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Our Top 6 Tips for Flying Private in Total Comfort

January 19, 2017 No Comments

Whether it’s your first experience flying in a private jet, or you’re an experienced flyer looking to make the most out of your journeys, it’s important to make sure you’re taking full advantage of the benefits that private aviation has over commercial flights. At Luxwing, we want to make sure you have the best experience possible, and we’ll do whatever we can to make that happen. But sometimes, it’s about what you can do to make the most of the situation, so here are our top 6 tips to get maximum enjoyment out of your flights.

1. Let the pilots know when you are on the way

One of the biggest benefits of flying private is flexibility. Within reason, you can usually change the times and even dates to work around your schedule. Something which is impossible when flying commercial. A quick tip however to ensure the fastest take off and least waiting time possible is to call the flight crew when you are on your way to the airport. This will give the pilot time to coordinate the take off with Air Traffic Control, so that you can get in the air as soon as you arrive.

2. Flying with pets

Flying private allows the comfort of easily taking your pets into the cabin with you for the entire journey, keeping them (and you) comfortable and relaxed. You must, however still make sure that the correct paperwork and documentation for your animal has been completed, prior to arriving. It’s usually not a problem, and Luxwing can help with this, but failing to do so can result in large fines and in some cases, even animals being put down. In 2016 there was a huge issue when Johnny Depp and Amber Heard tried to take their dogs into Australia, where the maximum penalty is up to 10-years in prison.

3. Sit on the right

If you want to get the best views during your flight, we recommend sitting on the right side of the plane. The pilot will always sit on the left, so the right hand side usually facilitates the widest, most dramatic views. Of course, your welcome to move around during the flight whenever you please as well.

4. Request anything you need

This is your flight, all of the crew on board are there for you and will assist you however best they can. This is one of the biggest benefits of flying private rather than commercial, and we want to make the experience as unique as possible. So if you need anything mid-flight, just ask, and if your requests will take a bit of planning, make sure to give us some notice so we can prepare everything before your departure. The only thing we ask is to wait until the plane is air bound and level before speaking to our pilots. They are there for you, but during take-off and landing they’ll need to concentrate on flying the plane.

5. Help yourself

Pillows, blankets, food and drinks. Everything on board your jet when you embark is there for you, so you shouldn’t be embarrassed to help yourself. If you can’t find something you want, ask, but if you see it – Take it.

6. Ask for advice and assistance for your destination

If you’re traveling somewhere new, make sure to ask for advice on what to do and where to stay. Not only will our team give you the best information about your destination, but we can also help booking and scheduling your trip. Anything from transfers to accommodation.

Finally, we’re here to help from beginning to end. If you have any questions give us a call 24 hours a day on +44 77 000 59949, or use the live chat feature on our website and we’ll help you personalise your journey to match your exact needs.

Check out our Top 5 Airport Lounges in the World

January 13, 2017 No Comments

Airports, for most people, are a thing of general discomfort and stress, which is partially why we are finding more and more people deciding to travel private, to avoid the ever growing list of problems around security, check in, and navigating huge terminals. However, we know that sometimes commercial jets are still the only option, and we are here with some advice on how to make those journeys as pain free, if not enjoyable as possible.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of the Top 5 best airport lounges in the world, which include everything from spas and bars to hairdressers and cars.

5. Thai Airways Royal First lounge and Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok

The royal first lounge and spa is the largest lounge in the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and although only ranked at number 5 on our list it offers a great preflight experience from beginning to end.

The lounge has a capacity of 134 people with 2 VIP rooms, 6 private corners and a 22 seat a-la-carte dining room serving a range of Thai food. There are also several private rooms available to take a nap or showering, and once you have checked in at the first-class check-in, you are taken via golf kart to the lounge.

What really makes the Thai Airways lounge stand out is the spa, where first class passengers receive a complementary one-hour full body treatment and business class passengers can choose between a half hour neck and shoulder or foot massage. The spa also has other facilities to make use of including steam rooms and saunas.

4. Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt

The Lufthansa first class terminal in Frankfurt airport is pretty special. Firstly, you may be wondering how you get from the first class terminal to your flight, and they’ve really made the experience unique. Taking a lift down from the lounge, you will arrive in a garage, where you will be collected by a driver in a Porsche or Mercedes who’ll drive you over the tarmac, straight to your plane doors.

On top of this VIP lounge-to-plane experience, the lounge offers a cigar lounge and bar as well as a restaurant, showers and a sleeping area. They’ll even return your rental car for you so you don’t have to lift a finger during your travel.

