and OS. 7 The miles for the European region apply to Miles & More members residing in Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Libya, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Algeria, whose flights start or end in the country of residence. | |||
| Upgrade Cost from Economy/Premium Economy to Business Class (Flights from Europe) | |||
| From Europe to: | Upgrade From Economy Class (G)5 | Upgrade From Premium Economy Class (E)5 | Upgrade From Premium Economy Class (N)5 |
| North America, India, Southern Africa Central America, South America, the Caribbean Middle East, Caucasia, Central/North Africa7 SE Asia, Central Asia, the Far East New Zealand | 20,000 25,000 20,000 30,000 / | 30,000 30,000 20,000 35,000 / | 45,000 45,000 30,000 50,000 / |
| 5 Applies to SN, OS, LX, and LH flights. For information on Premium Economy Class on UA, SQ, NH, and LO, visit Miles-and-More.com/upgrade-reiseklasse. 7 The miles for the European region apply to Miles & More members residing in Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Libya, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Algeria, whose flights start or end in the country of residence. | |||
How to Book Your Upgrade at a Fixed Price or Bid Upgrade?
If you’re looking to book an upgrade at a fixed price, you can do so by contacting the airline’s customer service team or visiting the airline’s website to check for available upgrades (see below). And if you’re bidding for an upgrade, you can do so up to 60 hours before departure. To participate in the bidding system, access your flight booking and follow the prompts to place your bid. Both methods are explained below.
- Check for availability. Access your flight booking from My Bookings and select Upgrade flights. All flights eligible for an upgrade will show up automatically on the page. Select the flights you want to upgrade, incl. your outbound and inbound flights simultaneously.
Note
- Fixed price upgrades are available up to 48 hours before departure.
- Bid Upgrades are open up to 60 hours before departure.
- Select your flight. Select the flights you wish to upgrade and then choose the desired option for each flight.
- To upgrade at a fixed price, hit Continue
- To use the Bid Upgrade option, use the slider to enter the amount you want to pay and then hit Continue
- Pay as follows:
- Enter your credit card information
- Confirm the fixed price upgrade or submit your offer
Your credit card will be charged only if your upgrade gets confirmed. Plus, you will also receive a confirmation via email.
Austrian Airlines Premium Economy Upgrade
Austrian Airlines Premium Economy Upgrade provides additional comfort and amenities. Passengers who choose this option will enjoy numerous benefits, such as:
- Comfortable seats with adjustable footrests and headrests
- Amenity kit
- 12in touchscreen monitors with remote control
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- USB ports
- Refreshing welcome drink
- 3-4-course from DO & CO
If you’ve already purchased an Economy Class ticket, you can upgrade to Premium Economy by bidding for it (except on flights to/from Japan). If your bid is accepted, you will be upgraded to Premium Economy. Alternatively, you can make a fixed-price upgrade, use your miles, upgrade during online check-in, or upgrade at the airport or on the aircraft with what’s known as a last-minute upgrade.
The availability of upgrades may vary depending on the flight and demand, so you should check with the airline ahead of time or when checking in for your flight to see if an upgrade is possible.
Austrian Airlines Business Class Upgrade
Austrian Airlines offers a Business Class upgrade for passengers who want to experience the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and convenience. With Austrian Airlines’ Business Class upgrade, you can enjoy most of the major perks that come with the highest travel class offered by the airlines, such as:
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Priority baggage service
- Complimentary Business Class lounge access before departure
- A free adjacent seat on short- and medium-haul flights
- Fully flat seats on long-haul flights
- One additional carry-on baggage item
- Special Business Class menus from DO & CO
Austrian Airlines Upgrade Options at a Glance
| Bid Upgrades | Fixed Price Upgrades | Upgrades During Online Check-in | Airport/Onboard Upgrades | |
| Time limit | 60 hours prior to departure | 48 hours prior to departure and check-in | Starting 47 hours prior to departure | When starting your trip |
| Purchase with miles¹ | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mileage credits | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Terms & conditions to travel in the higher class2 | No | No | No | No |
| 1 You cannot pay with miles online through the Austrian Airlines website. To pay online with miles, go to the Miles & More Upgrade page, log in to your account, click on Book upgrade now, select the flight you want to upgrade (under My bookings), click on Upgrade, and choose how you want to redeem your miles or eVoucher. 2 Refers to the fare conditions of your ticket, such as flight changes, flight cancelations, baggage allowance, minimum and maximum stay, etc. | ||||
Austrian Airlines Upgrade Cost
The cost of an upgrade on Austrian Airlines will depend on your travel class, route, and seat availability. The quickest way to know the cost is by calling Austrian Airlines directly or speaking with a travel agent.
Frequently Asked Questions on Austrian Airlines Upgrade
When it comes to bidding on an upgrade with Austrian Air, there are a few factors to consider. First of all, you should determine how much the upgrade is worth to you. Consider the length of the flight, the amenities that come with the upgraded seat, and your overall comfort level during travel. It’s also important to keep in mind that other passengers may be bidding on the same upgrade, so you’ll want to bid enough to increase your chances of success without overpaying. Take a look at recent winning bids for similar upgrades and use that as a guide for your own bid. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what is a fair price for an upgrade and what value it will bring to your travel experience.
Austrian Airlines does not offer free upgrades in most cases. However, it has a loyalty program called Miles & More that allows members to earn and redeem miles for upgrades without paying cash. The more miles you earn, the higher your status will be and the better your chances of getting an upgrade.
You can also try checking in early and asking politely if there are any upgrades available. Sometimes, airlines may offer free upgrades to fill empty premium seats. Also, if you have a special occasion or reason for needing an upgrade, let the airline staff know as this may increase the chances of your getting a complimentary upgrade.
Austrian Airlines Smart Upgrade (or Bid Upgrade) is a program that allows passengers to bid for an upgrade to a higher class of service. This program allows travelers to enjoy all the benefits of Business Class or Premium Economy without having to pay full price.
Passengers can place a bid for an upgrade at any time after booking their flight and up until 60 hours before departure. The bidding process is easy and transparent, and passengers will be notified if their bid is accepted around 60 hours before their flight’s departure.
Yes, you can, but the upgrade amount paid by you will not be refunded.
If your upgrade is accepted and Austrian cancels your flight, the upgrade will be transferred to your new flight. Otherwise, the amount will be refunded.