TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, and with over 570 million reviews and opinions by travellers, who are we to argue? As part of the Traveller’s Choice Awards, TripAdvisor has recently released the Top 10 Airlines in the World list, compiled from all the reviews and ratings of TripAdvisor users.
1. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is widely considered to be one of the best airlines in the world. Focussing exclusively fly long-haul trips, they offer some of the most luxurious business and first class cabins in the industry.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
- In-flight entertainment (WiFi, TV, films)
2. Air New Zealand
A comparatively smaller carrier, when looking at some of the giants on this list, Air New Zealand is the flag carrier airline of New Zealand and operates from 31 international destinations in 19 countries around the Pacific Rim and the United Kingdom.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
3. Emirates
In third place is Emirates, an airline based in Dubai but really considered to be a truly ‘global’ carrier. They have come a long way since their first flight from Dubai to Karachi in 1985. Now boasting the largest wide-body fleet in the world, with a combination of Airbus A380’s and Boeing 777’s totalling 234 planes. But most likely best known for their superior in-flight entertainment.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
- In-flight entertainment (WiFi, TV, films)
4. Japan Airlines (JAL)
Despite having declared bankruptcy in 2009, Japan Airlines is the country’s largest airline, offering four classes of service: First Class, Executive Class (the equivalent of Business Class), Premium Economy Class, Class J (Economy Class seating with larger seats) and Economy Class.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
5. EVA Air
Probably most well known for it’s Hello Kitty branded aeroplanes, EVA Air is Taiwan’s second largest carrier after China Air, and has just recently joined the 5-star club. They also boast being the 3rd safest airline in the world. No wonder they made it to a solid 5th position!
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
6. Southwest Airlines
This Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (WN) is the world’s largest low-cost carrier and unlike many major airlines, Southwest does not use hubs, but rather a point-to-point system. With perks such as allowing for up to two checked bags, and free non-alcoholic drinks and peanuts it’s no wonder Southwest made it onto this list.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Value for Money
- Check-in and Boarding
7. Jet2.com
The only British airline on the list, this low-cost carrier, headquartered in Leeds, has won the Best Airline – UK and the Best Low-Cost Airline – Europe two years running. They fly direct to over 50 sun & ski destinations, making it a very popular holiday-maker choice.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Value for Money
- Check-in and Boarding
8. Qatar Airways
Despite being number 8 on this list, Qatar Airways was voted the number one airline in the World Airlines Awards 2015, beating the Singapore Airlines. From its hub in Doha, the airline flies to 145 destinations spread across all six inhabited continents.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
9. Azul
The youngest airline on the list is Azul, a Brazilian low-cost carrier. The company’s business model is to stimulate demand by providing frequent and affordable air service to underserved markets throughout Brazil. The company was named Azul (“Blue” in Portuguese) after a naming contest in 2008, where “Samba” was the other popular name.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
10. Korean Air
Korean Air is the largest airline of South Korea and boasts an impressive fleet of 164 planes with two-cabin (Prestige Class, which is its version of Business Class, and Economy Class) and three-cabin (First Class, Prestige Class and Economy Class) configurations. Even though it’s in last position, it’s still a top airline according to 1034 reviews.
On TripAdvisor they are rated 4.5 stars for:
- Customer Service
- Cleanliness
- Check-in and Boarding
So there you have it, the Top 10 airlines in the world as rated by tens of thousands of travellers across the world. Whilst we only provide in-flight catering for private and executive jets in South Africa, we recognise and acknowledge quality when we see it!
