Home
Worlds Best
The Top 10 International Airlines in 2017

The Top 10 International Airlines in 2017

By Christopher Tkaczyk

July 11, 2017

Getty Images

Thanks to a strong U.S. dollar and highly discounted airfares, more travelers than ever are going overseas — and discovering the joys of flying on Asia- and Middle East–based airlines. With economy cabins that offer far more amenities and comfort than many of their U.S. counterparts, these airlines score highly with our readers for their roomy seats, high-quality menus, and luxurious premium-cabin amenities. So it's no surprise that eight out of the top 10 international airlines in this year's World's Best Awards hail from these regions.

Every year for the World's Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In the airlines category, readers rated carriers on cabin comfort, service, food, customer service, and value.

In response to the recent travel ban on electronic devices on board U.S.-bound flights originating in the Middle East, both Emirates and Qatar Airways, which ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively (as they have for the past two years), found a work-around to let passengers gate-check laptops and other devices, allowing them to continue working while waiting to board the flight. It's just one example of how they continue to deliver best-in-class customer service. And earlier this year, Qatar announced a completely new business-class cabin with double beds and quad seating, which will be rolled out this summer on select routes, with more coming later this year. "If you wish to travel in style, this is the airline to fly with," said one reader. Added another of Qatar's business class: "The service is impeccable, and the choice of wines, champagne, and after-dinner drinks is superb."

Cathay Pacific Airways, which appears this year at No. 4, continues to expand service to the U.S., with more daily routes from Hong Kong to San Francisco and Boston. One reader found premium economy, which has its own discrete section, to be "a very nice surprise, with good food and excellent service." Coming in just behind at No. 5, Japan Airlines also has a dedicated premium-economy section, offering seats that have reading lights and multiple meal services that cater to both Japanese and Western palettes. "We traveled in premium economy and were very comfortable," wrote K. Firth. "A lovely airline with wonderful flight attendants."

Who took top honors in this highly competitive category? A big congratulations to Singapore Airlines, the only company that has been rated No. 1 in its category for all 22 years of the World's Best survey. Read below to see more on this brand, and the list of other international carriers that have won accolades from our readers.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

10. Eva Air

Credit: Bob Levey/Getty Images

Score: 84.32

2 of 10

9. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Credit: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Score: 84.54

3 of 10

8. Korean Air

Credit: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Score: 85.08

4 of 10

7. Air New Zealand

Credit: Brendon O'Hagan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Score: 85.34

5 of 10

6. Virgin Atlantic

Credit: John M. Dibbs/Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic

Score: 85.42

6 of 10

5. Japan Airlines (JAL)

Credit: Getty Images

Score: 85.58

7 of 10

4. Cathay Pacific Airways

Credit: Courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways

Score: 86.11

8 of 10

3. Qatar Airways

Credit: Ed Turner/Courtesy of Qatar Airways

Score: 87.22

9 of 10

2. Emirates

Credit: Courtesy of Emirates

Score: 90.24

10 of 10

1. Singapore Airlines

Credit: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Score: 90.56

An Inside Look at Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines continues to innovate and perfect the art of flying well. Readers hail its leading premium-economy cabin, calling it akin to flying business-class service on lesser carriers. "By far, the most wonderful airline I have ever flown on! It has made me spoiled and unwilling to fly anywhere it doesn't," said one loyal passenger. Newcomers to the brand now have more opportunities to test it out: last fall, Singapore relaunched daily nonstop service to the U.S. via an A350 to San Francisco, and the airline will begin flying the world's longest flight — between Singapore and New York — in 2018.

Replay gallery

Up Next

By Christopher Tkaczyk

World's Best

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020

Let's Go Together Podcast

The Top 10 International Airlines in 2017