Best Airlines
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Beloved Virgin Atlantic lands a spot on this coveted list. But nine airlines fare better.While there’s some debate about when a vacation really starts, one thing is for certain: The experience you have in the air can help make or break the trip.
This is especially true if you’re on a long-haul flight for hours and hours. Can you get any sleep? How are the in-flight meals? Were you able to watch current movies and TV shows? What about beverages? The size and cleanliness of the plane, the friendliness of the crew and whether you get to your destination on time are also important when you’re traveling by air.
The team at AirHelp, a company that helps travelers get money for delayed flights, decided to crunch some numbers to figure out which airlines make the journey as painless as possible. They analyzed data from 72 airlines around the world, looking at their on-time performance, quality of service and claim processing.
Curious to see if your favorite airline landed near the top of the list? Read on for the best airlines in the world.
25. Oman Air
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On-time performance: 7.1
Quality of service: 8.6
Claim processing: 6.7
Total: 7.44 (Out of 10)
Note: Rankings are based on AirHelp's 2019 report.
Bottom Line: Oman Air
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The flagship airline of Oman was established in 1993. It connects the Middle East with Africa, Europe and South and East Asia.
The airline provides completely Halal food to passengers and ranked highly in terms of quality of service.
Travelers say that Oman Air has excellent products and services. However, it is not as effective as other airlines at processing claims, which is why it didn't rank higher on the list.
24. Lufthansa
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On-time performance: 6.5
Quality of service: 8.0
Claim processing: 8.1
Total: 7.52
Bottom Line: Lufthansa
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If there’s one thing German airline Lufthansa is known for, it’s consistency.
Passengers say the airline’s employees are always extremely friendly and polite (it doesn’t hurt that they keep the drinks flowing, either), and that its airplanes are modern and clean.
The food is good and, overall, flying with Lufthansa is a pleasant, uneventful experience. And you really can’t argue with that.
23. British Airways
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On-time performance: 7.1
Quality of service: 8.2
Claim processing: 7.3
Total: 7.54
Bottom Line: British Airways
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You’ll see lots of comments like "service on board was excellent" and "a very pleasant flight" from travelers who have flown with British Airways, the flag carrier for the United Kingdom. The airline can take you to more than 200 airports in 75 countries all over the world with its fleet of more than 280 airplanes.
Some 45 million people fly with British Airways every year, which means the airline serves 25 million cups of tea (how very British!). But it’s not just the onboard service and amenities that guests like with British Airways. They’re also fans of the airline’s crew, food and entertainment options.
"The service was fantastic. The meal was nice, and we were offered plenty of drinks throughout the flight," one happy traveler wrote. "We left and arrived on time. The seat and legroom was fine. The cabin crew was very friendly."
22. Wizz Air
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On-time performance: 6.3
Quality of service: 8.1
Claim processing: 8.3
Total: 7.56
Bottom Line: Wizz Air
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Hungary’s Wizz Air is a budget airline based in Budapest that flies to more than 130 destinations. The company is relatively young, having launched in 2003, but has grown quickly over the years — having served more than 2 million customers.
Since the airline offers such low fares, passengers are typically skeptical at first, but then report being pleasantly surprised by their experiences. As long as you’re well aware that it’s a low-cost carrier, you won’t be disappointed.
One passenger explained: "If (you’re) looking for an airline that is on time, efficient with loading and luggage, and at a reasonable price, then Wizz Air delivered."
21. Brussels Airlines
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On-time performance: 6.4
Quality of service: 7.9
Claim processing: 8.5
Total: 7.57
Bottom Line: Brussels Airlines
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Belgium's largest airline is its national carrier. Brussels Airlines flies to around 100 destinations, mostly in Europe, but also in Africa and North America.
Meal selection is limited according to passengers, but it's also delicious — an important consideration when you're flying long haul.
The airline ranks well for quality of service and claim processing. Its one downfall is the just-OK, on-time performance.
