Not all commercial airlines are created equal. Most of the world’s airline companies are tagged with negative feedbacks such as poor customer service, delayed flights, and old, dilapidated planes. Fortunately, some major airlines are still all about providing the best flight experience for their passengers.
Listed below are the 10 best major airlines, ranked using a complex rating system that grades their in-flight experience and timeliness, two factors that matter to most flying passengers. Ultimately, passengers grade airline companies on the pleasantness of their trip and these 10 commercial airlines top the list in terms of flight pleasantness. Check it out.
#10 Thai Airways
Thai Airways has always been synonymous to high quality service right from the moment you purchase your ticket up until you arrive to your destination. Though many passengers have praised Thai Airways’ business and first-class offerings, a huge amount of fliers have also found their economy deck to be of top class.
#9 Oman Air
Operating out from Muscat, Oman, this small Middle East airline company finds itself on their passengers’ good side, especially with its comfortable seats in their economy section. On top of that, Oman Air’s long haul flights are handled by its wide-bodied Airbus A330 fleet.
#8 Lufthansa
Europe’s largest airline is also one of the best in the world in terms of comfort, in-flight entertainment, and the quality of service provided by the plane’s very competent staff. The entry of the new A380 Super Jumbos and 748-8 Intercontinentals into their fleet is seen as a sign of very good things to come.
#7 Korean Air
The string of tragic crashes is now way behind this majestic airline company from South Korea. The Seoul-based Korean Air has worked its way up the commercial aviation ladder to become a forefront leader in the business on the Asian scene. Changes in the management and its core practices have helped Korean Air gain entry to the upper echelons of commercial flight industry.
#6 Emirates
The Dubai-based commercial airline has made strides in 10 years. Now recognized as one of the premiere long-haul airline companies in the world, Emirates parades the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380 super jumbos and Boeing 777 wide-body jets. For their passengers’ enjoyment, Emirates provide state of the art entertainment system that boasts a vast selection of video and music options, as well as a live TV function on selected 777 aircrafts.
#5 Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines still reels from the two tragedies that struck them recently – Flight MH 370’s mysterious disappearance and Flight MH17’s demise after it was blown out of the sky over Ukrainian airspace. But looking past these unfortunate events, Malaysia Airlines has a sterling record of topnotch quality service and pleasant in-flight experience. However, with the recent tragedies, management of Malaysia Airlines are now looking to deal with the damage and its adverse repercussions.
#4 Asiana Airlines
Like Malaysia Airlines, Asiana is still reeling from the tragic incident when one of its Boeing 777s crashed during a landing procedure at the San Francisco International Airport. Still, that does not change the fact that Asiana Airlines is one of the best in the business, particularly in providing passengers maximum comfort with their plush seats. The heroic crew collected tons of praise after the San Francisco mishap, where passengers and observers took note of the crew’s calm and rapid response to the situation. The act gave the South Korean airline company high scores on service efficiency.
#3 Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways needs no introduction. This Middle East-based airline raked in high scores for many areas, including in-flight entertainment, passenger comfort, safety features, and personnel services. Passengers enjoy very comfortable seats and can connect their smartphones and tablets to their personal screens for added function. But Qatar Airways scored poorly on timeliness, due to the fact that Doha International Airport only has one runway and is constantly congested.
#2 All Nippon Airways (ANA)
This Japan-based commercial airline comes highly praised by airline company reviews. A consistent high scorer for cleanliness, service, and safety, All Nippon Airways also boasts the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Passengers often say that the slide-forward-style reclining seats are just some of the features they love about ANA and that fliers have access to power and USB outlets, even for those flying in the economy section.
#1 Singapore Airlines
With perfect ratings for cabin cleanliness and condition, in-flight entertainment, and service efficiency, it’s no wonder why Singapore Airlines nabs the top spot as the best major international airline company in the world. Fliers have access to personal TV with tons of options and hot towels before takeoff. And we are still talking about the economy class. Pleasant journeys are more than assured when you fly with Singapore Airlines.
What are the top tips for booking flights with major airlines?
Booking flights with major airlines can be daunting, but with the right strategies, travelers can secure the best deals and enjoy a smoother travel experience. Here are some top tips for booking flights effectively:
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Use flexible date searches to find cheaper flights if possible. Prices can vary significantly based on the day of the week, season, or even time of day. Traveling mid-week or during off-peak times often yields better rates.
