International airlines have paved the way for global travelling and unlocked lesser-known parts of the world to the masses. Unlike their short-haul cousins, the best airlines in the world strive to offer the highest levels of service possible. What dictates the best airlines to fly with is rarely down to just price, but rather the experience as a whole.
Skytrax, the aviation research expert, has gathered airline customers’ top picks and created a list of the best international airlines. The list is considered the Passengers Choice Awards because it reflects real experiences and feedback, and the data is compiled from over 21 million responses to their specially made survey. Generally speaking, the list of top international airlines has not changed much over the last decade.
Once again, Asian and Middle-Eastern carriers dominated the list with US international airlines struggling to break into the top 40.
Let’s look at who made the list for 2021’s Best Airlines in the World
Airline of the Year 2021 – Qatar Airways
Established in 1993, Qatar Airways has risen to be one of the best international airlines in a relatively short period. They now offer flight to 140 locations around the world spanning Europe, America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
Qatar Airways is renowned for its superb service. A trip aboard one of their planes leaves customers feeling ready and relaxed, which has helped them become the best international airline. On top of that, they also won the prizes for World’s Best Business Class, the World’s Best Business Class Seats and the Best Airline in the Middle East.
World’s Best Cabin Staff – Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is synonymous with exceptional quality and customer service. Their iconic Singapore Girl is a reminder to all travellers of the level of detail that the international airline strives for. From comfy seats to exceptional food, nothing is spared on board their flights.
They offer a travel network that spans six continents and has one of the youngest fleets among the world’s best airlines. As per Skytrax’s other awards, Singapore Airlines clinched the accolades of World’s Best First Class, the Best Airline in Asia and the World’s Best First Class Seat.
World’s Cleanest Airline – ANA All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways, ANA, was founded in the 1950s and has grown to be the largest airline in Japan. They signed up to the Star Alliance in 1999 and now have one of the most extensive frequent flyer programs among the top airlines in the world.
As well as being one of the top 10 airlines in the world, and having maintained its third-place ranking, ANA is also the largest carrier of the Boeing 787 and has the biggest wide-body plane in the world among its fleet. To top off their success, ANA also won a variety of other airline awards, including the best business class in Asia and the best onboard catering for business-class. In the midst of the pandemic, they have also won the award for World’s Cleanest Airline.
World’s Best Airline for Inflight Entertainment – Emirates
Operating out of Dubai, Emirates came from humble beginnings. Starting with just two aircraft in 1985, they have expanded to more than 230 aircraft and fly to over 80 countries around the world. The Emirates brand is known for the luxury interior of its craft, excellent service of their staff and their outstanding onboard food. As well as being one of the best airlines for international flights, Emirates also won an award for having the best inflight entertainment, making it perfect for long-haul flights.
With more than 1,500 flights leaving Dubai every week, they are one of the most active international airlines in the world.
World’s Best Economy Class – Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines, the second winner hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun, was founded in 1951. A member of the oneworld alliance since 2007 and flies to more than 300 airports across over 50 countries.
Besides its spot at the 5th Airline of the Year, Japan Airlines has also been named the World`s Best for High Quality Products and Services in Economy Class. Their economy class seats, which have been selected No.1 the best in the world, are
designed to ensure that customers on all classes are are able to experience premium services at reasonable rates.
Who else made the list of best international airlines across different categories?
The World’s Top 10 Airlines of 2021
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- EVA Air
- Qantas Airways
- Hainan Airlines
- Air France
The World’s Best Cabin Staff 2021
- Singapore Airlines
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Thai Airways
- Garuda Indonesia
- Japan Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- EVA Air
- Asiana Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Qatar Airways
The World’s Cleanest Airline Cabins 2021
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- EVA Air
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Asiana Airlines
- Korean Air
- Hainan Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
The World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines 2021
- AirAsia
- Southwest Airlines
- Scoot
- Vueling Airlines
- IndiGo
- EasyJet
- Jetstar Airways
- Ryanair
- Jetstar Asia
- Flynas
The World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airlines 2021
- Scoot
- Jetstar Airways
- Air Canada rouge
- LEVEL
- French Bee
The World’s Most Improved Airlines 2021
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- RwandAir
- JetSmart
- Vistara
- Vueling Airlines
- Scoot
- Xiamen Airlines
- Flynas
- Air France
- Turkish Airlines
The Best Airline Inflight Entertainment 2021
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Qantas Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Air France
If you are looking for the best airlines for international flights, you can’t go wrong with choosing any from the above. All of the international airlines mentioned offer outstanding service, great food, and in-flight entertainment services to defeat even the worst boredom. Treat yourself on your next international flight.
