Top Airlines of 2024 Revealed by Leading Aviation Authority
Discover the top airlines globally recognized for their excellence in safety, innovation, and passenger satisfaction as rated by the renowned aviation authority, AirlineRatings.com.
Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter to stay updated on the latest news in aviation, food and drink, where to stay, and other travel developments.
When planning a trip, there are always uncertainties such as flight delays, lost luggage, or unpleasant seatmates. However, one way to ease your worries is by selecting an airline brand that you have confidence in.
Unfortunately, not all flights on Qatar Airways go smoothly. In fact, 12 passengers were injured due to turbulence on a flight from Doha to Dublin last Sunday. Despite this, Qatar Airways is known for ranking high in global airline evaluations.
After losing its title to Air New Zealand in 2023, Qatar Airways has reclaimed the title of the world's best airline according to AirlineRatings.com, an aviation safety and product rating agency based in Australia.
The annual Airline Excellence Awards evaluate carriers based on 12 criteria, including safety, product rating, fleet age, profitability, serious incidents, innovation, forward fleet orders, and passenger reviews from various sources. The judging panel, consisting of five editors led by AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas, collectively possesses over 100 years of industry experience.
According to Thomas, Qatar Airways excelled in many key areas, although the competition was tight among the top 10 airlines. Passenger reviews particularly highlighted Qatar Airways as the top choice, praising its consistent high standard of service delivery.
Francesca Street/CNN
Related article
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
Excellence in aviation
Singapore Airlines won Best First Class, Qatar Airways picked up Best Business Class, Emirates scooped Best Premium Economy and Air New Zealand was awarded Best Economy Class.
AirlineRatings.com gives out awards for excellence in different categories. Qatar Airways was recognized for Best Catering, Virgin Australia stood out for having the best Cabin Crew, and Qantas was praised for its top-notch Lounges. These awards are specifically for long-haul travel and are given based on region.
In the Middle East, Qatar Airways was the preferred airline. North Asia's top choice was Korean Air, while Cathay Pacific Airways stood out in Southeast Asia and Air New Zealand dominated in Australia-Pacific. In Europe, Air France was the top pick, and Turkish Airlines led the pack in southern Europe. For North America, Air Canada took the title, and Latam emerged as the winner in South America.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 15: A passenger plane arrives at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) during sunset on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A passenger plane lands at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in the evening on May 15, 2024, in San Francisco, California, United States. The photo was taken by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images.
Related article
Brace yourselves. These are the hurdles for air travelers this busy summer
AirlineRatings.com has recently released their list of the top 25 premium airlines for 2024. These airlines have been recognized for their exceptional service and high-quality amenities. Qatar Airways, Korean Air, and Cathay Pacific Airways are among the top three airlines on the list. Air New Zealand and Emirates also made it to the top five, showcasing their commitment to excellence in the industry. Other notable airlines on the list include Air France/KLM, All Nippon Airways, and Etihad Airways. Qantas, Virgin Australia/Atlantic, and Vietnam Airlines have also been recognized for their outstanding performance. Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, and TAP Portugal are among the airlines that have secured a spot in the top 15. JAL, Finnair, and Hawaiian Airlines are also part of the prestigious list, demonstrating their dedication to providing a premium travel experience. Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa/Swiss, and Turkish Airlines are recognized for their top-notch service and customer satisfaction. The IGA Group, which includes British Airways and Iberia, has also been acknowledged for their excellence in the industry. Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines complete the list of the top 25 premium airlines for 2024.
AirlineRatings.com’s top 25 low-cost airlines for 2024:
In alphabetical order:
Here are some popular low-cost airlines around the world:
• AirAsia Group • Air Baltic • Air Canada Rouge • Cebu Pacific • EasyJet • Eurowings • FlyDubai • FlyNAS • GOL • JetBlue • Jet2 • Jetstar Group • Jeju Air • Norwegian • Peach • Ryanair • Scoot • SpiceJet • Sun Country Airlines • Southwest Airlines • Transavia • Vietjet • Volotea • Vueling • WizzAir
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the prestigious recognition bestowed upon Qatar Airways, which has reclaimed its title as the world's best airline according to AirlineRatings.com. This accolade is a testament to the airline's unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and exceptional customer service. Qatar Airways' dominance in multiple categories, including Best Business Class and Best Catering, underscores its dedication to providing a seamless and luxurious travel experience.
Despite occasional incidents like the turbulence-related injuries on a recent flight, Qatar Airways' overall track record of safety and passenger satisfaction remains exemplary. The airline's consistent high standard of service delivery, as evidenced by positive passenger reviews, sets it apart as a trusted and reliable choice for discerning travelers. The recognition from AirlineRatings.com further reinforces Qatar Airways' position as a global leader in the aviation industry, solidifying its reputation for excellence and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.
