Selecting the best airlines when you plan your dream vacation can really be a game-changer for how much you look forward to your vacation or how quickly you want it all to end. Your choice of airline affects everything from the comfort level of your long-haul flight to customer service and the enjoyment, or lack thereof, of your overall travel experience.
Airlines seem to be coming up with very unique selling points or benefits in order to attract customers, making the process very tedious for you. But don’t worry!
This guide will help you sift through your options with a list of some of the world’s best airlines, from low-cost to really good value top quality service. You will be able to quickly choose the right airline for your trip!
Best Airlines for International Travel
Forget about flying domestic and just treat yourself – Singapore Airlines is the gold standard for international air travel. The national flag carrier of Singapore takes great pride in ensuring passenger comfort is achieved at all levels, from Economy to First-class suites.
This approach has brought the biggest airlines multiple accolades. Grandma is one of those airlines that knows how to get you through the longest flights with ease. The crew is attentive and friendly, and you feel like a passenger here!
And Qatar Airways typically follows suit with the best-of rankings. Like Qatar Airways, which has one of the most modern fleets up to the sky with innovations and elegance. The award-winning Qsuite Business class with fully lie-flat beds and Economy class make for large seats combined with one of the best inflight entertainment systems.
Another of my favourite airlines for international flights is Emirates Airlines. Emirates flies some pretty terrific A380s, with well above-average width in Economy and lie-flat beds as well as in-flight showers in Business class. Hello luxury! Provides an extensive selection of world-class culinary options and more than 4,500 inflight entertainment channels.
As the continent’s second-largest, Lufthansa serves up a classic European loaf with its ultra-modern services.
The airline strives to provide a great experience in both Economy & Business class, but even better offers premium economy for additional comfort without too much higher price tag. Regional specialities, German wines and plenty of in-flight entertainment are available to the traveller.
Budget Airlines
Found by one of the Yank’s favourite airlines for its top-class coach experience: JetBlue. JetBlue is famous for cheap prices and roomy chairs (even in the back), with free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, and a full suite of entertainment.
What sets JetBlue apart from many budget airlines is its commitment to bliss. The crew’s demeanour is always friendly and helpful in creating the customer experience. On flights to the Caribbean or within the U.S., JetBlue matches a best-of-the-best attitude with fares that are easy on the wallet.
The other U.S.-based budget option for low-cost fares would be Southwest Airlines. A variety of airlines a popular for their casualness and friendliness.
The focal point of Southwest is its “bags fly free” and no change fees that can save travellers almost $100 per person in many cases when travelling. They became one of the best domestic airlines in the U.S. with these incredible perks.
Air New Zealand
As an airline that is renowned for its friendly and effective in-flight service, Air New Zealand must be commended. Competitors have the option of first, business and economy class luxury but this no-frills airline doesn’t skimp on comfort in any class with features such as Economy passengers being able to convert their seats into a “Skycouch” for a comfy sleeping space.
Onboard dining includes locally sourced ingredients and an array of New Zealand wines for a very pleasant experience in the air.
Speaking of budget Airlines and swinging your itinerary to the Asia-Pacific area AirAsia is possibly offering the cheapest flights, but somehow, they are still one of the cleanest and efficient asia airlines you can be on.
At AirAsia, meals and baggage are add-ons, but this can help the airline sell tickets at very low prices. More recently the airline has added new routes that make it easier than ever for cost-conscious travelers to start their explorations throughout Southeast Asia, and further afield.
Ryanair would be the option for you if your dream was to travel around Europe. They are widely recognised for being one of the cheapest ways to experience flying all across Europe whilst having to treat yourself to a good flight.
Don’t forget that add-ons such as checked baggage, seats and meals will cost extra on these savings, so you want to make the best of it. But if you are decently flexible the low fares gems are scattered all around.
Best Long-haul Airlines for Comfort
Qantas Airways is, of course, most famous for its extensive routes from Australia to other parts of the world. They are most probably going to spend a lot of time in those back seats so they might as well be comfortable, plus there is plenty of legroom and the headrests are adjustable.
Selected main and light meals based on Australian cuisine in addition to wine and spirits are also available for in-flight consumption with Qantas.
Fully lie-flat beds with direct aisle access for business class passengers, First class suites but where guests are treated to a little over-the-top personalised services. It would be a good fit for longer-over-the-water flights, especially transpacific ones.
