I'm on my way to Austria today on Austrian Airlines which is a branch of Luftansa. I appreciate the direct flight I have but I was shocked by the baggage rules. For my economy class ticket, I am allowed one 50lbs/23kg bag as my checked in luggage. I had originally packed a heavier bag but upon discovering the fee (fine) for exceeding the weight limit was $150 each way I promptly repacked. I guess the days of plenty when international flight passengers were afforded 32kg of luggage are over.
Austrian Airlines leaves from terminal 1 of JFK. I have to say this terminal pales in comparison to the JetBlue terminal at JFK. Not only are the food options and shopping options more limited but it's generally less appealing -fewer charging stations, less spacious... In addition, they don't seem to board by sections here. People just get in a huge line before their flight and wait to board. The only groupings are for first class and those traveling with kids. This all seems very backward and unorganized.
Nonetheless, I look forward to landing in Vienna. I'm hoping Austrian efficiency is like German efficiency.