3. Qantas First lounge, Sydney

This lounge has all your regular amenities but what makes it stand out from the rest is its design. The lounge contains 8,400 plants throughout in a ‘vertical garden’ arrangement, helping to bring a little bit of tranquility to your travels. If that’s not enough, Qantas also offer complementary spa treatments to its guests and of course private seating areas, restaurant style dining and a bar.

2. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class,  Doha, Qatar

The main feature of Qatar Airways Al Mourjan lounge in Doha is the design. This beautiful, minimalist lounge is filled with art and high ceilings, the picture above is of the staircase leading up to the dining area which spirals around a beautiful water feature and pond. All of this provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and the dividers throughout the lounge provide a spacious yet private feeling.

The restaurant serves made to order sandwiches 24/7, as well as a buffet and an a-la-carte menu. The lounge also has a games room which includes several games consoles, retro arcade machines, table football and even a Formula 1 simulator!

1. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in London Heathrow is at the top of our list because it offers premium flyers, everything they could ever envision needing before a flight. Besides from its modern and stylish design, this lounge is able to provide plenty of hours of enjoyment, relaxation or space for work depending on what you need.

One of the biggest standout features is the salon where guests can get a quick haircut before boarding their flight. There is also a spa and shoe cleaners to keep you looking and feeling fresh before your flight. The lounge boasts a few other stand out features like a games room, hosting a pool table and several video games, as well as a multi-screen cinema where you can watch a range of TV programs and sporting events. There is of course a large restaurant with table service or a deli buffet depending on what you want for lunch. In the center of the club house is a huge champagne and cocktail bar serving a range of classic and modern cocktails to all its guests.

Do you agree with our list? Keep checking back here for more premium travel articles and stories.

Find out what’s on this January!

January 5, 2017 No Comments

It’s January, and it’s finally time to get back to work after enjoying the relaxing holidays and to start implementing those New Year’s resolutions. One thing at the top of our new year’s resolution list every year is to do more, and if you’ve got the same outlook, then we want to help you make this the best year yet. Get a jump start on the new year with our recommendations of some of the best events from around the world. From sports to fashion and everything in-between here is our rundown of the best events happening this January.

Sports

There is plenty of snow on the mountains and so plenty of winter sporting events for you to enjoy. If you don’t enjoy the cold, don’t fear, there are plenty of other events too.

January 5^th

• Four Hills Tournament – held in Bischofshofen, Austria – 2-day event finishing on the 6^th of January.

January 12^th

• Licorum Bank Snow Polo World Cup – held in Kitzbuhel, Austria – 4 day events finishing on the 15^th January

January 13^th

• Fridge Festival – Held in Obertauern, Austria – 3-day event finishing on the 15^th January

January 15^th

• Sitges Half Marathon 2017 – Held in Stiges, Spain

January 19th

• Dolomitenlauf – Held in Lienz, Austria – 3 day event finishing on the 21^st of January
• Six Day Berlin 2017 – Berlin, Germany – 6-day event finishing on the 24^th January
• Inferno-Combination Giant Slalom – Held in Mürren, Switzerland

January 26^th

• Reykjavik International Games – held in Reykjavik, Iceland – 11-day event finishing 5^th February

January 27^th

• 2017 Mediterranean Fencing Championships – held in Marseille, France – 3 day event finishing on the 29^th January
• FIL World Luge Championships 2017 – Held in Innsbruck, Austria – 3 day event finishing on the 29^th of January

January 29^th

• Prix d’Amérique Horse Race – held in Paris, France

Shows and Fairs

If you have a hobby or passion which you want to explore a little more this year, why not attend a fair and see what the world’s best have to offer. Whether that’s motors or boats, we’ve got you covered.

January 6^th

• The London International Boat Show – Held in London, England – 10-day event finishing on the 15^th January

January 13^th

• Expo Creative Luxembourg – Held in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – 3-day event finishing on the 15^th January

January 14^th

• Salon Auto/Moto – European Motor Show – held in Brussels, Belgium – 9-day event finishing on the 22^nd January

January 19^th

• 41^st Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival – Held in Monte-Carlo, Monaco
• Boot-Düsseldorf – International Boat Show – Held in Düsseldorf, Germany – 9-day event finishing on the 29^th January

Music Festival

If you’re after a more upbeat start to the year, how about checking out one of these music festivals. You can dance, sing or just relax and enjoy some of the best in international music.

