If you’re traveling abroad, you must be interested to know about the best international airlines to fly. It doesn’t matter if you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these are the best airlines for international travel. If you’re traveling in the US, you will be interested to know about the safest flights to fly in the US which I wrote about some time back. Coming back to the top rated international airlines, you will find why they made it to the top. These airlines think ‘outside the box’ to give a memorable experience to its passengers. Are you ready to find if your favorite international airline made it to the list?
Best Airlines In The World
10. Malaysia Airlines
Coming at number 10 spot in the top ten airlines in the world, Malaysia Airlines is one of the oldest carries founded in 1947 and stands strong to-date. The airline has won the top honor for the best cabin staff and best catering signature dish for its “satay service” this year. The airline specializes in mobile office centers with fax machines, satellite phones and printers for the travelers in suits. Get some rest in your plush seat and ottoman with their tuck-in service. Such services make Malaysia Airlines one of the best international airlines in the world.
9. Thai Airways
Thai Airways is the best international airline that has offered more value to passengers than it has in the past. Known for its friendly cabin staff, Thai Airways is one of the few airlines that require international female flight attendants to change from their purple suits into traditional Thai dresses prior to the boarding of passengers. Thai Royal first class provides a 180 degree-reclining bed along with toiletries like EVIAN mineral spray. Passengers can also per-order food cooked by renowned Thai chefs.
8. Emirates
Emirates, the largest carrier in the Middle East is known to be a favorite among travelers all over the world. It is one of the world’s biggest airlines by passenger numbers and the largest customer of the Airbus’ A380 superjumbo. The airline also won the best in-flight entertainment award for the 8th year in a row. Due to its popularity and rapid expansion of flights around the world, it has also turned Dubai into a high-volume intercontinental travel hub. Emirates first class includes a private shower and, possibly, a chauffeured ride to and from your destination to the airport. Emirates does not stop in the air, they have branched out into hotels and spas both in Dubai and Australia.
7. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines should be proud, as it is the only European airline to make it to the list of best international airlines for the second straight year. Adopting to aggressive marketing strategy in the recent years to be the best international airline, it has put faces of NBA’s Kobe Byrant and actor Kevin Costner in their television ads. The airline won the award for the best premium economy seats. In business class, passengers can enjoy Armani perfume and world-class three and four course meals.
6. Etihad Airways
Etihad nearly matches the fellow national carrier Emirates, but still stand above them to make its way to the top ten international airlines list. Expanding through ties with other carriers as well as buying stakes in international airlines, 8-year-old Etihad is growing rapidly. Amenities in this airline is fantastic. Etihad first class include features such as seats that transform into 6-foot-8 flatbeds with a built-in massage system. These seats are upholstered with the same leather that supplies Ferrari interiors. This is truly luxury flying and that is why it has made it to the list of best international airlines.
5. ANA All Nippon Airways
Every year Nippon Airways keep moving up the ladder in the list of best airlines in the world. Nippon ranks number 2 in the world for best ground services and is 3rd for best first class. Their planes boast higher cabin pressure and humidity in order to make flying more comfortable. The airline’s first class suite includes a fully enclosed dining table, private closet and a bed. Even the economy class seats have enlarged windows, LCD touchscreens and USB plug-ins.
4. Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific is no stranger to the flying world and always hold its place in the list of top rated international airlines. The airline’s decision on $128 million plan to revamp its business class cabins have paid off well as the airline won the best business class award. It’s also number two in the world for in-flight entertainment. If you happen to be flying business class, Cathay pacific offers wide-shaped bed with a cocooning effect. First class passengers can experience flat screen LCD TV’s and receive Ermenegildo Zegna bags. Oh yes, when it comes to set in, let Cathay Pacific provide custom-designed panamas.
3. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines might have dropped a spot as one of the top international carriers but nonetheless they still hold their ground as one of the favorite airlines of many passengers, including mine. Singapore Airlines scored the top spot for the best economy class and best economy class catering. They’re also known for some of the best amenity kits they provide for first-class passengers. The 32-inch seat pitch in economy class helps, as do the flight attendants who are famous for their above-and-beyond service and sarong and kebaya uniforms. If you’re lucky enough to book the A380 first-class suites, you can enjoy feature sliding doors, 23-inch TVs and stand-alone beds hand-stitched by master Italian craftsmen – Poltrona Frau.