20. LOT Polish Airlines
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On-time performance: 6.9
Quality of service: 8.5
Claim processing: 7.4
Total: 7.59
Bottom Line: LOT Polish Airlines
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Founded in 1928, LOT Polish Airlines has been around for almost 100 years. It connects Poland to the rest of Europe as well as to Asia and North America. The airline is relatively small, but it's a member of the Star Alliance airline group.
One reviewer stated: "Everything was beyond and above my expectations: boarding, seat comfort, legroom, movie selection, snacks, meals and friendly stewardesses. All was perfect."
19. Air France
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On-time performance: 6.7
Quality of service: 8.2
Claim processing: 7.9
Total: 7.60
Bottom Line: Air France
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This Skyteam member is renowned for its great customer service, with flight attendants that are friendly and accommodating. It also earned a fairly high score for claim processing — something you definitely want when things go wrong.
If the airline didn't place any higher, it's because the frequent strikes that occur in France have affected it in the past. Still, by all accounts, this is a good airline with which to travel.
18. Turkish Airlines
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On-time performance: 7.2
Quality of service: 8.8
Claim processing: 6.8
Total: 7.63
Bottom Line: Turkish Airlines
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Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines, which recently celebrated 85 years in business by unveiling new high-fashion uniforms for its flight crews, is regularly lauded for its no-headache flights.
People who fly Turkish Airlines often report being very comfortable, even during long-haul trips. There’s delicious food and a solid selection of in-flight entertainment, and the staff seems to genuinely care that passengers are having a positive experience.
The airline now is hubbed at a new airport in Istanbul, which opened in 2019 and is expected to become one of the busiest in the world.
17. Delta Air Lines
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On-time performance: 8.0
Quality of service: 7.7
Claim processing: 7.2
Total: 7.69
Bottom Line: Delta Air Lines
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In terms of international flights, Delta certainly comes out on top as one of the best in the U.S. Its domestic service is not as good as its international one, but it is still pretty great.
Food on international flights is one of the best, and the entertainment system is varied and accommodates passengers with hearing issues.
Delta has been around since 1945, and it has one of America's best frequent flyer programs, with points that never expire.
16. United Airlines
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On-time performance: 7.4
Quality of service: 7.1
Claim processing: 8.5
Total: 7.66
Bottom Line: United Airlines
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United Airlines got solid scores for on-time performance and service quality. But where the airline truly shines is in its claim processing services.
The airline has gotten its fair share of bad press in recent years but still manages to be considered one of the best in North America. Its MileagePlus frequent flyer program offers rewards that are easy to achieve and points that never expire.
15. Virgin Atlantic
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On-time performance: 7.6
Quality of service: 8.3
Claim processing: 7.2
Total: 7.69
Bottom Line: Virgin Atlantic
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"Everything went like clockwork" is how one passenger described his experience flying with Virgin Atlantic, the airline founded by Virgin Records founder Richard Branson in 1984.
One of the airline’s calling cards is that it names all of its planes and puts unique designs on them — Uptown Girl, Daydream Believer, Ruby Tuesday and Honky Tonk Woman are just a few examples of the airline’s plane names.
Passengers also report feeling like the crew members really care.
14. Garuda Indonesia
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On-time performance: 9.1
Quality of service: 7.5
Claim processing: 6.5
Total: 7.70
Bottom Line: Garuda Indonesia
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If you've ever island-hopped within Indonesia, chances are that you've flown with Garuda Indonesia. The country's national airline, Garuda is popular for national flights as well as for flights to other countries in Asia and the Pacific.
With over 600 daily flights, the airline is part of SkyTeam and has been certified as a five-star airline by Skytrax.
One reviewer expressed satisfaction by stating: "Smooth ... efficient ... seamless ... they are a very good airline ... from booking to ticketing to check-in to flying ... very classy operation."
13. Singapore Airlines
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On-time performance: 8.0
Quality of service: 8.7
Claim processing: 6.4
Total: 7.71
Bottom Line: Singapore Airlines
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The quality of service score for Singapore Airlines is sky-high (pun intended).