January 11^th

• Eurosonic Noorderslag – Held in Groningen, Holland – 4-day event finishing on the 14^th January

January 20^th

• Music for Galway: Midwinter Festival 2017- Held in Galway, Ireland – 3-day event finishing on the 22^nd January

Fashion Events

It’s the perfect time to check out the up and coming trends of 2017 by visiting some of the biggest fashion events around the world. From Paris to Milan to London. We can help get you anywhere.

January 5^th

• Milan Moda Main – held in Milan, Italy – 5-day event finishing on the 9^th January

January 6^th

• London Fashion Week, Fall/Winter (Men’s) – Held in London, England – 4-day event finishing on the 9^th January

January 10^th

• Florence Pitti Moda Uomo – Held in Florence, Italy – 4-day event finishing on the 13^th January

January 14^th

• Milan Moda Uomo – Held in Milan, Italy – 4-day event finishing on the 17^th January

January 17^th

• Berlin Fashion Week – Held in Berlin, Germany – 3-day event finishing on the 19^th January

January 18^th

• Paris Fashion Week (Men’s) – Held in Paris, France – 5-day event finishing on the 22^nd January

January 22^nd

• Haute Couture – Held in Paris, France – 5-day event finishing on the 26^th January

Film Festivals

A week of glitz and glamour is what to expect if you attend any of these – Check out some of this year’s biggest up and coming indie films and then party with the stars at these incredible film festivals around the world.

January 12^th

• British Shorts Film Festival – Held in Berlin, Germany – 5-day event finishing on the 16^th January

January 23^rd

• DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival 2017 – Held in Helsinki, Finland – 6-day event finishing on the 29^th January

January 25^th

• International Film Festival – Held in Rotterdam, Holland – 12-day event finishing on the 5^th February

Business

Set yourself up for the best 2017 possible and sign up to a business conference this January. We can get you there and back quickly and stylishly so that you always look, and feel your best at any business event.

January 17^th

• World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 – Held in Davos, Switzerland – 4-day event finishing on the 20^th January

Anything you fancy? Give us a call and we will help arrange every aspect of your trip and then help get you there and back before they know your missing. And as always, if there’s an event you’ve been waiting for that you don’t see on this list, we will make it work! Just give us a call, email or use the live chat function on our website.

From all of us at Luxwing – Have a great New Year’s Eve and enjoy 2017!

December 29, 2016 No Comments

2016 has had its up and downs,

but here at Luxwing we couldn’t have asked for a better year. This year we have added two new aircrafts to our fleet which has helped us to carry out more than 2,500 flights in 2016 alone! We’ve flown important European royal families, and helped a famous musician with their European tour. But we haven’t only helped celebrities and royalty get from A to B. In July, Luxwing helped in the emergency evacuation of people from the Turkish coup d’état, and throughout the year we helped facilitate the transportation of several organs for emergency transplant surgeries – saving people’s lives across Europe.

This year, we were also able to sponsor the Alvarosky sailing team, bridging the gap between Sky and Sea. As well as sponsoring Francesco Siculiana success in qualifying for the Italian championships, Luxwing went onto sponsor the Italian sailing championship award, allowing Luxwing to become one of the main sponsors within The Italian Championships of offshore sailing. A sport which we are very passionate towards and were proud to be a part of in 2016.

We’re very proud of everything that we have achieved this year, and hope to continue growing, and helping even more people in 2017, but we couldn’t have done any of this without the help from everyone that we have worked with, and so just want to take a second to thank all of our pilots, office staff, suppliers, clients and the airports that have facilitated the flights we made this year. Many thanks to all of you who we’ve had the pleasure of working with and we hope that you also have plenty of success to reflect on.

Thanks again and best wishes for a magnificent 2017 to everyone!

the Luxwing team.

Last Minute Trip? Just Call. We’ll take care of everything else.

December 21, 2016 No Comments

The Christmas holidays are well and truly underway, had work parties, bought Christmas presents and now all that’s left is to enjoy the holidays. If you’ve made plans to stay at home, that’s great! We wish you all the best this Christmas.

However, if you want to get away but were too busy to arrange a holiday or are perhaps just feeling a little spontaneous, we want to help! There is still time to arrange a holiday this winter. Give us a call, we promise zero stress.

We’ll take care of everything: transfers, bookings, personal concierge and of course – private flights. All you need to do, is contact us and let us know where you want to travel to, we’ll get you in the air within 24 hours.

