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Review business services offered by airline carriers in Europe

Those who need to frequently fly across the Atlantic to Europe must know the major European players. The major airlines can offer deals and bonuses directly to businesses.

I recommend: British Airways is one of the largest European air carriers, flying to a minimum of 75 countries, and its On Business program allows companies to earn frequent flyer points and future upgrades. Air France flies to more than 80 countries, offers business points through Voyageur Rewards and also has bus service linking Paris to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

Look for bargains on Europe air carriers with personal frequent flyer programs and travel cards

If you frequently fly with one European airline carrier, check for frequent flyer programs and rewards with the airline. These programs can get you deals on hotels and rental cars along with discounted and free flights.

I recommend: Travelers on SkyTeam airlines, including Air France, Air Europa and KLM, can earn miles through the Flying Blue program. British Airways' Executive Club allows members to collect miles for flight credits ad upgrades in the future. Lufthansa's Miles and More program offers specials with hotels like Hilton, Radisson and Marriott and Hertz rental cars.

Take advantage of US airline alliances with international airline carriers

Major airlines around the world realize the importance of international travel today. Many of these airlines formed partnerships, offering special deals and rewards together. Finding which American and European airline companies are partners can aid your business travel plans.

I recommend: The Star Alliance partners United Airlines and US Airways with Lufthansa, along with BMI, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International and others. SkyTeam links Delta, Continental and Northwest with Air France, KLM, Air Europa, Czech Airlines and Alitalia. Oneworld connects American Airlines with British Airways, Iberia and Finnair. All three offer frequent flyer programs, VIP packages and other air travel options across partner airlines.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep track of any European air carrier partnerships or mergers through the news or direct contact with airlines. Such alliances are occurring in Europe as the industry deregulates. Staying on top of such industry news can help you make the most of European airline carriers based in Europe.

Guide to Airline Carriers Based in Europe

Become a loyal customer of one of the European airline carriers to save money and earn perks

By Mary Beth Doyle

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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.

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.

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Follow European airlines in the news

It's important to know when a European air carrier appears in the news if you plan to travel on them. You must know any event that can affect your airlines reputation, good or bad. News magazines, wire reports and even blogs can give you this information, while European news sources will most likely have the best news.

I recommend: Check out EIN News for news stories involving European and international airline carriers. Look for blogs containing info on European air carriers on BlogCatalog. Subscribe to Aviation News, a British-based aviation journal reporting news and information on the airline industry in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Follow news outlets like the BBC for stories involving the European airline business.

Get the latest rankings on airline companies in Europe

Choose the best European airlines by checking how they rank in public polls. Review how European airlines rank in customer satisfaction, from cabin comfort to on-time efficiency and more.

I recommend: SkyTrax lists reviews for air carriers including reviews on the best and worst Europe air carriers, rating the product and service quality of business class, economy class and low-cost airlines. Review Aviation Week's airline rankings, which news outlets like Reuters also publish.

Review industry association news for awards won by European air carriers

European air carriers that win awards should be counted on as successful, especially recent winners. These awards often reflect the best airline reliability and customer satisfaction.

I recommend: The Official Airline Guide's (OAG) yearly OAG Airline Awards provides award information on airlines in Europe, including those for western Europe and all of Eurasia. The World Travel Awards includes the prize for Europe's Leading Airline.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's good to follow up on the news and trends of U.S. airlines as well. U.S. airline trends can affect European airline carriers and other aviation industries overseas.

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Major European airlines

Major European airlines are often described in contrast to budget airlines. Major European airlines tend to offer more seat classes and flights to more locations than discount carriers.

I recommend: Nations Online lists the major airlines in Europe, sorted by country.

Discount European airlines

Discount European airlines offer set routes and low-cost flights. Usually, these carriers offer no-frills flying, minimal amenities and competitive prices.

I recommend: Rick Steves explains how European airlines work.

Airline alliances

Airline alliances are agreements or loose partnerships between two airlines (usually based in different countries) to cooperate in order to provide customers with better services. Many airline carriers based in Europe have alliances with U.S.-based airlines to offer better prices and more comfort.

I recommend: Seat Plans explains airline alliances, including the alliances between U.S. and European carriers. US Airways has information on its own alliance with European carriers.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) monitors and sets standards for aviation safety in Europe.

I recommend: Visit the European Aviation Safety Agency to learn more about its mission.

European Regions Airline Association (ERA)

The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is a representative group that lobbies for government support, technological innovation and tries to improve the airline industry in Europe.

I recommend: The European Regions Airline Association has more information on the group's mission and history.

Chartered flights

Unlike a scheduled flight, a chartered flight leaves when the travelers ask to fly and flies where travelers wish to go. Many smaller European airlines and some larger airlines based in Europe offer chartered flights.

I recommend: Monarch Airlines, an airline carrier based in England, compares chartered and scheduled flights.