2. Asiana Airlines
Only a few inches away from the number one spot, Asiana Airlines made it to the runners up in the top 10 international airlines. Asiana is one of the only six airlines worldwide that has been given five-star status by Skytrax. With a relatively small fleet of 75 aircraft, the airline offers unique services such as an airport lounge exclusively for disabled passengers. They also get points for having the best economy seats and come second for having the best cabin staff. The ‘show’ doesn’t stop there, however. Asiana flight attendants teach origami, perform magic tricks, violin serenades and carry-out in-aisle fashion shows.
1. QATAR Airways
Coming at number 1 spot, Qatar Airways is now officially known as the best airlines in the world. The airline is famous as it is spurred by wealth in the Gulf Region. Qatar Airways added more than 10 planes to its fleet in the past year, and has more than 250 aircraft on order with Boeing and Airbus. They’ve had no fatal crashes in its 10+ years of flying. Being one of the top rated international airlines, they serve a ten-course meal for first-class passengers. At their premium terminal in Doha, passengers can enjoy deep tissue massages, facials and jacuzzi access. If that was not enough, they made headlines at the Farnborough Airshow when they unveiled Boeing’s flagship 787 Dreamliner featuring ample reclining space and windows that can change colors. These made QATAR world’s best international airlines for 2012.
There you have it, the list of best airlines in the world. Each have their unique features and services that offer comfort to passengers. Has your favorite airline made it to the list of the best international airlines?
QATAR Airways business class is superb .. I’d love to travel through it. Thanks for sharing
Susan @ Cruise Vacation Packages recently posted..Celebrate This New Years Eve with Special Cruise Lines and Vacation Packages
We’re flying Malaysia Airlines from Malaysia to Australia in a few weeks, so it’s nice that it’s on the list. We’ve also done Singapore, Cathay Pacific and Qatar. How have I never heard of Etihad? My very pregnant friend just flew Thai Airways yesterday and commented on how much better they treat pregnant ladies than all the other flights she’s done in the last few months.
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders recently posted..The Trouble with Travel Plans
Etihad is quite popular. Well at least now you know it’s one of the best. Thanks for the input about Thai Airways, Michele :)
I am so glad to see Qatar Airways at number 1! I tried it from Manila to Brussels and it was great. Love their inflight meals too!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..How to Find Cheap Flights
I saw a Qatar Airways photo on your latest post and had a feeling that you would be happy to see them at number one spot :)
You have listed some really great airlines. It also depends on where you are flying to. I frequently fly to Australia, and V-Australia is an amazing airline. I have flown both business and economy with them, and both standards are high. They really are a wonderful airline to fly.
Thanks for the info about V-Australia, Candice! Wonder if they can make it to the top 10 airlines list next year.
Look at those first class, aren’t they something. A good list of best airlines. Many of them are from Arab countries and Asian countries, I wonder why? I never knew that Qatar Airways was on the top list.
Shalu Sharma recently posted..Funny Indian pictures
These airlines provide the best comforts for passengers. Qatar Airways is really good. No wonder they made it to the top spot.
Interesting how all the airlines are Asian/Middle Eastern, even the European one. They really understand the concept of service, don’t they? Have flown many of these (not Asiana or ANA yet) and they really are great.
Sophie recently posted..Almonds aren’t just almonds
It really is interesting how most of these are Asian/Middle Eastern carriers. They sure seem to ‘get’ the concept of service. Thanks for dropping by Sophie :)
Great compilation! How sad that I haven’t flown any of these airlines. I love looking at all the amenities they offer and all that delicious goodness that doesn’t look like airplane food. I have always heard wonderful things about Thai Airways and Singapore and been dreaming to fly them. I just wish they weren’t so expensive. Hopefully soon :)
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..Puffin Sightings in Iceland
Price tag is the only downside but these really are the best. Guess I’m lucky to fly on few of these airlines.