Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Plan Your Trip
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More Next
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2020. Read More Next
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More Next
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
  • Plan Your Trip

    Plan Your Trip

    • Travel Guides
    • Flight Deals
    • Travel Deals
    • Ways to Save
    • Hotels + Resorts
    • Attractions
    • Amusement Parks
    • Disney Vacations
    • Festivals + Events
    • Airlines + Airports
    • Buses + Trains
    • Ground Transportation
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Worlds Best
  3. World’s Best Airlines for In-Flight Service 2015

World’s Best Airlines for In-Flight Service 2015

By Laura Itzkowitz ,  Laura Itzkowitz and Melanie Lieberman and Melanie Lieberman
December 18, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Singapore Airlines
Looking for the World's Worst Airlines for in-flight service? Right this way! 

As much as we grumble about flight delays and lost luggage, we have to admit—keeping travelers happy during long flights in cramped quarters is pretty tricky business: and some airlines don't do so well.

Every year, in the annual World’s Best Awards survey, we ask readers to rate airlines in a number of different categories, ranging from value to the quality of their loyalty programs. And every year, certain carriers soar above the others.

When it comes to in-flight service (everything from how the flight attendants greet you to how good the entertainment system is) Travel + Leisure’s readers felt strongly about the airlines that performed the best.

“This is how flying should be done,” reported one pleased passenger. “Cathay Pacific has excellent service—other airlines should pay attention.”

Related: World's Top Airlines

Though these days it often feels like good service only comes with the highest-priced seats, some airlines were even congratulated for making every traveler (even those in the “cheap seats”) feel special.

“Even if I’m not flying first class, I always felt that I was,” said one WBA voter about British Airways.  No surprise: royal treatment does not go unnoticed. And—airlines take note—cheerful, helpful flight attendants were able to turn long, turbulent, or otherwise unsatisfactory flights into pleasant experiences.

From comforting crying babies to entertaining guests at a full cocktail bar, the best airlines in the world have perfected their in-flight service plans. 
Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 20: Hawaiian Airlines, Domestic

Credit: Hawaiian Airlines

Score: 80.532

Hawaiian received praise from T+L readers for giving “an advance taste of the spirit of aloha” as soon as passengers board the plane from the mainland. Another commenter said “they make you feel like you’re in Hawaii before you even get there.”

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 19: British Airways, International

Credit: British Airways

T+L readers had many nice things to say about British Airways, especially those flying business class. One individual who traveled from London to Cape Town said the crew “went above and beyond to accommodate guests” and noted that “there was a baby on board and the crew did everything to appease the baby.” This year, the carrier introduced mindfulness programming, including videos, therapeutic playlists, and more to help anxious flyers overcome their fears and relax onboard.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No.18: Virgin Australia, International

Credit: Georges Antoni/ Virgin Australia

Score: 81.500

Virgin Airlines has a reputation for treating passengers well, and the Australian division is no exception. Besides comfortable seats and mood lighting, one T+L reader explained, “they give you a water bottle that can be refilled with a water fountain,” meaning passengers can cut down on waste and don’t have to wait for a flight attendant to help them. Sometimes, self-service is the best kind.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 17: Lufthansa, International

Credit: Lufthansa

Score: 81.547

This German airline is known for its efficiency, but that’s not its only strong suit. “They really make their customers feel like a priority to them,” one T+L reader said, citing the way the airline seats families with small children together and provides bassinets and travel packs for kids. Another individual observed that, “they go out of their way to keep you occupied for the long-haul flights—movies, games, and eating all the time.”

