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Lufthansa and SWISS’ First Class Lounges are lauded for there many luxe amenities, gourmet food, and top-shelf wines and spirits. But, did you know that there is a private experience for connecting First Class passengers and Miles & More HON Circle members at Vienna International Airport (VIE)? I was not aware of it before this trip and had not really found any information, reviews, or photos online.
Vienna International Airport (VIE) has a dedicated check-in area for Senator, HON Circle, Star Alliance Gold, and premium passengers.
Our boarding passes were printed and we were escorted to an exclusive security checkpoint shortly after reaching the desk.
The security cehckpoint is not really labeled and you need to know it’s there to find it. It is definitely one of the cutest security areas I have ever been through.
The left wall is lined with rubber ducks from Lufthansa, other airlines, and places around the world.
Signs (immediately upon exiting security) lead you into Concourse F (where the lounges are found).
Lounges in this terminal are located upstairs and down a hallway.
The Austrian Lounge houses three separate areas inside: Business Class, Senator, and HON Circle/First Class. I have never departed Vienna International Airport (VIE) with a First Class connection on Lufthansa or SWISS before, so the existence of the exclusive space was news to me. Immediately inside there is a check-in desk.
Access
Access is granted for HON Circle members as well as passengers with a same-day connecting flight in First Class on Lufthansa or SWISS.
Anthony’s Take: As mentioned above, I was not aware that this lounge existed. It’s a nice touch for passengers flying First Class or those that have achieved HON Circle status (which is not easy to do). The private security is probably the best part of this ground experience although the lounge is a quiet, little oasis within the airport.
A dedicated HON Circle/First Class line is to the left when entering. The agent scanned our boarding cards and welcomed us into the small lounge.
The lounge has a few distinct spaces for dining, relaxing, and working.
A wardrobe is located to the immediate left upon entering.
Just past it is an area with a TV and some seating and magazines.
Additional seating of various types can be found throughout the small space.
Seats near the windows offered great tarmac views.
Some additional tables were against the back wall.
The dining area fills the center with a buffet on the right.
Bar
Near the entrance, you’ll find all of the beverages. There were many types of soft drinks, water, wine, and beer on offer.
The lounge had a nice selection of red wine.
There were also two champagnes available.
We each had a cappuccino from the self-serve coffee machine.
Tea and condiments were nearby.
The lounge also had a decent selection of self-serve liquor.
Food
There is a small buffet as well as limited table service. Here you’ll find some cold choices including meats, cheeses, and yogurt.
Several bread selections were on the counter.
A warming cabinet held croissants and other breads.
The table service for breakfast offered one choice.
We both had the Cheese Omelette with Ham from Thum. It was fine, but nothing noteworthy.
We also had croissants from the warming cabinet with Nutella.
Amenities
This HON Circle Lounge offers the food and drinks shown above, some magazines, Wi-Fi, a workstation, and a relaxation area.
The workstations offered a few desk areas off to the side.
A relaxation area was separated from the rest of the lounge.
Overall Impression:
The HON Circle Lounge Schengen at Vienna International Airport (VIE) is small and rather austere, but a decent place to visit before a flight. The food was disappointing for what should be a premium experience. We were the only guests there aside from one woman who remained on a call for the entirety of our visit. The ground experience with dedicated private security is what really made the experience for me along with the privacy offered here.
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