Vienna International Airport — Local services in Gemeinde Schwechat

On 24/11/2024, just before our flight from Vienna to Thessaloniki, RYANAIR staff subjected us—me and my two colleagues—to an unacceptable and disgraceful experience. While we were last in the queue and about to board, Ryanair staff initially attempted to charge us for three (!) extra duty-free bags, even though we only had two. They then reduced their demand to payment for two bags and, finally, one bag, harassing us and attempting to “make a deal.” When we refused to pay, as all our bags complied with Ryanair’s policies and no extra bags were present, the gate staff closed the gate in front of us, effectively denying us boarding. This occurred despite multiple passengers witnessing the situation and urging them to allow us to board.

The most alarming aspect of this incident occurred when I requested the names and badge details of the two employees involved. Both employees refused to provide their identification. Moreover, the employee in charge of the desk, identified by badge number 00027160, attempted to attack me and steal my phone as I was photographing his badge. I had informed him of my intention to take a photo of his badge beforehand, making this act an outright violation of my rights. Such behavior is unacceptable and, to my understanding, constitutes an illegal act of violence under Austrian law, as it would in Greece or any other jurisdiction and I really don’t understand if the police officers did actually check in the footage or they tried to “cover” their airport staff colleague.

Following this incident, we had to remain at Vienna Airport for an additional three hours, waiting for the security staff to take action and address the matter. Despite reportedly reviewing(?) camera footage, security staff failed to hold the Ryanair employee accountable. The airport security officer allowed the employee to leave after merely 30 seconds of excuses. Additionally, the two police officers on duty at the airport police station demonstrated extreme unprofessionalism, appearing more interested in “having coffee” than addressing the issue. Their conduct was particularly egregious, especially as they were unaware that we understand German. The woman in the airport help desk also refused to provide us with the names or details of the Ryanair employees involved.

This experience is unlike anything we have encountered in over 100 trips across Europe and reflects poorly on Vienna International Airport. After breaking several laws of the Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, we trust that you will take all necessary measures to ensure such manifestations of rudeness, unprofessionalism, and violence are eliminated in the future not only of the specific Ryanair’s employee (00027160) who is currently working in your airport, but from all of your...

worst experience i’ve ever had in my life in an airport. the staff is incredibly rude and every woman that works here is acting as if they hate their life. first the lady at the security made me open every thing in my necessaire just to throw away a bottle of setting spray that was half empty because it was written on the bottle 110 ml- bottle that i already had the previous flight with me and no one commented about it. 1 hour later im at the gate scanning my boarding pass and another lady takes me away to check the size of my cabin troller. considering that it’s a fabric troller it changes size according to where i put the clothes. she started mocking me telling me it’s 2 cm outside the measuring box. i got angry and told her that i can just rearrange the clothes. she told me very proud that she doesn’t care and i just have to pay 80€. I literally stayed 10 minutes with the whole crowd watching me unpack my lingerie and pajamas because this rude lady was only willing to make me pay the amount of another plane ticket for 2 cm that would fit anyways in the compartment of the cabin. When i showed her it fits she got pissed and told me yeah okay but you have too many bags - the only extra bag was from the duty free. I started getting tired and i just told her to admit she just wants me to pay extra. She told me yeah my supervisor is here and wants me to do this.. i won’t make you pay but she has to see me do this. It’s unacceptable to laugh of a passenger at 6 am in the morning who paid priority and respects every single rule just because tyou have to prove to your supervisor that you’re exigent enough. worst. experience. ever. lack of respect, lack of understanding, just wanting to take your money. not to mention the prices of basic snacks.. 5€ a refrigerated small pretzel is incredible. i can’t express enough the disappointment, the anger and the horrible impression this airport left me leaving Austria. The way the airport personnel acts with the passengers reflects the whole country, culture and education. Rigurousity means nothing without respect. I will take it personally considering the “love” austrians have for romanians but here we are, in Schengen whether you like...

✈️ Austria’s Premier Aviation Hub

Vienna Airport (Flughafen Wien) is Austria’s largest and busiest airport, serving as a major European gateway with direct flights to over 180 destinations. Known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and modern amenities, it offers a stress-free travel experience.

⭐ Highlights Terminal Layout & Navigation Compact & Efficient – Terminals (1, 1A, 2, 3) are well-connected, with clear signage in German/English.

Schengen vs. Non-Schengen – Smooth transfers, though Non-Schengen queues can be longer.

Amenities & Services Free WiFi – Unlimited high-speed access.

Lounges – Multiple options (Priority Pass, Sky Lounge) with showers and buffet dining.

Shopping & Dining – From Austrian souvenirs (Mozartkugeln!) to duty-free luxury.

Family & Accessibility Play Areas – Kid zones in Terminals 1 and 3.

Barrier-Free Access – Elevators, ramps, and dedicated assistance services.

Transport Links CAT (City Airport Train) – 16 mins to Wien Mitte (€12 one-way).

S-Bahn (S7) – Cheaper but slower (€4.30, 25 mins to city center).

Taxis/Uber – Fixed rate ~€35–€40 to central Vienna.

Unique Features Aviation Museum – Free exhibits on Austrian aviation history.

Winter Ice Rink – Seasonal outdoor skating near Terminal 2.

💰 Costs & Wait Times Food: €8–€15 for meals (e.g., Schnitzel at Salzburger Stub’n).

Security: Usually