Sky high: Austrians taking their wines very seriously

 

On many airlines, the wine knowledge of the air crew does not extend much beyond asking "red or white?" 

  
In Austria, they take things a little more seriously. 

Austrian Airlines, for instance, now has more than 100 Austrian wine experts to ensure the best in-flight wine experience. 

The specialists have been trained and qualified in a joint initiative by Austrian Airlines and the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Austrian Wine). 

Those who have done the course will be providing business class passengers with professional advice on Austrian wines with the airline promising there will be an Austrian Wine Expert on board every long-haul flight from 2026 onwards. Flying economy? Tough. 

 
Austrian Wine ran a multi-day training course on wine, which has taught employees the skills to convey the diversity, quality and character of Austrian wines to Austrian Airlines passengers. 

Over the course of three modules - wine knowledge, sensory skills, tasting and service and  communication - participants learnt about wine-growing regions to types and categories of wine, as well as tips on wine pairing and making recommendations to passengers.

“We are delighted that this Austrian Wine Experts initiative has enabled us to bring our long-established partnership with Austrian Airlines onto an even higher level,” said Chris Yorke, CEO of Austrian Wine. 

“The Austrian wine culture is like no other in the world and an integral part of our national identity. The Austrian Wine Experts will play a significant role in enabling Austrian Airline guests from around the world to discover our outstanding wines before they’ve even landed.”

The number of qualified experts is expected to rise to 250 by 2026. 

“We are very proud that more than 100 members of our cabin crews have already been trained as Austrian Wine Experts,” said Austrian Airlines CEO Annette Mann. “With this new facet of our distinctive service quality, we are inspiring international guests on board to discover the culinary treasures of Austria. At the same time, the Austrian Wine Experts bring a piece of home and lived tradition to the world for all Austrians.”

How to enjoy business class without spending a fortune

Flying business class without spending a fortune?

What wizardry is this?

Budget carrier Vietjet, known for its cheap fares from Australian airports to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, also offers business class fares in 85% lie-flat seats from just over $1,000.

I just flew each way between Melbourne and Hanoi as a guest of Vietjet and both flights were super comfortable and on time. 

On the overnight flight between Hanoi and Melbourne I managed seven hours of uninterrupted snooze. That's a rare treat.

You have to make some compromises. First, Vietjet does not offer entertainment; you'll need to load some movies, books and music to your phone or device before flying. And there was no wifi on the two Airbus A330 flights that I took.

But there was pre-flight lounge access at both ends: at The House in Melbourne and the chic Song Hong lounge in Hanoi. Drinks, snacks, wifi and comfortable chairs that take a lot of the stress out of flying.

There is also priority boarding and disembarkation from the cosy business cabins, which comprise just two rows with a 2-2-2 business configuration.

Attentive and smartly attired crew help you stow your baggage, and business class ticket holders are allowed a massive 18kg of hand luggage - a huge win. That's in addition to your checked baggage allowance.

There's a pillow and blanket waiting for you in your seat, along with a little amenities bag with slippers, eye mask and some Occitaine d'Provence goodies.

Once on board there are pre-flight drinks and nibbles (water, juice or wine), and dedicated business cabin staff.

The food is good, too, with a choice of either the business menu or dishes from economy included in your fare.

Business choices include the likes of fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese baked fish, and chicken and vermicelli soup. The red and white wine options were Portuguese and serviceable if not stellar.

Throughout the flight you are offered nuts, or some cheese and biscuits, before a second meal is served (I slept through breakfast on the return leg).

There are dedicated business class toilets that were kept immaculate during both my flights. Flight time between Melbourne and Hanoi is around 10 to 10/12 hours.

Vietjet flies from Ho Chi Minh City to major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and also connects Hanoi to Sydney and Melbourne. Economy fares start at around $250, while business class fares begin at $1,100, with frequent seat sales on offer.

Current deals from Vietjet start from $199, available to purchase until this Thursday. The discounted tickets are available between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, for travel between November 15 and May 22, 2025.

Travellers from Australia can also enjoy a 20% discount on business class fares by using the code LEADER20 when booking on Vietjet’s website, app or via authorised travel agents.

If you have a longer time before needing to book, Vietjet is offering up to 50% off on deluxe tickets for bookings made now until November 20.

Passengers flying deluxe can enjoy up to 40kg of free checked baggage, free seat selection, and free flight schedule changes. Deluxe passengers get 10kg of carry-on luggage and a meal combo with a drink.

Check out the current deals - they change all the time - at www.vietjetair.com.

The airline's newest route connects Da Nang to Ahmedabad in India and it also has increased flight frequencies from Vietnamese ports to Busan (South Korea), Hong Kong (China), Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung (Taiwan).

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. It is Vietnam’s largest private carrier.

# The writer was hosted by Vietjet

The affordable business class route to Europe

 

Many business class travellers opt for the tried and trusted.

If they are heading for Europe from Australia then they will opt for Qantas, or perhaps Singapore Airlines.

More recently trips via the Middle East with Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Air have been hugely popular.

But those who want business class amenities at a much lower price, a new option is on offer from Vietnam-based Bamboo Airways.

Bamboo PR manager Brad Crawford is talking up bargain basement business class lie flat bed comfort with Bamboo Airways to Europe via Vietnam from only $4,500 including taxes ex Melbourne or Sydney.

Adventurous flyers, or those with some time to spare, can fly to London or Frankfurt via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Crawford warns that seats are limited and that not all flights have direct links - but a day or two in Vietnam would hardly be hardship. And many flyers - myself included - enjoy breaking up their long-haul flights into two sectors.

I'm hoping to try this route sooner rather than later, so stay tuned for reports.

For details see https://www.bambooairways.com/au-en/