One of the quietest long-haul trips both to and from is afforded by Cathay Pacific. Seats in its extra-wide Economy are deeper reclining than standard, as well as some extra touches such as individual storage compartments and optional footrests.
Those long-haul pods with privacy partitions would make you have a holiday, and even Business class passengers can recline it. From Economy to First, the menu includes both Asian and international dishes, so all travellers are well-fed for the flight.
Etihad Airways: FLYING LONG-HAUL with Etihad feels like a First class experience in any of its cabins. The comfort of their Economy class: Ergonomically designed seats, adjustable headrests with extra legroom for each passenger and mirrored cup holders on all the flight cabins.
Also a Business class with lie-flat beds & private suites create an exclusive rest journey through them Especially Etihad, with jet lag combating mood lighting all the way through to in-flight meals served on China. They certainly are top of the class for long-haul comfort.
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Japan’s number one airline is my favourite for long-haul flights. This airline takes even the economy class, to another level to make your journey comfortable and memorable. Expect good legroom, comfortable seats, decent in-flight entertainment options and a choice of Japanese or international meals.
ANA also has lie-flat beds and luxurious private suites – if you fly in Business or First. ANA always makes the longest flights feel enjoyable and relaxing with their world-class attention to detail and service.
Sustainable Tourists Green Airlines
Flight sustainability: KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) They are invested heavily in biofuels and have pledged emissions reductions from the use of more fuel-efficient models.
KLM started such a program in September of last year, although it should be noted that this is an option for passengers who choose to offset the carbon emitted during their flight. It also contributes to KLM being one of the most sustainable airlines with reduced plastic use and less food waste.
Even Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is among the early eco-travel champions. It announced several green initiatives such as implementing newer more fuel-efficient aircraft and pledging to offset all of their carbon emissions.
SAS is among a handful of other pioneers that have begun to mitigate noise pollution reduction and commercialize biofuels, another step toward minimizing their environmental impact.
As far as commercial airlines go, EasyJet is one of the eco leaders in short-haul within the U.K. and Europe. Apart from being one of the earliest airlines to include payment for carbon offsets on every flight they operate, EasyJet is also serious about passenger and cargo carbon neutrality.
They are also helping to realize electric aircraft with the hope of operations for all-electric short-haul flights in 2030. Other initiatives include pledging to minimize onboard waste and reduce the use of single-use plastics. Perfect for in case you need to make your trek a little eco-friendlier!
Best Airline Loyalty Programs for Business Travelers
Delta SkyMiles is one of the most flexible and valuable loyalty programs out there. Delta miles don’t expire and can be put toward flight upgrades or hotel stays or vacation packages. What a catch!
Delta has a great (well, hey – as far as co-branded credit cards go) set of co-branded credit cards to quickly pile miles into your account – one dollar at a time. And if you fly often and attain SkyMiles elite status, you will receive benefits such as free upgrades, priority boarding and access to Delta’s Sky Clubs.
Mileage Plan is simply one of the best programs for travellers in general, let alone those taking relatively long-haul flights. With most other programs you earn points based on how much you spend, but with Alaska Airlines you earn one mile for every actual mile flown.
Add to that a shifting slate of world-spanning airline partners along with the ability after enough earned miles to redeem for pretty much any carrier in the world. A good way to get the most out of your travel rewards.
American Airlines
For those of you who do not know, American Airlines AAdvantage is one of the largest and oldest rewards programs in the world thanks to AA being a member of Oneworld Alliance. There truly are a lot of chances to earn and burn miles when you fly on an American or a partner.
First-class benefits include among other great things free upgrades to elite status members, American Airlines Admirals Clubs access, and priority boarding for you as an AAdvantage member.
Emirates Skywards Is one of the best loyalty programs for travelers. Skywards will allow members to get together with family and combine miles within the family for fast access to rewards. There are also several other airlines and partners to earn Emirates miles with as well, making it faster than some programs.
Frequent fliers will be able to benefit from an impressive range of benefits including complimentary flights, luxury experiences and access to First class suites aboard Emirates.
Ready for Take-off?
Travelling can be stressful, so picking the right airline is key to a pleasant experience. There is something for everyone here from staying budget-conscious in an environmentally friendly heaven, or just all of the luxuries of life right up in heaven.
So, when you are planning this dream trip of yours, do remember these airlines so that you can savour every moment of your journey in comfort and style!
That’s a wrap for today – stay curious, keep exploring and see you again soon!
