Secrets of the world’s best airlines
The top airlines win awards every year and are constantly ranked among the top carriers. Find out how these airlines impress.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is widely regarded as one of the best in the world in terms of aircraft and crew. The first class suites are out of this world and you’ll feel as if you are travelling in your own private cabin. You can even join two together to create a double bed if you’re travelling as a pair. The business class seats are truly enormous and extend into a comfy bed complete with mattress. Back in economy, you can still expect some of the largest seats around with a good recline, great entertainment system and high-quality food.
What makes it special?
The Singapore Girl has been synonymous with top quality service since 1972 and the airline has consistently been among the world’s best ever since. Dressed in the traditional sarong kebaya uniform, today’s Singapore girls are still instantly recognisable and have made the airline justifiably famous. A recent Roy Morgan survey found that Australian travellers thought Singapore Airlines was the best in the world for customer service with a satisfaction rating of 97 per cent.
Etihad
This Abu Dhabi-based airline is consistently among the top five in the world and offers plenty of flights from Australia. Up the pointy end, the roof will light up with twinkly stars at night time and the food wouldn’t be out of place at a top New York restaurant. The seats in economy class are among the most spacious in the industry and passengers can expect the same quality of service from the expert crew as those in first class.
What makes it special?
Fancy travelling in your own three-room apartment in the sky? Then Etihad is the airline for you. In 2015 the airline introduced The Residence, an 11 square metre cabin with a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom, all yours for a cool $20,000 one-way between London and Abu Dhabi. You’ll also be pampered with butler service, a huge flat screen TV, double bed and gold cushions in the bathroom. It’s the only cabin of its kind in the air and other airlines are scrambling to replicate it.
Qantas
Established in 1935, Qantas is the third oldest international airline in the world and still going strong. The airline has an almost blemish-free safety record and operates one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world. On the ground, Qantas has some of the best lounges around including the fantastic first class lounge in Sydney.
What makes it special?
Australians have a soft spot for their national carrier and there’s a distinctly Australian sensibility onboard. Inflight meals and snacks are largely sourced from local suppliers and include special items like biscuits flavoured with native wattleseed and myrtle, sausage rolls and (of course) Tim Tams. Frequent fliers love hearing the crew’s Aussie accent – it’s like you’ve touched down at home as soon as you step onboard.
Qatar Airways
A newcomer to the fleet of luxurious airlines based in the Middle East, Qatar has been flying to Australia since 2009. It was named the world’s best airline in 2011, 2012 and 2015 for its cutting edge fleet, lie-flat beds, complimentary pyjamas and impeccable service. Even back in economy, seats are spacious and the food above average.
What makes it special?
The onboard experience is undeniably fantastic, but it’s on the ground that Qatar Airways really sets itself apart. In its hub of Doha (the capital of Qatar), first and business class passengers are treated like VVIPs. Upon arrival at the airport, they are greeted by a concierge and taken to a dedicated check-in area before passing through exclusive customs and passport control counters. They can then wait for their flight in one of the incredible lounges or take a quick dip in the 25-metre heated pool.
Have you flown with any of these airlines? How did you find the experience? Let us know in the comments section below.
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