The airline is famous for its first-class cabins, which look more like hotel rooms than a seat on an airplane. Singapore Airlines also boasts one of the longest flights in the world: a 19-hour trip from Singapore to Newark, New Jersey. One traveler began to wax poetic after his flight: "Even during the busiest periods, every move by each staff member is as graceful and warm as the Singapore summer."
Now that’s how you give a compliment.
12. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
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On-time performance: 7.8
Quality of service: 8.1
Claim processing: 7.4
Total: 7.74
Bottom Line: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines isn’t afraid to experiment and stay relevant, even though it was founded in 1919. Case in point: The airline launched a feature in their mobile app that uses the iPhone camera to tell passengers whether their carry-on luggage is the right size.
But beyond that, the flag carrier for the Netherlands is known for making passengers feel right at home when they’re in the air. "They make you feel special and pampered and before you know it; you are at your destination," one traveler wrote.
People also love KLM’s tradition of sometimes giving passengers a miniature Delft blue Dutch house filled with gin — they’ve even become collectors’ items.
11. Flybe
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On-time performance: 7.1
Quality of service: 7.7
Claim processing: 8.4
Total: 7.75
Bottom Line: Flybe
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Each year, some 8 million people fly to 81 destinations with Flybe, a low-cost British airline that has been in business since 1979 and is Europe’s largest regional airline.
One of the most common words passengers use to describe Flybe is "simple." Everything from online check-in to the boarding process feels efficient, easy and friendly, passengers say. British travelers particularly like that Flybe offers flights out of smaller, quieter airports, such as Southampton Airport.
"Flying with Flybe is pleasant, calm, organized, friendly, professional. No frills, but also no drama, no fuss," one passenger wrote.
10. Emirates
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On-time performance: 7.5
Quality of service: 8.9
Claim processing: 7.1
Total: 7.80
Bottom Line: Emirates
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Emirates’ fleet of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 planes is just one feature that sets it apart from other international airlines.
The average age of its fleet is 5.7 years, well below the industry standard average of 25 years. Emirates, which is hubbed in Dubai and flies to more than 150 destinations on six continents, also has a reputation for being dependable and consistent.
One traveler described Emirates as "classy and elegant," two words you don’t hear that often to describe air travel.
8. Austrian Airlines (Tie)
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On-time performance: 7.1
Quality of service: 8.1
Claim processing: 8.5
Total: 7.90
Bottom Line: Austrian Airlines
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From on-time flights to excellent claim processing, Austrian Airlines really checks all the boxes. The flag carrier of Austria is owned by Lufthansa, another stellar airline on AirHelp’s list. It’s hubbed out of Vienna International Airport, a convenient central launch point for the airline’s 130 destinations around the world (with a focus on central and eastern Europe).
Travelers like that the airline is punctual and many say that it offers tastier food than most airlines. One happy flier wrote: "Super comfortable seats, very friendly crew, on time and super super food."
8. Luxair (Tie)
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On-time performance: 7.8
Quality of service: 7.8
Claim processing: 8.1
Total: 7.90
Bottom Line: Luxair
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Serving nearly 2 million passengers each year, Luxair is hubbed at Luxembourg Airport and is the national flag carrier for the country. Passengers love the fact that most Luxair flights are on time, as well as how the company handles problems when they arise.
“Excellent airline with fabulous cabin staff,” one happy passenger posted online. “Old-school service with sweets handed out before landing. Our flight was bang on time and the check in was also seamless with a lovely check-in agent.”
Though the airline has just about 20 airplanes, it manages to transport passengers to more than 200 destinations around the world. It’s small, but apparently mighty when it comes to customer satisfaction.
7. WestJet
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On-time performance: 7.4
Quality of service: 7.6
Claim processing: 8.9
Total: 7.96
Bottom Line: WestJet
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In 1994, WestJet was founded in Canada as a low-cost carrier that could compete with other national airlines. Since then, the airline has provided accessible tickets to places within North America and the Caribbean.
