5 Tips for a Stress-Free Start to the Christmas Holidays

16.12.2016 / 098e

5 Tips for a Stress-free Start to the Christmas Holidays

December 24, 2016 marks the beginning of the Christmas vacation for about one million pupils in Austria
Tips and tricks to save time and spare your nerves before departing on vacation
A special treat at the end: submit a bid and win the auction for a flight in Business Class

There are just a few days to go before the Christmas vacation begins for about one million pupils throughout Austria on December 24, 2016. For many families, the holidays will take them directly from the Christmas tree to the airport and then straight into the aircraft before takeoff. In order to begin the journey without stress, there are several tips and tricks to keep in mind, regardless of whether it’s “Off to the South” or “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”.

Tip 1: Check in online for your flight in a timely manner

Who has never experienced a snowstorm on the highway, sleeping through the alarm clock or forgetting one’s passport at home? This not only costs time and frays nerves but also tarnishes your well-deserved winter holidays. Austrian Airlines passengers can take precautions in advance via the Web Check-in service, and can already check in themselves up to 47 hours before the flight departs. In this way you can ensure a relaxed start to your holidays.

Tip 2: Save time with the new Self-Service Baggage Drop-off

Passengers can save time with their luggage. At Vienna Airport, passengers can choose to check in their baggage at the counter as usual or do it themselves at one of the 16 new Self-Service Baggage Drop-off stations. Starting just recently, passengers have been able to print their bag tags at the check-in machines in Terminal 3 or even print them at home. In this way, tiresome queues at the airport are a thing of the past.

Tip 3: Keep an eye on your (ski) luggage

The following applies to all Austrian Airlines passengers, even those who will spend the Christmas holidays on the ski slopes: Austrian Airlines will transport one pair of skis or snowboarding equipment per passenger at no charge, provided the number and weight corresponds to the free baggage allowance shown on the ticket. Passengers should notify the airline of sports equipment they are taking with them before the flight by calling +43 (0)5 1766-1000. Then they can simply drop off their skiing equipment at the bulky luggage counter at Vienna Airport. Austrian Airlines recommends that passengers inform themselves in advance about the respective baggage policy at

Tip 4: Book additional services

Austrian Airlines passengers can plan their trips themselves in a manner which is tailored to their individual needs. Whoever wants to indulge in a special “extra” service on the ground or in the air can book additional services in a modular manner with every Austrian Airlines ticket. These extras include a DO & CO à la carte meal (EUR 15), lounge access (EUR 35), seats with more legroom (starting at EUR 25), an additional suitcase (starting at EUR 15), the shuttle service from Vienna and surroundings to Vienna Airport (starting at EUR 32) and much more.

Tip 5: Submit a bid and secure a Business Class seat with a smart upgrade

Passengers have the possibility to purchase an Austrian Airlines Business Class seat by auction on all scheduled flights within Europe as well as intercontinental flights. This is how simple it works: the passenger possessing an Economy Class ticket submits his bid for Business Class online and finds out 72 hours before departure whether or not he has been awarded a Business Class seat. In order to submit a bid, the passenger only needs to have already booked an Economy Class ticket. All relevant information is available at:

Contact:

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES

Sandra Bijelic

Telephone +43 (0)5 1766-11237
Fax +43 (0)5 1766-511237

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines is Austria’s largest carrier and operates annually a global route network of approximately 130 destinations, being particularly dense in Central and Eastern Europe with 35 destinations. Thanks to its favourable geographical location at the heart of Europe, the company’s hub at Vienna International Airport is the ideal gateway between East and West. Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe’s largest airline group, and a member of the Star Alliance, the first global alliance of international airlines. For additional information visit or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or myAustrianBlog.

Owner. Editor. Reproducer: Austrian Airlines AG. Corporate Communications . Please find further information concerning the disclosure according to §§ 24 and 25 Media Act on