Is Eurowings the Best Budget Airline? An In-Depth Review of Business Class Flights from Vienna to London

Flying budget airlines is not always my go-to choice, but recently I had the opportunity to experience Eurowings, a European low-cost carrier, on two business class flights: first from Vienna to Düsseldorf, and then onward to London Heathrow. Both flights lasted just over an hour, giving me a solid snapshot of what to expect from this subsidiary of Lufthansa. The question on my mind was simple—does Eurowings stand out as the best budget airline in Europe? Here’s a detailed look at my experience, covering everything from check-in and lounges to in-flight service, seating comfort, and overall value.

Check-In and Pre-Flight Experience

Eurowings check-in takes place in Terminal 1, where I spent about ten minutes waiting to speak with an agent. While self check-in was available, having three bags complicated things slightly, and it was easier to resolve the issue with a staff member. After that, security was straightforward and quick.

One pleasant surprise was lounge access. Despite booking a budget fare, business class passengers get access to the Vienna Lounge, an award-winning facility. It’s spacious, well-ventilated, and offers a good selection of food and drinks. For cheese lovers, the Parmesan variety on offer is a real treat. The lounge also features an outdoor terrace, although on a hot day with no airflow, it was quite a queue to get outside.

First Flight: Vienna to Düsseldorf

The first leg was on an Airbus A320, a 12-year-old aircraft with 180 seats. The first five rows were configured as business class, with the middle seat blocked for extra comfort. Interestingly, this aircraft was on its third of seven flights that day, covering various European destinations.

We pushed back from the gate at 3:15 PM and were airborne eight minutes later. About 36 minutes into the flight, the crew rolled out the food and drink cart. I chose the pulled turkey sandwich on potato bread, which came with a tangy barbecue sauce adding some flavor. However, the presentation was less than stellar compared to the picture on the menu—the portion I received had noticeably more turkey, which was a positive but the sandwich looked quite different. The taste itself was average, and the accompanying Coke was warm, though a few ice cubes helped.

Of note was the packaging, which was plastic-free. Initially, the crew was unsure what material it was, but on the second flight, I was told it was biodegradable plastic—a commendable environmental effort.

My son ordered a panini, which was tastier and crunchier than my sandwich. However, like mine, it didn’t resemble the menu photo, likely due to being stored in containers for some time. Both meals were included in the business plus fare, but if you don’t have this fare, expect to pay around €8.50 (about $10 USD) for food and drinks onboard.

Worth mentioning: there was no in-seat power or entertainment system on this flight, which is typical for budget carriers but a downside compared to full-service airlines.

We landed in Düsseldorf at 4:37 PM, 13 minutes ahead of schedule, and were taken to a remote stand. Deplaning required buses and stairs at both the front and rear of the aircraft.

Business Class Lounge at Düsseldorf

As Eurowings is part of the Lufthansa Group, business class passengers can use the Lufthansa business lounge in Düsseldorf. It’s spacious, comfortably cool, and offers a solid selection of food, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. The lounge also provides a nice view of the apron. I sampled the meatballs, which had a slightly sweet sauce and were quite tasty, although the soft potato hash brown was disappointing.

Second Flight: Düsseldorf to London Heathrow

Boarding the second flight was a little hectic. We underestimated the time needed for immigration in Düsseldorf, which had a long queue. Fortunately, by explaining our situation to an official, we and a few others were allowed to skip ahead, avoiding a missed flight.

The aircraft was another Airbus A320, but newer—about three years old—and configured with only four rows of business class. This time, I was seated in row two, where the seat features an adjustable footrest, allowing a bit more comfort and space compared to row one. However, the seats themselves were rock solid with minimal padding and offered only about half the recline compared to the first flight’s seats. This was a marked difference and made the seating less comfortable.

Our scheduled departure was 6:25 PM, but we pushed back at 6:30 and took off at 6:44. I discovered Eurowings’ in-flight magazine, which is bilingual in German and English and offers a quality read despite the copy being a bit worn.

The menu on this flight was more extensive, including duty-free shopping items. I compared prices of three products to online prices and found that onboard purchases carried a slight premium for convenience. For example:

• Lancome fragrance: $71 USD onboard vs. approx. $61 USD online average
• Rabanne Invictus cologne: $88 USD onboard vs. $59–$74 USD online
• Boss watch: $283 USD onboard vs. $274 USD online

WiFi and Connectivity

Eurowings offers WiFi on about 10% of its aircraft. If your plane has WiFi, a logo will be visible on the seatback. This aircraft did not have WiFi, but if it did, prices ranged from $5 to $12 USD for access.

Service and Food on the Second Flight

The crew on this leg were noticeably more engaged, smiling, and professional compared to the first flight. They were surprised to hear that alcohol was included in our business class ticket, which allows for one long drink.

For food, I tried the pretzel roll with cream cheese and gouda. It was not the best meal and again looked nothing like the menu photo. However, one standout feature on Eurowings is their generous cabin baggage allowance: one small under-seat bag plus two large cabin bags, which is excellent for budget travellers.

Arrival at London Heathrow

Approaching Heathrow, we enjoyed a scenic route around London City, offering a fantastic view of the Thames. The flight itself was good, discounting the hard seats. Service was professional and friendly, and the food was decent for a budget airline, though not comparable to full-service carriers.

Thankfully, we arrived via an air bridge after a long taxi, easing the deplaning process. Terminal 2, known as the Queen’s Terminal, was a pleasant surprise with efficient immigration for certain nationalities—Australians, US, Canadian, and others can use e-gates, allowing for quick passage.

After collecting our luggage, we made our way to bus stops seven and eight to catch the Avis rental car shuttle.

Value and Final Thoughts

I paid approximately $263 USD for the two business class flights, which was the only option with an afternoon departure. Other airlines offered flights only in early morning or late evening, often at double the price for direct routes.

Overall, Eurowings impressed me. The combination of lounge access, reasonable food options included in business class, and generous baggage allowance makes it a strong contender among European budget airlines. The main downside is the hard seats, especially on the newer aircraft, and the absence of in-seat entertainment or power outlets.

Would I fly Eurowings again? Absolutely. Their service is solid, the lounges are great, and the fares unbeatable for business class convenience. For travelers weighing budget against comfort and service, Eurowings offers a compelling balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eurowings

Does Eurowings offer lounge access for business class passengers?

Yes, business class passengers receive access to lounges such as the Vienna Lounge and Lufthansa business lounges at certain airports, offering a comfortable space with food and drinks before the flight.

Is food included on Eurowings business class flights?

Yes, depending on the fare type, food and drinks are included. Business Plus fares include a complimentary sandwich or roll and a drink. The food quality is decent for a budget airline but may not match full-service carriers.

Does Eurowings provide in-flight entertainment and power outlets?

No, Eurowings does not offer seatback entertainment systems or in-seat power outlets, which is common among low-cost carriers.

Is WiFi available on Eurowings flights?

WiFi is available on about 10% of Eurowings’ fleet. If available, a WiFi logo will be visible on the seatback. Prices range from $5 to $12 USD for access.

What is the cabin baggage allowance on Eurowings?

Eurowings has a generous cabin baggage policy allowing one small under-seat bag plus two large cabin bags, which is excellent for budget travelers.

How does Eurowings compare to other European budget airlines?

Eurowings stands out for offering business class seats with lounge access and included meals on short-haul flights at competitive prices. While seats may be less comfortable than full-service airlines, the overall experience is positive for the price.