As with any low-cost carrier, it's important to manage your expectations. Don't expect champagne or complimentary headphones. But that doesn't mean the service is bad, it's simply to the point, which is effective.
6. LATAM Airlines
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On-time performance: 7.7
Quality of service: 8.1
Claim processing: 8.2
Total: 8.01
Bottom Line: LATAM Airlines
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As Latin America's largest airline, LATAM helps connect countries within the Americas. Its prices are reasonable, and its service is decent, even if it doesn't go above and beyond to treat customers like royalty.
Our biggest issue with the airline is its decidedly subpar food, but given its reasonable prices and good service, we can let that slide.
One passenger claimed that "LATAM is definitely one of the two or three best airlines I have ever flown. I was happy with every aspect of flying LATAM: from the ease of booking my trip through their excellent website to the deplaning process at Miami Airport on my return."
5. Qantas
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On-time performance: 7.9
Quality of service: 8.3
Claim processing: 7.9
Total: 8.04
Bottom Line: Qantas
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Founded in 1920, Australian flag carrier Qantas is one of the oldest airlines in the world. Qantas is also the country’s largest domestic and international airline, and is best known for its long-distance flights.
Its planes are largely on time, plus its crew members know how to strike the right balance to keep passengers happy on long flights, leading one customer to write: "A real credit to the airline as they really showed their professionalism, politeness and sense of fun with their passengers."
2. SAS Scandinavian Airlines (Tie)
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On-time performance: 7.3
Quality of service: 7.9
Claim processing: 9.0
Total: 8.07
Bottom Line: SAS Scandinavian Airlines
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SAS Scandinavian Airlines is particular in that it is the flag carrier of not one but three countries: Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
The airline flies to over 160 cities. It used to service numerous cities in South America, the Middle East and Asia, but these routes have become more limited. The airline is mid-tier in terms of luxury but certainly leaves nothing to be desired.
One customer of the Star Alliance member stated, "We got a great deal on the flight and were so impressed with the ease of check-in and the in-flight experience."
2. Aeromexico (Tie)
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On-time performance: 7.8
Quality of service: 8.4
Claim processing: 8.0
Total: 8.07
Bottom Line: Aeromexico
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You may be surprised at seeing Aeromexico so far up this list. After all, Mexico's flag carrier is not necessarily internationally well-known.
But all of this is due to change, as the airline has committed to expanding its routes, servicing flights to countries as far as South Korea, a destination most Latin American airlines don't visit.
The airline received very a great score for on-time performance and claim processing, but it really shined in the quality of service department, where it earned an 8.4 out of 10.
2. American Airlines (Tie)
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On-time performance: 7.5
Quality of service: 7.9
Claim processing: 8.8
Total: 8.07
Bottom Line: American Airlines
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Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines is a behemoth airline that operates nearly 6,700 flights each day. You can fly to over 300 airports in more than 50 countries with American, which launched when Charles Lindbergh carried mail by plane from St. Louis to Chicago in 1926.
While American has had its fair share of bad publicity in recent years, there are also some heartwarming stories you probably haven’t heard.
One passenger had a seizure shortly after boarding her American flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida, and said the crew made her feel totally comfortable. "I wasn’t rushed off the plane or felt embarrassed," she wrote. "(One) steward, in particular, stands out … he was so amazing and patient and helpful."
1. Qatar Airways
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On-time performance: 8.4
Quality of service: 8.5
Claim processing: 7.8
Total: 8.23
Bottom Line: Qatar Airways
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People love Qatar Airways — and for good reason. Its planes are almost always on time, and the service it provides is almost off the charts.
So what makes this airline No. 1? Flying on Qatar Airways is like flying in "the golden days of air travel," according to one passenger. The planes are spotless, the staff members are always smiling, and the food is tasty.
A common feeling that many travelers share is that they just feel comfortable on Qatar Airways, even during long-haul flights.
Of course, not all airlines fare so well with customers. For a ranking of the world's worst airlines, read on.