At Luxwing, we’re all about making your life easier, so we don’t close during the Christmas period, give us a call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to book your exclusive travel today.

Stuck for ideas? Check out our article on the best winter vacations this year – whether choosing sun or snow. We’ve got you covered.

Merry Christmas from the Luxwing Team!

This year we have the best Christmas present for you. Unwrap it NOW

December 9, 2016 No Comments

Here’s an incredible festive offer for you!

For a very limited time only we are offering you an additional day FREE when you book a flight for two or more days in one of our medium sized jets! This is perfect for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve break, allowing you to enjoy a long weekend instead of an overnight trip. Or Maybe you just fancy a vacation day on an extended business trip? Either way, we know that an extra day can mean a lot, and we’ve all been in that situation where you have a scheduled flight home, but all you want, is one more day to explore the city or to stay with friends, so we challenge you – What would you do with an extra day? Don’t waste it! If the extra day wasn’t enough, we’re also going to pay for all of the passenger taxes for your trip! Bring your friends, bring your family, bring whoever you can fit in one of our mid-sized jets and enjoy Christmas, New Year’s and the extra day together! This is a limited and exclusive offer, offering a combined saving up to 40% on your trip! Give us a call before the 28th December to secure your place or CLICK HERE for some more information and to get in touch with us.

The Best Event Destinations this December!

December 2, 2016 No Comments

With Christmas only four weeks away, it’s going to be a very busy December. Here at Luxwing, we want to help you to cram in as much as possible, leaving you with more time to enjoy the festivities and less time waiting and arranging flights and trips abroad.

We’ve once again picked out our favorite events this month, so have a look below, and if any of these are on your Christmas list we will get you there and back in style. Of course if you want something that’s not on the list give us a call and we will do our best to make it happen.

Sports Events

This month, we are kicking off winter by recommending several winter sporting events across Europe as well as a big football game if that’s more of your thing.

December 3^rd 

• La Liga: FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid held in Barcelona, Spain

December 11^th

• 2017 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Division I – Group A, in Bremerhaven, Germany – 7-day tournament finishing on the 18^th.

December 15^th

• Montafon Ski Cross and Snowboard Cross World Cup in Montafon, Austria – 4-day event finishing on the 18^th

December 29^th

• Four Hills ski jumping Tournament in Oberstdorf, Germany – 2-day event finishing on the 30^th

Music Events

From Opera, to classical concerts, there are plenty of live music events this winter for you to spend your cold evenings. We’re sure that the powerful atmosphere will help warm you up, but we can’t guarantee any Christmas carols!

November 28th

• 47th Festival for Opera and Ballet, Srara Zagora, Bulgaria – 3-day event ending on the 10^th

December 7^th

• Swan Lake at Opera Bastille, Paris, France – 18 nights between the 7^th and 31^st December

December 11th

• Noble Peace Prize Concert, Oslo, Norway

December 20th

• Christmas in Vienna Concert, Vienna, Austria

December 31^st

• Le Grand Bal – Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria

Luxury Fairs

Last minute Christmas shopping anyone? Even if you haven’t finished all your Christmas shopping yet, these luxury fairs taking place in the build up to Christmas will assist you in getting the best gifts for friends and family. And with Luxwing, you can get them back quicker than Santa’s slay!

December 3^rd

• Salon Nautique International de Paris, France – 9 day event finishing on the 11th December

December 8^th

• Maters of LXRY – Lifestyle Fair, Amsterdam, Holland – 3 day event finishing on the 10^th December

So if you want to treat yourself or a loved one to an early Christmas present, give us a call and we will help to arrange every aspect of your trip. As always, check back next month for more recommended events and have a great December!

Check out the Top 8 most Exclusive Ski Hotels in Europe!

November 25, 2016 No Comments

We recently talked about making the difficult decision of choosing between the beach or mountain for your winter break. If you decided that mountains are the way to go then you’re in luck! Featuring spas, cinemas, clubs and ice rinks!

Here is our run down of the Top 8 super-luxury hotels/ Chalets for you to stay at during your break.

The Carlton hotel, St Moritz, Switzerland

Completely renovated in 2007, the refreshed and modern Carlton is one of the most exclusive resorts in St Moritz. It consists of 60 suits and a spa, which has been named one of the best in the world! A suit costs €560 euros a night, an extremely small price to pay compared to the rest of this list.

