The relatively new Embraer E195-E2 is the latest addition to Luxair’s fleet, marking a significant upgrade over the aging and considerably noisier De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400. Featuring a completely redesigned cabin, the new aircraft promises a more modern and comfortable flying experience. Let’s take a closer look at what Luxembourg’s flag carrier has to offer in Business Class aboard its newest aircraft.
Flight Information
- Airline: Luxair
- Aircraft: Embraer E195-E2
- Route: Vienna (VIE) to Luxembourg (LUX)
- Cabin: Business Class
- Configuration: 1-1 (In reality 2-2 with adjacent seat unoccupied)
- Business Class seats: Flexible
- Flight time: Approximately 2 hours
At the Airport
As a Luxair Business Class passenger departing from Vienna Airport, you can use the dedicated Austrian Airlines (Lufthansa Group) Business Class and Senator check-in area, thanks to the ongoing cooperation between the two airlines. You can print your own baggage tags and drop off your checked luggage at one of the many available counters. With no queue at all, the entire check-in process was remarkably quick and efficient.
From there, you have direct access to the Fast Track security lane. With no queues there either, the entire process, from entering the terminal and dropping off our luggage to clearing security, took literally less than five minutes.
That is certainly something Luxembourg Airport, Luxair’s home base, could learn a thing or two from.
Luxair E195-E2 Business Class Seat
The cabin is set up in the standard 2–2 configuration. When flying Business Class, the adjacent seat is simply kept empty, the typical standard for European short-haul Business Class flights.
Legroom is decent, a noticeable step up from Luxair’s Dash 8, though seat recline is fairly limited. An appreciated feature is the adjustable headrest, which is a real bonus for taller passengers.
Another thoughtful addition is a small secondary table over to the main tray table, designed to hold a drink or hold your phone to watch a movie. However, this mini shelf is so narrow that a phone in a case barely fits, and a tablet is probably out of the question. It’s a great concept, but the execution leaves us wondering if anyone actually tested this designs before putting them into production.
Each seat features a standard coat hook, along with an individual reading light and a dedicated air vent. All in all, this seat sits squarely in line with what you’d expect from most short-haul European Business Class cabins in terms of seats.
Seat Storage, Power Outlets and Entertainment
As you can see in the photo below, your only storage option is the seat pocket attached to the seat ahead of you. Somehow, the sides of the pocket are completely open, creating a real risk that small items might slide out. Once again, it makes you wonder whether these design features are actually tested before being rolled out.
On a positive note, Luxair now offers power outlets at every seat. While charging is restricted to USB-C ports, that should be plenty for most travelers on a short-haul flight.
Without a doubt, the biggest disappointment of Luxair’s new Business Class is the inflight entertainment, or lack thereof.
All you get are three ad-heavy magazines.
There are no seatback screens, no internet connectivity, and not even a streaming Wi-Fi portal to watch pre-loaded movies or play games on your own device.
It remains a complete mystery why an airline aiming to deliver a competitive product in the European short-haul market would order brand-new aircraft without inflight Wi-Fi. Almost every major European competitor equips their new fleets with gate-to-gate internet these days, making this feel like a major missed opportunity, or simply a cost-cutting move that might draw away paying customers, especially those not at Luxair’s home base.
The restrooms are shared with economy class passengers, and nothing special to add here either, simply the standard.
Food and Drinks
One of the stand-out features of the Business Class experience on Luxair’s new Embraer E195-E2 is undeniably its food and beverage service. Passengers are served a complete, nicely presented meal tray comprising an appetizer, main dish, and a dessert. Luxair clearly takes pride in offering high-quality, flavorful cuisine alongside a selection of premium alcoholic beverages throughout the flight.
On top of that, while boarding a refreshing towel alongside a bottle of water is waiting at your seat.
To conclude the inflight service, the cabin crew distributes a takeaway box containing two delicious, high-end pralines.
Service
The hospitality on board is great as well.
The cabin crew is attentive, friendly and regularly checking in on passengers and offering drink top-ups throughout the journey. However, a few signs of cost-cutting do temper the premium atmosphere. The printed dining menus, a well-regarded touch from past flights, have been eliminated, and the cleanliness of the cabin left room for improvement.
Luxair Embraer Business Class Review – Final Verdict
While the outstanding food and drinks on the Luxair Embraer E195-E2 are an absolute highlight, the experience on board is held back by basic seating and a total lack of entertainment.
When weighed against these missing amenities, the steep price tag often attached to Luxair’s Business Class ticket feels hard to defend. Unless you happen to snag an extraordinarily good cash deal or score a budget-friendly pre-flight upgrade offer, paying full price for Business Class on the Luxair Embrear E195-E2 simply isn’t worth the premium.
You can have a look on our Review of their Dash-8 Business Class here:
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