European airline carriers range from elite carriers like British Airways to affordable yet quality airlines like Ryanair. What most have in common are frequent-flyer programs—or frequent-flyer partnerships—designed to entice business travelers to give them their loyalty. If you or members of your staff often fly to the countries in Europe, it would be wise to establish a relationship with one of the European airline carriers. The rewards you can earn could save your business money and provide you, as a traveler, with lots of perks along the way.
When choosing among the many European airline companies, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Which of the European air carriers fly to the destinations you frequent most?
2. Which of the airline companies in Europe are known for their frequent-flyer rewards?
3. Which of the airline carriers based in Europe are known for their top-notch service to customers, both in flight and in the airport?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose from the European airline carriers that fly to your business travel destinations
Track how much--and where--you fly each month to help you determine that best airline carrier in Europe for your business travel. Don't just look at the big guys-many smaller airlines in Europe can provide great service and get you where you need to go.
I recommend: British Airways consistently ranks in the top 10 of European air carriers.
Czech Airlines was recently named best airline in Eastern Europe by Global Traveler magazine.
Research European air carriers' rewards programs before settling on an airline
Frequent-flyer programs can earn your company plenty of free trips and other perks--and fast--when you consider the number of miles you accumulate each time you cross the Atlantic.
I recommend: Flying Blue is the frequent-flyer program for two major airline carriers based in Europe--KLM and Air France. Swiss has a
Miles & More program that is part of the Star Alliance group of airlines, meaning travelers can earn rewards toward the same program from a variety of different carriers. British Airways’ Executive Club also lets travelers earn flight miles toward free trips and upgrades. The European air carrier even offers a
British Airways credit card to earn more miles.
Put customer service at the top of your list when choosing among European airline carriers
Customer service may be a lost art, but if you can go into a relationship with at least some hope, all the better. Travel magazines and word of mouth (especially among other business travelers) may help you choose a European airline carrier that fits your company's needs.
I recommend: Ryanair and
Lufthansa recently have both ranked high in customer service and punctuality. Ryanair also boasts lower fares than some of the bigger airline companies in Europe.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Just because you start booking most of your overseas business travel with one of the European airline companies doesn't mean you shouldn't keep looking for cheaper fares. Travel booking websites are a great resource, and most can even send you emails with fares for those destinations you travel to the most.
The official source of Airline Carriers Based in Europe is
the Airline Carriers Based in Europe page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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