With fees on the rise and service quality on the decline, flying commercial can be an unpleasant experience these days. For this reason, Business Insider compiled its annual list on the best airlines in the world looking for the ones who still put customers first.
To create the annual list, a ranking system was devised based on the two most important factors for a pleasant trip: an enjoyable experience in the plane, and timely departure and arrival. We looked at dozens of major international airlines that fly long-haul routes, and evaluated the quality of the economy-class flying experience (based on data from leading airline reviewer Skytrax) and the airline’s on-time performance (based on data from Flightstats.com).
Data was combined from the two categories to come up with an overall score for each airline. For the second time in a row, Singapore Airlines took the top spot in the list.
1. Singapore Airlines
In-flight experience: 90 / On-time performance 83
It’s standout service makes for famously pleasant journeys during which flight attendants are trained to treat customers with extreme carea nd respect. Personal TVs with plenty of entertainment options and hot towels served before take-off are just some of the perks.
2. All Nipon Airways (ANA)
In-flight experience: 85/On-time performance: 83
All Nippon Airways is the largest international carrier in Japan and home to the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. ANA drew high praise from Skytrax reviewers across the board; scoring near perfect scores for cleanliness, service, and safety. Many of its planes feature slide-forward-style reclining seats that increase overall privacy, as well as power and USB outlets even in economy.
3. Qatar Airways
In-flight experience: 90/On-time performance: 71
Qatar Airways earned perfect scores for both seat comfort and in-flight entertainment. Economy class guests get to enjoy features like smartphone and tablet connectivity to their personal screens. The airline links over 125 destinations across the globe and is expanding its services from Qatar to 50 new destinations including direct flights to Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas.
4. Asiana Airlines
In-flight experience: 85/On-time performance: 78
As one of two major South Korean airlines, Asiana stays in our No. 4 slot and maintains Skytrax’s five-star rating. Like Malaysia, Asiana has had to weather a wave of controversy after one of its Boeing 777s crashed upon landing in San Francisco last year.
5. Malaysia Airlines
In-flight experience: 83/On-time performance: 77
Though Malaysia Airlines’ image has taken a pounding over the past few months because of the tragic disappearance of flight 370, the carrier’s decades’ worth of sterling service should not be discounted. Because of the incident, and mounting financial losses, the world’s most talked-about airline is now in the midst of a management shakeup and fleet-renewal process.
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