A survey of 21 million passengers has revealed the world’s best airlines, with three European carriers making it into the top ten.
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Service with a smile, snacks, a great selection of movies: it’s the little things that make flying a little more bearable, but which airline you choose can make a big difference in your experience.
So which airline should you choose for the best in-flight experience?
This week, the “Oscars of aviation” announced the best airlines for 2024.
Established by UK-based airline rating agency Skytrax, the World Airline Awards are based on a survey of more than 21 million passengers from 100 countries flying on more than 350 airlines.
Three European airlines made it into the top 10, but the top spots were dominated by Middle Eastern and Asian carriers.
What are the best airlines to fly with in 2024?
Qatar Airways has been named Airline of the Year for 2024, narrowly dethroning Singapore Airlines from the top spot. This is the eighth time in the awards’ 25-year history that Qatar’s national carrier has taken the top spot.
Passengers love this Middle Eastern airline for its comfort, delicious food, state-of-the-art entertainment, warm service and modern aircraft.
The airline covers 341 airports across Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and South America, making flights to many destinations around the world easily available.
As well as winning the overall award, Qatar Airways also won the awards for World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Lounge and Best Airline in the Middle East.
What are the best airlines to fly with in Europe?
No European carriers made the top five, with Singapore Airlines coming in a close second, followed by the UAE’s Emirates, Japan’s ANA All Nippon Airways and Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, which also won the award for world’s cleanest airline.
Airlines from East Asia and the Middle East also made it into the top 10, with Japan Airlines coming in sixth and Taiwan’s EVA Air in eighth place.
Turkish Airlines was ranked 7th and named Europe’s best airline. The airline flies to over 300 destinations, more than any other airline in the world, and also won the award for Best Business Class Catering.
The Air France-KLM Group came in 9th place, making it one of Europe’s leading airport groups. Air France also won the awards for Best First Class Catering in the World, Best First Class Lounge Dining (Paris-Charles de Gaulle) and Best Airline in Western Europe.
Swiss International Air Lines also made it into the top 10, taking second place for the world’s best first-class lounge at busy Zurich airport.
Although no North American airlines made the top 10, Delta was named the best airline in the region thanks to its attentive staff.
Which are the best low-cost airlines for 2024?
Looking for low prices and great service? Skytrax has also ranked the best low-cost airlines for 2024, with a surprising 6 of the top 10 being European airlines.
Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia topped the list for the 14th consecutive year, followed by Singapore’s Scoot, Spain’s Volotea, Saudi Arabia’s Flynas and France’s Transavia.
Also rounding out the top 10 were India’s IndiGo, Spain’s Vueling, Latvia’s airBaltic, Spain’s Iberia Express and Ireland’s Ryanair, with EastJet just missing out at 11th place.
