Luxair - Flying In Good Company

You might be surprised to hear that Luxair offers flights as far afield as Madrid, Athens and the Baltic states. But though the country of Luxembourg may be small, their official flag carrier clearly has big ambitions, and an excellent working relationship with a host of code-share partners. The Grand Duchy's only passenger carrier has over 60 all-year and seasonal destinations on its route map, and continues to look for more. Operating out of Findel Airport near Sandweiler, on the outskirts of the capital, it also operates local services from Saarbrucken, over the border in Germany. Although minority-owned by its neighbour's flag carrier, Lufthansa, the national airline began in the 1960s with a regular service to Paris - a route it still flies. Boeing 737s and Bombardier Dash 8s give it a thoroughly modern and up-to-date fleet profile.

Luxembourg is keen to promote itself as one of Europe's overlooked mini-break destinations, with its history, nature, and fine food and wine from French and German cultures. It even offers a holiday option through Luxair Tours. However, Luxembourg also relies on its banking and its professional services industry, and the same is true of its airline - it's no coincidence that the operator flies to London City Airport, conveniently close to the City of London and Canary Wharf, as well as Geneva and Hamburg. The city's connections to the European Parliament have also been of benefit to its passenger base. Whatever the reason for travelling, this 'little' airline has long since passed the mark of one million passengers a year, and is set to build on its success.

Flying with Luxair

The airline's comfortable Economy class service - dubbed the 'Eco Cabin' - is simple, but at the well-maintained end of the short-haul market. Friendly and proudly trilingual cabin crew are on hand to serve you a range of tasty in-flight snacks and beverages. The Business class service comes with the usual priority check-in and fast tracking, plus comfortable lounge facilities: all helpful if you're on a tight schedule. Once on-board, there's also the customary extra space with a vacant middle seat.

Luxair puts an extra effort into its loyalty programmes and offers. Passengers up to the age of 24 benefit from a reduced rate, while regular business travellers can arrange a special package of 6-8 flights over any 12-month period. It's also a member of the 'Miles & More' programme, allowing passengers to redeem their accrued air miles on flights with other airlines in the programme.

Practical Information

Especially on some of the shorter routes, it makes sense to use the airline's convenient online check-in; you can also download your boarding pass directly to your phone.

• All passengers can take one item of cabin baggage (55 x 40 x 23cm, 8 kg max), including a personal item like a laptop or handbag. Business class travellers may take two items.

• Economy-class passengers may check in one bag weighing 23 kg. Business class travellers may check in two items of hold luggage (up to 32 kg), plus one golf bag.