While many travellers' flying experience these days is marred by delays, cramped seats and costly add-ons, there are airlines out there competing to make everyone's trip extra special, whether that be by offering exceptional service, tasty meals or superb seats. These are the world's best airlines for 2022, according to the annual Airline Ratings ranking.
One of the UK's favourite airlines, British Airways flies its customers to 70 airports all across the world. Its modern fleet consists of over 280 planes and guests can expect comfortable seats and outstanding service by the cabin crew. On long-haul flights enjoy a selection of digital newspapers and magazines as well as an abundance of movies and TV shows. For hungry fliers, the airline is serving a classically British menu, with traditional roasts available in First and Club World classes.
Commended for its cleanliness and overall great service, Alaska Airlines actually has its headquarters in a different state, at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport in Washington, flying out customers to The Last Frontier daily. Starbucks fans rejoice – the airline carries the coffee chains' beverages during their flights, ensuring you arrive at your destination re-energised.
As the leading group for international flights departing from Europe, Air France-KLM flies to over 250 destinations from hubs at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol. With its varied menu of European and international dishes, customers' culinary needs will be met onboard. While you dine among the clouds, there's excellent in-flight entertainment to enjoy as well.
Connecting Hawaii to the rest of the world, Hawaiian Airlines welcomes its customers with the Aloha spirit. Indulge in Hawaiian culture for a few hours and listen to local music, sip on some mai tais and marvel at the island-themed uniforms of the cabin crew.
With the most modern fleet in Europe, Finnair features an excellent flight experience, while memory foam cushions give you that extra bit of comfort. Have work to do during your flight? Finnair has an onboard internet connection to help you make the most of your time in the sky. With sustainability in mind, the Finnish airline serves eco-friendly cuisine that focuses on producing less food waste.
Love this? Follow us on Facebook for more travel inspiration
Recognised as the best airline for long-haul travel in the Americas, JetBlue is an airline that puts special focus on its Economy class. With some of the roomiest seats in the industry, JetBlue spoils its customers with snacking favourites such as Cheez-Its, PopCorners and Dunkin' coffees and teas. Meanwhile in its Mint class, guests are offered a selection of classic cocktails and scrumptious dishes.
Another airline that puts extra efforts into each of its seat categories is Japan Airlines, which has created a top-notch Economy class, ensuring all its customers are having a great onboard experience. Wider seat pitch and more legroom than other airlines, plus excellent meals onboard set Japan Airlines apart as offering the best Economy class flights in the industry.
The only British airline to receive a 5-star Global Airline Rating, Virgin Atlantic has become a favourite among British travellers heading to far-away destinations. While the airline's award-winning food and drink services offer even their youngest guests a delicious meal, its onboard entertainment programme, Vera, makes sure to keep fliers entertained with blockbusters, intriguing documentaries and box sets.
Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways flies to 119 destinations across Asia, the Pacific, North America, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Onboard, customers can expect friendly staff and comfy seats. But the real highlight is the Hong-Kong-inspired food, such as shredded pork glazed in soy sauce, Szechuan chicken or wonton noodles.
This 5-star airline, All Nippon Airways, provides its onboard guests with amazing amenities, food, cleanliness and friendly cabin crew. The airline focuses on an excellent in-flight experience infused with hints of Japanese culture. In Business or First class, customers can enjoy a selection of kaiseki dishes, sake and other local delicacies.
Flying to over 120 countries, more than any other airline, Turkish Airlines can connect its customers to almost anywhere in the world via its global hub in Istanbul. The airline impresses guests with high-quality catering and service. The onboard menu features traditional Turkish food as well as international options. Some long-haul flights have Flying Chefs, preparing gourmet dishes for Business class. With its amazing culinary service and exceptional lounge in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines has been commended for offering the best long-haul travel experience in Europe.
Taiwan's EVA Air, which stands for Evergreen Airways, is a 5-star airline which flies to over 40 international destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Focused on providing luxury to each customer, EVA Air features a comfortable Economy class while flyers in the Royal Laurel class get spoiled with Champagne and excellent dining options such as steak or lobster.
Taking the seventh place on this ranking, Virgin Australia has charmed customers thanks to its focus on comfort, innovation and safety, while its cabin crew have been recognised as the best in the world. Judges say the staff "treat every passenger, whether in row one or at the back of the aircraft, as a special guest". It's the fourth year in a row that the airline has won this award.
Certified as a 4-star airline, Qantas offers its flyers top-notch onboard service, food and beverages as well as comfortable seats. The Australian airline comes in at number six in the overall ranking, but occupies the top spot as the Best Regional Airline. Qantas has won this award three years in a row thanks to its extensive services across Australia with over 50 new domestic routes added to its network just this year.
For the ultimate luxury trip, pick Singapore Airlines which has scooped the Best First Class award for the fourth year in a row. In its Skyroom suites, which are between 35 and 43 square feet (3-4sqm) apiece, travellers can enjoy fold-out beds complete with comfortable bedding, swivel armchairs and room dividers. But the comfort starts even before the flight with the airline's airport lounges, winning the top spot in that category too. Spend some time there before your flight and enjoy high-quality food and drink, complimentary magazines and refreshing showers.
With its excellent Economy class and hard-working cabin crew, Korean Air has become one of the top airlines in the world, receiving the award for the Best Long Travel Airline for the Asian continent. However, the airline is also an expert in the cargo service industry, winning Best Cargo Airline as it was committed to transporting vaccines, diagnostic kits and personal protection equipment during the pandemic.
Discover the places where cruise ships, planes, trains and cars go to die
Recognised for its commitment to improving technology, inflight experience and client service, Etihad Airways comes in at third place. The United Arab Emirates' airline is also recognised with the Best Environmental Airlines award for its leadership in the 787 Greenliner programme. Thanks to its eco initiatives, Etihad managed to slash carbon emissions by 56% between 2018 and 2021.
It was announced in February that Air New Zealand would be relaunching 24 international routes, so the award for the Long Haul Travel Pacific category couldn’t have come at a better time. Creature comforts are available across its four flight classes so food, which focuses on the best of produce New Zealand has to offer, is a highlight. The airline has also been praised for its constant innovation and industry leadership.
Recognised for its excellence across the board, the Airline of the Year 2022 is Qatar Airways, mostly thanks to its cabin innovation, passenger service and commitment to continuing operations throughout the pandemic. The airline has rolled out a number of new aircraft in recent years and invested extensively in revamping existing planes, with judges describing Qatar as “the gold standard”. A particular highlight onboard is the food, with Arabic mezze offerings across Economy and Business classes.
Discover how air travel has changed every decade since the 1920s