Every year more and more people seek to relax outside our country. The most convenient way to get to the place is by plane: today, flights are carried out by quite a lot of both domestic and international companies. They can vary greatly, so the choice of carrier should be approached very carefully. We decided to devote our today's review to the best airlines in the world, to reveal their pros and cons for you, to tell which countries they are ready to deliver to. However, before that, we are going to give you some useful tips related to choosing such a carrier.
Summary of the rating:
What are the criteria for choosing an airline?
First of all, it is necessary to determine the type of company, since they are all divided into two large groups: low-cost airlines (budget option) and standard. The former sell tickets at very reasonable prices, so you should not expect any supernatural services or an original service from them. All standard services related to seat selection, baggage transportation, meals during the flight will have to be paid separately. These companies still have one significant drawback: if there is a need to return a ticket, then they do it at a not very favorable price.
For budget carriers, delays are characteristic, but the fleet consists of new airliners. Such aircraft do not require frequent repairs, in addition, they can fly over the same distances as older models. Their fuel consumption is economical.
If you are going to fly often enough, then you can use standard companies. The planes are very comfortable, they look attractive, there are a number of additional services, including the use of a telephone, the Internet, and a TV directly during the flight. All this is included in the ticket price. It also includes a wide selection of drinks and dishes. Preference should be given to large carriers - their flight delays do not happen too often, but the cost of the service is much more expensive.
Despite the fact that low-cost airlines position themselves as cheap enterprises, standard companies often have discounts at which tickets can be purchased at even lower prices than low-cost carriers. You can seriously save on a ticket if you purchase it in advance, for example, a month or 45 days before departure.
Many major airlines have loyalty programs. If a person constantly flies the planes of only one carrier, then this allows you to accumulate a certain number of points, which can be paid in the future.
When compiling our rating of the best airlines in the world, we took into account, first of all, flight safety. The next parameter was the ratio of price and quality of services provided. In addition, we carefully studied many user reviews, and also took into account the opinions of specialists involved in the study of carriers. Now you can move on to a direct overview of the companies that have received worldwide well-deserved recognition.
The best airlines of the world
10. Garuda Indonesia
Our rating is opened by the national carrier of Indonesia. She has been engaged in transportation for about 70 years. Aircraft make both domestic and international flights almost all over the world.Most often, flights are made in the Asian region, but cars can fly to the UK, and to a number of other European countries, and to the USA. The company belongs to quite a budget, but it is one of the safest - for all the time of existence there has not been a single disaster, and the occurrence of emergency situations on board can be counted on the fingers.
The fleet of aircraft is quite wide - among them there are Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and many others. All instances are reliable, regularly undergo technical inspection by qualified specialists, which helps to avoid any kind of trouble during the flight. You can also say about this company that it has a rather low cost of flights, including over fairly long distances. Customers praise the carrier for its excellent service, cleanliness and very friendly service from the crew. The headquarters of the organization is located at the Indonesian airport of Soekarno-Hatta. The company has its own lounges, where you can have a light bite and go online.
Benefits:
- High flight safety;
- Even on short flights free meals are provided;
- A thorough inspection of the aircraft;
- The service even on local flights fully complies with international standards.
Disadvantages:
- In some areas, the cost of flights is quite significant.
9. Aeroflot
This is the largest company in our country, the most popular carrier among Russian people seeking to make a flight both within the country and abroad. Every year, the company transports about 10 million people. The company has 167 modern aircraft at its disposal, which fly to 122 airports of other countries. The air fleet is one of the youngest. In addition, the carrier has fairly modern centers that train flight personnel specializing in civilian transportation. The company's management is rapidly enough reequipping its fleet - approximately 20% faster compared to all companies operating in Europe. Old planes are sold to other companies, and new aircraft, which have just come off the assembly lines of aircraft factories, are replacing them.
In the first half of this year alone, Aeroflot has already transported over 10 million people. In the most authoritative ratings, the company receives rather high marks for the quality of service. In order to make it even higher, the company management pays special attention to the implementation of the latest information and digital technologies. The company regularly launches new promising projects that are aimed at increasing the level of flight safety.
Benefits:
- Great service on both domestic and international flights;
- On board most aircraft, Internet access is provided;
- Good kitchen;
- Aircraft fly almost without delay;
- It is possible to purchase a ticket online;
- Baggage is issued as soon as possible.
Disadvantages:
- It is not too easy to buy tickets at a discount - there are too many applicants for them;
- There is not always a fresh press on board.
8. Lufthansa
This carrier is the flagship airline of Germany. In fact, it is the largest concern among all European carriers. Today, the company flies to 78 countries of the world; the aircraft fleet contains over 620 ships. Aircraft carry over 100 million people annually. The company has been on the market for more than 90 years, it was established in 1926. Today, the company’s headquarters is in Frankfurt, where it moved from Cologne. The two main transport bases are in Munich and Frankfurt, however, quite a large number of aircraft fly from Dusseldorf.Just twenty years ago, the company became completely private, although until then it was state-owned.