- Set Fare Alerts: Utilize fare alert tools available on travel websites and apps. These notifications will inform you when prices drop for your desired routes, allowing you to book at the right moment.
- Book in Advance: While last-minute deals can sometimes be found, booking flights several months in advance is generally wise, especially for popular destinations or during peak travel seasons. This strategy helps ensure better prices and availability.
- Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms: Use comparison websites to check fares from various airlines and booking platforms. This practice ensures that you’re not missing out on a better deal elsewhere.
- Consider Alternative Airports: If you have flexibility, check flights from nearby airports. Sometimes, flying into or out of a smaller airport can lead to significant savings.
- Look for Airline Promotions: Follow major airlines on social media and subscribe to their newsletters to stay updated on special promotions, discounts, and flash sales.
- Use Loyalty Points Wisely: Take advantage of your airline’s loyalty program if you’re a frequent flyer. Redeeming points or miles can lead to substantial savings, upgrades, or even free flights.
Key Insights
- Thai Airways: Known for high-quality service across all classes, from ticket purchase to arrival.
- Oman Air: Praised for comfortable seats in economy and long-haul flights managed by Airbus A330.
- Lufthansa: Europe’s largest airline, offering comfort, top-notch in-flight entertainment, and excellent service. New fleet additions promise further improvements.
- Korean Air: Overcame past tragedies, improved management, and practices, becoming a leader in Asian aviation.
- Emirates: Renowned for its large fleet of A380s and Boeing 777s, and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment.
- Malaysia Airlines: Despite recent tragedies, it maintains a record of quality service and pleasant flight experience.
- Asiana Airlines: Known for maximum comfort, efficient service, and commendable crew performance during crises.
- Qatar Airways: Excels in entertainment, comfort, safety, and service, but faces timeliness issues due to airport congestion.
- All Nippon Airways (ANA): Highly praised for cleanliness, service, and safety, with the largest fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
- Singapore Airlines: Top-rated for cabin cleanliness, entertainment, and service efficiency, ensuring pleasant journeys even in economy class.
FAQ
- What criteria were used to rank the airlines? The airlines were ranked based on in-flight experience and timeliness, with a focus on passenger comfort, entertainment, service efficiency, and overall pleasantness of the trip.
- Why is Singapore Airlines rated as the best major international airline? Singapore Airlines received perfect ratings for cabin cleanliness, in-flight entertainment, and service efficiency, offering a highly pleasant experience even for economy class passengers.
- How did Oman Air achieve its ranking despite being a smaller airline? Oman Air’s high ranking is due to its comfortable economy seats and efficient long-haul flight management with its Airbus A330 fleet.
- What impact did past tragedies have on the rankings of Malaysia Airlines and Asiana Airlines? While the recent tragedies affected their public image, both Malaysia Airlines and Asiana Airlines maintained high rankings due to their consistent quality service and the commendable response of their crews during emergencies.
- Why does Qatar Airways score poorly on timeliness? Qatar Airways struggles with timeliness due to congestion at Doha International Airport, which only has one runway, leading to frequent delays.
- What unique features do passengers appreciate about All Nippon Airways (ANA)? Passengers appreciate ANA for its cleanliness, excellent service, safety, and the unique slide-forward-style reclining seats with power and USB outlets available even in economy class.
- How has Emirates enhanced its in-flight experience? Emirates has enhanced its in-flight experience by offering a vast selection of entertainment options and live TV on selected Boeing 777 aircraft, supported by a large fleet of modern A380s and 777s.
- What changes helped Korean Air improve its ranking? Korean Air improved its ranking by making significant changes in management and core practices, which enhanced overall service quality and safety.
- How does Lufthansa’s new fleet additions impact its ranking? The addition of new A380 Super Jumbos and 748-8 Intercontinentals to Lufthansa’s fleet is expected to enhance passenger comfort and service, solidifying its high ranking.
- What distinguishes Thai Airways’ economy class from others? Thai Airways’ economy class is distinguished by its high-quality service, which is consistently praised by passengers alongside its business and first-class offerings.
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