4 of 20

5 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 16: Asiana Airlines, International

Credit: Asiana Airlines

Score: 82.593

This Korean airline is known for its extremely polite flight attendants—one T+L reader praised the “gracious hostesses” while another declared them “the best flight attendants.” The airline offers some in-flight perks too, like latte-art demonstrations, a sommelier, and cocktails in first and business class.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 15: Air Tahiti Nui, International

Credit: Air Tahiti Nui

Score: 82.712

For a small airline, Air Tahiti Nui does a great job of connecting people from around the world to French Polynesia, Bora Bora, and other remote South Pacific islands. One T+L reader said, “everything about the flight exceeded my expectations.” New in-flight entertainment systems include HD touchscreens that access as many as 16 new movies, albums, and video games, plus a special documentary about French Polynesia.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 14: Swiss, International

Credit: Swiss

Score: 83.609

The in-flight service aims to make guests comfortable and keep them entertained, with 140 movies, TV shows, and documentaries available to watch. In addition to high-quality food and wine, passengers appreciated that Swiss gives their customers chocolate. The airline even goes out of its way to acknowledge special occasions: “Swiss Air did a wonderful job on our flight,” recounted one voter. “It was [my] birthday, and there was a very nice gift bag waiting in Zurich.”

7 of 20

8 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 13: Turkish Airlines, International

Credit: Turkish Airlines

T+L readers had many good things to say about Turkish Airlines, praising everything from the extra legroom and timely service to the excellent food. Several people appreciated the fact that on-board chefs prepare meals in the sky; one voter even said, “the food alone is worth flying Turkish Airlines instead of an American airline.”

8 of 20

9 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 12: Japan Airlines, International

Credit: Japan Airlines

Score: 84.941

Japan Airlines received rave reviews from readers, who didn’t have a single complaint. One T+L reader called it “the best of the best,” and said he “enjoys the entire 12+ hours of every flight.” The airline is known for polite, friendly flight attendants, and outstanding customer service all around.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 11: Virgin America, Domestic

Credit: Virgin America

Score: 85.812

Though the airline services a limited number of airports in the U.S., it has many T+L readers hooked—and hoping to see new routes. “Virgin America is just pure fun to fly, setting you in the right mood with a hip flight crew and calming cabin,” one reader gushed. “They have an eco-consciousness and a friendly attitude: it’s the only airline I’ve ever flown where a flight captain has walked the aisles to greet passengers.” People also loved the convenience of being able to order a meal on the screen in front of them instead of waiting for a flight attendant with a cart. Another reader added, “They make even the shortest flight feel like a party.”

10 of 20

11 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 10: Qantas Airways, International

Credit: Qantas Airways

Score: 86.490

With such long routes, it’s no surprise that Qantas has paid close attention to perfecting its in-flight service. In addition to comfy cabins and extensive meal services (ice cream and chocolates? Sure!) Qantas’ crew “does everything possible to make their customers comfortable,” according to one reader.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 9: Qatar Airways, International

Credit: Qatar Airways

Score: 87.000

“Attendants really try to make the flights as good as possible,” said one WBA voter who claimed Qatar was his or her favorite airline. Others agreed, noting the service was professional, prompt, and courteous. After all, this is the airline that has sent its wine sommelier, James Cluer, to Mt. Everest to taste test the wines at high altitudes.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 8: All Nippon Airways, International

Credit: All Nippon Airways

Score: 87.105

Travelers flying with this Japan-based carrier found the flight attendants practiced a unique, Japanese-specific brand of hospitality, creating a hyper-local and enjoyable in-flight experience. Standout in-flight offerings include spirits such as shochu and sake rice wine, and amenity kits even in economy class.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 7: Virgin Atlantic Airways, International

Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Score: 87.136

“Always, always, always choose Virgin Atlantic,” said voter Lee Barnett. “Every class of flight is the best I have experienced…this is a company that thrives on service-oriented care, and always delivers. It’s my airline of choice at all times.” Many voters remarked that the airline is the only one they’ll book a flight to London with, thanks to the compassionate, attentive flight attendants.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 6: Thai Airways, International