The fleet consists mainly of Boeing and Airbus brands. All of them are quite modern, do not need frequent repairs. The company's annual profit is about $ 20 billion annually. For the greatest comfort of customers on the official website of the company there is a special form for ordering tickets online. Today, there are several flights from Russia to Germany - last year, the volume of transportation between this country between this country amounted to about 2 million people. About 70 flights are operated weekly.
Benefits:
- If the flight is delayed, the company fully fulfills all its duties - passengers are provided with hot meals and overnight if necessary;
- Most airplanes are comfortable and new, do not shake during the flight;
- Very polite staff;
- Replacement tickets can be made free of charge.
Disadvantages:
- If certain overlaps occur, the program may incorrectly calculate the time required to transfer to another flight.
7. Turkish Airlines
This company is also considered one of the largest in all of Europe. This is the flagship among all air carriers in Turkey itself. The headquarters is located at the airport of Istanbul. The company's planes fly in 220 directions - if we talk about other countries, in addition, they also make domestic flights - 42 routes are provided here. In addition to the main airport, the company uses a large number of transfer points throughout the country. Today, the company's fleet includes over three hundred Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The average age of ships is about 7 years - the best indicator for civilian aircraft. Most reviews about the company are only positive. In addition, it was recognized several times as the best among European carriers - in 2011, 2012 and 2013, that is, three years in a row.
The company in its current state is distinguished by increased attention to the form in which its aircraft are. All attendants and flight personnel are highly qualified. For the most part, passengers praise first-class service. Every day, about a thousand flights are operated in various directions. The carrier is ready to offer its customers three types of tickets: economy class, business class and comfort class. They are distinguished by the convenience of seats, the distance between the rows and the general service.
Benefits:
- Delicious enough cuisine;
- Among the drinks there is alcohol;
- Enough coverage of routes;
- Airplanes are spacious;
- Maximum with you on board you can take up to 30 kg of luggage.
Disadvantages:
- Flight delays are quite common;
- Not very clear bonus system.
6. Air Astana
This is the national carrier of Kazakhstan, which is the largest company in the country, and it operates flights both within the state and abroad. Departures to other countries are made from the points "Almaty" and "Astana". The company has been on the air carrier market since 2002. This is the only company in the country that has the appropriate license for flights to EU countries. The organization has at its disposal Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and several Embreaer aircraft were purchased a couple of years ago. Today, this company has one of the youngest air fleets in Europe - the average age of the vessel is 6 years, which is one year younger than the Turkish company. Just last year, the license of the American Association was obtained, so that the company received the right to land at US airports.
There are 64 destinations for domestic flights - to all major cities of the country; quite a lot of flights are daily operated to various Russian cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Omsk, Kazan, and so on. In addition, the Asian direction of flights is developing quite actively.The company's service is at a fairly high level - all planes are very clean and comfortable, and in reputable ratings of air carriers, the organization is always among the top ten best companies.
Benefits:
- It is very comfortable to fly with such airplanes;
- Polite and helpful staff;
- Excellent and varied cuisine;
- Large selection of drinks;
- Various souvenirs at the end of the flight.
Disadvantages:
- Not a great selection of music during a long flight.
5. Emirates
Nowadays, this airline is one of the largest, and it has a significant fleet of civil aircraft with a wide fuselage. This company is owned by the state of United Arab Emirates. The base airport of the company is located in Dubai, here is also located the headquarters of the organization. All long-range aircraft are quite young - their average age is 6.2 years. Passenger traffic is carried out in 162 directions to different countries. This company is constantly replenishing its fleet and is discovering new destinations on the map.
The organization was founded in 1959, initially there were only 5 people in the staff, later the company initially leased aircraft for transportation, only in the mid-1980s it managed to acquire its first aircraft. The profit of the enterprise is quite high and is increasing year by year, which allows it to constantly spend money on the purchase of new cars. Armchairs on planes are soft and very comfortable - company representatives constantly monitor that the level of comfort is maintained at a fairly high level. Each passenger at boarding is given a special cosmetic bag with an original design, which contains a travel set of hygiene products.
Benefits:
- New fleet of aircraft;
- Very polite staff;
- Delicious cuisine;
- There are practically no delays;
- Absolute flight safety.
Disadvantages:
- To return the ticket you will have to observe a number of rather stringent conditions.
