The Top 10 International Airlines in 2018
Long-haul flights tend to bring into sharp relief the best and worst qualities of airlines. Customers expect a seamless experience from check-in to touchdown, and they notice when something goes awry. This yearās World's Best winners, as voted by our readers, consistently exceed expectations across every class of service, including premium economy ā an increasingly prevalent offering on both domestic and international carriers.Ā Ā Ā
Every year for the Worldās Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe ā 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.
Related:Ā The 2018 World's Best Awards
Readers didnāt hesitate to once again reward Emirates Airline with the No. 2 spot, calling it āsuperb on every levelā from its gracious staff to its comfortable cabins. āLiterally the best airline I have ever flown āĀ everything is wonderful,ā touted one frequent flier. Part of what differentiates the carrier is the staffās ability to read customers and anticipate needs in order to elevate the level of hospitality. One particularly accommodating example: āThe lady who checked us in saw how tired we were,ā recalled a reader of a recent family trip. āWithout letting us know, she upgraded us to business class so we were able to relax.ā
Qatar Airways (once again No. 3), which launched its new business class, Qsuite, in November,Ā also earned accolades for its āsuperior attention to detailā and courteous staff. āI feel rested and cared for on my journey,ā said one reader, who lauded the Doha-based carrier for āshowing the glory days of airline travel arenāt over.ā Several voters appreciated Taiwanese carrier Eva Airās āexcellent serviceā and cheerful Hello Kitty planes. Also popular: Japanās All Nippon Airways (ANA), which garnered the No. 7 position. One reader liked the premium amenity kit, which was designed by Samsonite.
Below, the full list of winners. Collectively, they span all corners of the globe, but as in the international airport category, the Middle East and Asia dominated the field.
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9. Etihad Airways
Score: 83.71
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8. Virgin Atlantic Airways
Score: 83.78
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7. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Score: 83.98
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6. Cathay Pacific Airways
Score: 84.15
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5. Air New Zealand
Score: 84.44
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4. Japan Airlines
Score: 85.73
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3. Qatar Airways
Score: 86.83
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2. Emirates Airline
Score: 88.00
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1. Singapore Airlines
Score: 90.36
If youāre sitting through one of the worldās longest flights, you want to do so in comfort, which is precisely why so many people remain loyal to this carrier. āTraveling on Singapore is like staying in one of the worldās best hotels,ā described one reader. āIt spoils you for life.ā The airline has held the top spot in this category for all 23 years of the survey with ātruly personalā service, whether itās how conscientious the flight crew is to a food allergy, or following up to ensure a delayed bag promptly makes it back to its owner. Thereās āa genuine willingness to help,ā said a fan. āBy far the best customer service Iāve received from an airline.ā
See all of our readers' favorite hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more in theĀ World's Best Awards for 2018.