The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland

The Lodge is Richard Branson’s personal winter get away, and as part of the Virgin limited edition group, this luxury home is sure to blow you away. It features everything you could possibly need during a winter break including an indoor and outdoor pool, a party area and even a mini ice rink. It cost a cool €143,000 a week, which can comfortably accomodate up to 18 people.

Titania, Megève, France

This incredible 2000 sq.m. chalet is set over 7 floors, and is one of the biggest we have ever seen! It can play home to 24 people and includes activities for everyone, including a 30 person conference room if you’re planning a work get away. There is also a huge spa and gym, incorporating an 11m climbing wall. All this for only €240,000 per week!

Hotel Alpaga, Megève, France

For those looking for something a little more private, but aren’t willing to splash out on one of the chalets, this is possibly your best option in the French alps, and at €320 per night it’s a steal! It has only 22 rooms and 5 suits for those who want something even more personal as well as a fantastic spa. The hotel is home to La Table de l’Alpaga, one of best gastronomic restaurants in the French alps. On top of all of this you have some of the best panoramic views of the Mont blanc right from your bedroom window.

La Chardon, Val D’Isere, France

This luxury chalet rests comfortably on the side of Solaise mountain offering the perfect ski-in, ski-out accommodation for up to 20 people. The accommodation includes an 18ft heated outdoor pool and 2 hot tubs as well as a private, in-resort concierge and exclusively prepared gourmet food. This property will set you back €78,000 per week.

Badrutt’s palace, St Moritz, Switzerland

Badrutt’s Palace is a favourite of royals and celebrities looking to get away for winter. And for good reason – It is home to the most exclusive night club in St. Moritz, the Kings Nightclub, it has three in house restaurants (which of course you can expect only the best from) and at €420 a night it’s much more affordable than some of the chalets we have shown, whilst including all of the facilities, and mouth-watering views over the Swiss mountains.

Le Petit Palais, Courchevel, France

Set in one of the most exclusive areas of Courchevel, this 6 floor, 1,500 sqm property can hold 16 people across its 12 bedrooms, and additional master suit accommodates an entire floor. Meanwhile, another floor is reserved specifically for the absolutely enormous spa! But the fun doesn’t stop there, the chalet has in house night club and poker room if you’re planning to keep on going once you finish on the slopes. For €250,000 a week the ski-in and ski-out service will allow you to get your moneys worth and enjoy as much time in the accommodation as possible

Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel

This is by far the most expensive resort on our list, for €550,000 per week this chalet has 2 master suits at 100 sq.m. each and sleeps 16 guests over its 6 floors. It of course has the mandatory swimming pools and spa as well as ski-in, ski-out facilities but what really amazes us about this property is the private cinema, library and 130 sq.m. party floor with DJ booth, bar and dance floor – capable of holding up to 100 people. So expect many all-nighters, because you’re going to want to make your trip count!

If you are thinking of spending your winter holidays in one of these locations contact us and we will fly you there in one of our Lux Private Jets.

Basel and Business Jets Conference: Where the magic happens!

November 17, 2016 No Comments

On Thursday the 24^th November 2016, Aeropodium are hosting the private, business jet focused conference ‘Basel and Business Jets: Where the magic happens!’ Sponsored by Jet aviation and held in Basel, Switzerland, the event will look to focus on the latest developments in aircraft maintenance and cabin completion.

The event will be filled with aircraft operators, manufacturers and airport executives looking to gain some insights in the latest trends in the aviation industry and to network during the much anticipated cocktail reception.

There will be many guest speakers at the event and a keynote presentation by Robert smith – The president of Jet aviation, as well as talks from the following industry leaders:

• Simon Davis – VP sales (Europe, Middle-East and India) – Global Jet Capital
• Jan Hascher, Director of Business Development – JSSI
• Jozef Michalicek, Managing Partner and Founding Member – CAMO4jets
• Aoife O’Sullivan, Partner – The Air Law Firm
• Mathieu Pezin, Executive Vice President – Boutsen Aviation
• Philippe Renz, Attorney-At-Law – Renz & Partners
• Dominic Waeckerlin, Safety and Compliance Manager – Jet Aviation Business Jets
• Matthew Woollaston, Vice President Completions Sales & Marketing – Jet Aviation

If you’re interested in finding out a little more about the event or registering, you can go directly to Aeropodium’s official website by clicking here. As always, Luxwing will keep you updated on any updates within the industry as they happen. Check back here weekly for more.