4. Copa Airlines
The history of this Panamanian company began back in 1944, but the first flight was completed only in 1947. Initially, the carrier specialized exclusively in domestic flights, and the fleet was not too large. Closer to the mid-1960s, the airline managed to break into the international market, began to fly to Colombia, Jamaica and Costa Rica. Active development began in the 1990s. Today, the company flies to most countries in South and North America, and the cost of tickets is quite acceptable. The air fleet has about 80 ships, almost all of them are new - the average age is 4.5 years. Boeing, Embraer ships fly under the flag of the company.
The company offers its passengers economy and business class salons. The menu during the flight is quite diverse, if you wish, you can even get alcoholic drinks. Depending on how long the flight lasts, people are given blankets and pillows. Everyone receives a set of toiletries, during the flight you can entertain yourself by listening to radio stations, watching movies and reading the latest Panamanian newspapers. In addition, it is possible to connect to the Internet.
Benefits:
- There is practically no need to wait at the reception desks - the service takes only a few minutes;
- In flight there is an opportunity to drink some kind of alcoholic drink;
- High level of security;
- Very tasty cuisine;
- Comfortable chairs in which it is comfortable to sleep during long flights.
Disadvantages:
- Disposable wipes are not provided on the head restraints.
3. Norwegian Airline
Opens the top three among the best airlines in the world, this North European low-cost airline. Its prices are much lower than average, but this does not affect safety, service level, or flight speed. The enterprise is quite young - it was founded only in 1993, the headquarters are located near the capital of the state of Oslo.Base airports are located not only there, but also in a number of other cities of this country and other states - Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Riga and so on. This company is the second largest in the Scandinavian Peninsula. It employs over two and a half thousand people.
Now the airline operates flights to 120 destinations in Europe, North America and the Middle East. There are 331 routes in total. The low cost of flights is obtained due to the maximum filling of the cabin and a small number of additional amenities. Reservation is at an additional cost. The same applies to the ticket, change the time of departure, copying the ticket to another person. Meals are not provided, however stewardesses have light snacks and soft drinks. It is strictly forbidden to take over 10 kg of hand luggage with you on board, but you can check in up to 64 kg of luggage. Only the newest and most modern Boeing aircraft are serving passengers. The percentage of late aircraft is minimal.
Benefits:
- One of the cheapest tickets on the market;
- Transportation is carried out only by new aircraft;
- The staff is polite and very correct in all situations.
Disadvantages:
- All additional services cost money;
- Long-range flights are made from the Baltic countries or Scandinavia.
2. Qatar Airways
This is the country's national company, whose headquarters is located in the capital of the state - the city of Doha. Today, the carrier delivers passengers in more than 150 different destinations. According to the rating of the reputable British agency Skytrax, the airline was awarded five stars on all counts. Transportation is carried out around the world: to Africa, Asia, Europe, America, Australia and so on. Pilots regularly set records - in February last year, the longest non-stop passenger flight was recorded: in 16 and a half hours, the Boeing 777 was able to cover 14.5 thousand kilometers. In addition to aircraft of this brand, the company also has Airbus aircraft at its disposal.
All salons have built-in displays, satellite TV services: you can watch Arabic or European channels, including in Russian. Long-range aircraft are also equipped with special entertainment systems. In the business class, very comfortable chairs are provided, which, if necessary, are completely folding out, thereby turning into a full-fledged bed with an orthopedic base.
Benefits:
- Despite the high level of service, the cost of a ticket for flights is quite acceptable;
- The staff is very polite;
- There is an original and modern entertainment system;
- Very soft fit.
Disadvantages:
- Not too large selection of films in Russian.
1. Singapore Airlines
This is a recognized leader among civil carriers, according to the popular travel portal Travel + Leisure, this company has been at the forefront over the past 20 years. Despite the highest class of service, this airline is the best in the world and in terms of its pricing policy - each kilometer of the flight costs on average about 10 cents cheaper compared to other well-known carriers. The UK Skytrax rating also regularly assigns companies up to 5 stars. Singapore is the main airport of the city as a base airport - most flights are dispatched from here. Its geographical location is such that aircraft are able to fly non-stop to European countries, to Southeast Asian countries and to Australia.
Aircraft carry out transportation to 65 destinations located in 35 countries of the world.The aircraft fleet includes various Airbus and Boeing models. All of them have a three-class layout. Particular attention is paid to the comfort of people - there is a lot of space between the seats, so even a tall person can accommodate in it with convenience. Even in economy class the comfort level is quite high.
Benefits:
- Good management;
- Deliciously cooked;
- Superior service;
- Perfect safety;
- Beautiful and functional "home" airport.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
In conclusion, the video
We hope that you were able to choose the most suitable company for your trip. As you can see, all of them are well aware of the safety of their customers, as well as to make it easier for them to fly. If you have any questions regarding this or that company, you can safely ask them in the comments - we will try to answer them in detail.
Over the past 30 years, Dubai-based Emirates has become one of the best airlines in the world. It is based at Dubai International Airport. Its fleet includes Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.