Credit: Thai Airways

Score: 87.714

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, and that friendly disposition is well-expressed by the flight attendants, who were described as “very friendly” and “delightful” by a number of voters in this year’s survey. The airline also has an extensive program of in-flight entertainment films, television shows, and albums, all accessible via in-seat touchscreens.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 5: Air New Zealand, International

Credit: Air New Zealand

Score: 88.682

T+L subscriber Ria Bhojwani considers Air New Zealand to be one of her personal favorite airlines. “Cabin crew is the friendliest I’ve ever met—genuinely caring people. They go out of their way to make you comfortable.” That’s especially impressive given that so many of their flights are long-haul journeys.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 4: Cathay Pacific Airways, International

Credit: Cathay Pacific Airways

Score: 88.854

Cathay Pacific received high marks this year for every aspect of the in-flight experience: but when it comes to entertainment, the airline really stood out. “[Our] attendant brought us a deck of cards, and you could watch a lot of good movies on your own screen,” a WBA voter recalled. Another had a similar experience. “If you don’t get [what you need] all you have to do is ask.”

17 of 20

18 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 3: Korean Air, International

Credit: Korean Air

Score: 88.911

Korean Air has transformed skeptics into loyal travelers, thanks to attentive, courteous flight attendants. “The crew was fabulous,” reported one passenger flying with Korean Air. “They were always smiling and available for assistance.” Many recommended upgrading to Korean’s business class-level Prestige seats, some of which lie flat or have a suite configuration. On the A380s, Prestige travelers get in access to the chic Celestial Bar, where they can sip cocktails to break up that cruising-altitude monotony.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 2: Emirates, International

Credit: Emirates

Score: 90.595

“Simply spectacular!” said one WBA voter. “The way air travel should be.” Professional, kind cabin crew are largely credited with boosting line’s reputation, and helping it come in at  No. 2 for customer and in-flight service. Many agreed that it didn’t matter where you sat, be it the “cheap seats” or swanky business class: Emirates employees cared for customers with positive attitudes and patience.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No. 1: Singapore Airlines, International

Credit: Singapore Airlines

Score: 95.000

It’s been a pretty good year for Singapore, which swept all of the airline categories in the 2015 World’s Best Awards. Their in-flight service is a genuine treat for travelers, thanks in large part to their iconic flight attendants, the Singapore Girls (and Guys). The highly trained, exceptionally poised crewmembers have not gone unnoticed—or unappreciated. “[They] go out of their way to ensure every passenger’s needs are met, regardless of class. Their attention to detail is mind-blowing and makes for an amazing experience.” Another traveler agreed whole-heartedly. “Even though I was flying in economy,” said T+L subscriber Kim Watkinson, “Singapore Airlines treated me like a First Class passenger.”

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Laura Itzkowitz ,  Laura Itzkowitz and Melanie Lieberman and Melanie Lieberman

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 20 No. 20: Hawaiian Airlines, Domestic
2 of 20 No. 19: British Airways, International
3 of 20 No.18: Virgin Australia, International
4 of 20 No. 17: Lufthansa, International
5 of 20 No. 16: Asiana Airlines, International
6 of 20 No. 15: Air Tahiti Nui, International
7 of 20 No. 14: Swiss, International
8 of 20 No. 13: Turkish Airlines, International
9 of 20 No. 12: Japan Airlines, International
10 of 20 No. 11: Virgin America, Domestic
11 of 20 No. 10: Qantas Airways, International
12 of 20 No. 9: Qatar Airways, International
13 of 20 No. 8: All Nippon Airways, International
14 of 20 No. 7: Virgin Atlantic Airways, International
15 of 20 No. 6: Thai Airways, International
16 of 20 No. 5: Air New Zealand, International
17 of 20 No. 4: Cathay Pacific Airways, International
18 of 20 No. 3: Korean Air, International
19 of 20 No. 2: Emirates, International
20 of 20 No. 1: Singapore Airlines, International

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap
  • Travel Guide Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

View image

World’s Best Airlines for In-Flight Service 2015
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.