’m excited to share a new review from our guest author, Michael. This time, he explores the HON Lounge at the G Gates in the non-Schengen area of Vienna International Airport (VIE), which will remain in operation until its full renovation in 2027. Please note, to access this lounge, you’ll need to pass through passport control. If your flight departs from within the Schengen area, make sure you allow enough time for both the passport control and security checks.

Entrance to Austrian Lounge at the airport

HON Circle sign on wall with red curtain

Wall-mounted sign reading 'HON CIRCLE' in a lounge

Location and Access

After passing through passport control, simply follow the signs, and you won’t miss the Austrian Lounge. You can access the HON Lounge through either a First Class ticket (a First Class connecting flight with Lufthansa or Swiss is sufficient, and it must be on the same ticket) or through HON Circle status. In addition, you are allowed to bring one guest, a partner/spouse, and children under 18.

The lounge is open daily from 05:30 to 23:00, covering all flights departing from Vienna.

If you’re relying on the Lufthansa Lounge Finder, you might be disappointed, as the lounge won’t show up there. However, you’ll find the correct details on the Austrian Airlines website. For your convenience, here’s the direct link.

Lounge with tables and seating in red and black tones

Restaurant tables and chairs in airport lounge

Colored capsules for Nespresso coffee machine

Coffee bar with glasses, tea bags, and pastries

Lounge with drinks, snacks, and coffee machine

Elegant bar setup with bottles and glasses on shelves

Breakfast tray with salad, cheese, and fruits under glass containers

Three green chairs and a small table in front of a red wall

Facilities

I initially expected a simple, segregated area with just a few tables, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was led into a separate room that I had entirely to myself.

Austrian Airlines describes the HON Lounge as follows:

Exquisite culinary creations by our exclusive catering partner DoN
Relaxation areas
Workspaces and Wi-Fi throughout the lounge
Multifunction printers in the foyer
HON Circle members can invite one guest or a family member
Access for Lufthansa and Swiss First Class passengers on direct connecting flights

Now let’s take a closer look at what the lounge actually offers—and I have to say, the result is impressive! The lounge is essentially a smaller version of the Austrian HON Lounge in the Schengen area (you can read the review here).

You can definitely feel that they’ve tried to create a premium experience for their guests, even within the confines of a smaller space.

The seating by the windows is perfect for dining. You can either help yourself from the buffet or choose from an à la carte menu. The à la carte options change every two months, so we can’t always guarantee that the current menu will be available.

Both the fridge and buffet are well-stocked. If there’s something you don’t find (like Red Bull, for example), you can order it, and it’ll arrive shortly. Coffee is provided from a Nespresso machine, offering a slight change from the usual automatic dispensers you might find in other lounges.

The lounge also has plenty of comfortable seating options for those looking to relax or work.

Conclusion

What a pleasant and lovely surprise! That’s probably the best way to describe this lounge. If you ever depart from the non-Schengen gates, you’ll really enjoy this lounge. If you have enough time, it’s worth taking a walk from the F Lounge to the G Gates, though don’t forget the passport control! Be sure to plan extra time for that.