The world's 15 best airlines, according to experts

The winner takes it all

Forget inedible meals, postage stamp-sized economy seats and sky-high fares – the airline industry has stepped up in 2023. From top-tier comfort and cleanliness to the best customer service and family-friendly facilities, we've rounded up a selection of the winners from last year's Skytrax's World Airline Awards 2023.

Take a look at the airlines pulling out all the stops to make your flying experience that little bit more special.

World’s Most Improved Airline: Kuwait Airways

This award analyses an airline’s progress year-on-year, examining its change in global rating within Skytrax’s World Airline Awards programme and its performance improvements in the individual award categories. Coming out on top as the Most Improved Airline for 2023, Kuwait Airways has been recognised for its customer-first approach and its commitment to service upgrades.

World’s Most Improved Airline: Kuwait Airways

From cabin crew getting swish new uniforms in 2022 to introducing a complimentary chauffeur service for first and business-class passengers, as well as goals of owning 50 aircraft by 2025, Kuwait Airways is going from strength to strength. The national carrier for the state of Kuwait currently operates flights to 60 destinations worldwide, including in Egypt, India, the UK and America.

World’s Cleanest Airline: ANA All Nippon Airways

ANA (All Nippon Airways) is one of the most consistently high-rated airlines both in Asia and worldwide. It picked up the World’s Cleanest Airline award for the third year in a row in 2023, while also holding onto its 2022 crown for the World’s Best Airport Services. Founded in 1952, Japan’s largest airline – although not the national carrier – is one of the most significant airlines in Asia, operating 43 international and  61 domestic routes.

World’s Cleanest Airline: ANA All Nippon Airways

The airline focuses on an excellent in-flight experience infused with hints of Japanese culture. It provides passengers with amazing amenities, food, cleanliness and friendly cabin crew. After two years of tough COVID-19 restrictions, Japan resumed visa-free entry and independent travel in October 2022 – and it looks like ANA is rising to the occasion.

World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew: Garuda Indonesia

Running away with the Best Cabin Crew title, the national carrier for Indonesia is back on form in 2023 after winning the award for five consecutive years from 2014. Garuda Indonesia connects more than 90 destinations worldwide to its home country and the region of Southeast Asia, launching over 600 flights per day.

World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew: Garuda Indonesia

The airline prides itself on sharing Indonesia’s traditional hospitality and unique culture with its passengers. The Skytrax website rates Garuda Indonesia five stars for customer service, with reviews praising the cabin crew’s attentive, welcoming, courteous and compassionate manner.

World’s Best Economy Class: Japan Airlines

Stealing the show for World’s Best Economy Class (and Best Economy Class Airline Seats), Japan Airlines proved to be 2023’s top airline for the everyday traveller. It also won the category in 2019, 2020 and 2021, thanks to its wider-than-average legroom and (the all-important but often overlooked) elbowroom, well-padded seats with generous recline, and top-notch food menus designed by creative chefs.

World’s Best Economy Class: Japan Airlines

Operating almost 200 routes worldwide and serving destinations such as Tokyo, London, Paris, Melbourne, Osaka and Los Angeles, Japan’s national carrier was founded in 1951 and has been building up a significant fan base ever since. Those flying economy with Japan Airlines regularly wax lyrical about how comfortable the seats are, as well as the general smooth-running of the experience.

World’s Best Premium Economy Class: EVA Air

Sweeping up the awards for the World's Best Premium Economy Class, Taiwanese airline EVA Air also took the crown for the best catering in premium economy. Currently one of only 10 5-star airlines according to Skytrax, EVA Air has been quietly excelling in the game for more than 30 years. It was the first airline to introduce premium economy cabins as a bridge between coach and business, and they're still a worthy talking point today.

World’s Best Premium Economy Class: EVA Air

EVA Air's premium economy fares come with at-seat slippers, noise-cancelling headphones, a water bottle, pillow and soft blanket, as well as a complimentary overnight bag. On a long-haul flight, expect the food and drink to come flying thick and fast, from congee for breakfast to snacks of cheese crackers. In mid-2024, the airline is set to update all of its Boeing 787-9s to include a premium economy class due to demand.

World's Best Regional Airline: Bangkok Airways

As well as bagging the Best Regional Airline in Asia award, Bangkok Airways took home first place for the World’s Best Regional Airline. It might not come as a surprise: it's the seventh consecutive year the airline has won both awards. It serves 11 Thai hotspots and a growing number of international destinations, including Cambodia, Singapore, the Maldives, Myanmar, Hong Kong and Laos.

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World's Best Regional Airline: Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways comprises a 30-strong fleet, with each aircraft decorated in their own liveries representing the destinations they fly to. The company's latest generation aircraft, the ATR72-600, includes a full-glass cockpit and larger overhead bins.

Best Regional Airline in North America: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has been running for over 90 years and today services more than 44 million annual passengers and 120-plus destinations across five countries, including the US, Mexico and Belize. It wins North America's Best Regional Airline in 2023, closely followed by jetBlue Airways and last year's winner WestJet in second and third place. The fifth-largest airline in the United States, Alaska Airlines will add its first flights to the Bahamas later this year in time for some winter sun.

Best Regional Airline in North America: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has championed the use of sustainable biofuels since 2011 and was also the first airline to compost and remove single-use plastic straws and citrus picks from its planes and passenger lounges. The future is looking even more revolutionary for the region’s favourite airline, as it has just begun partnering with CLEAR to speed up and streamline its customers' passage through airport security.

World’s Best Low-Cost Airline: AirAsia

This reliable airline has been awarded the World's Best Low-Cost Airline since 2010 and is well-recognised by other industry heavyweights for its budget offerings. The Premium Flatbed seat on its Airbus A330 is considered among the world’s best-value premium cabins, being fully reclinable with adjustable head and foot rests, plus comfy bedding and a privacy screen. Complimentary meals, priority boarding and baggage collection, and access to hours of inflight entertainment are included in the cost too.

World’s Best Low-Cost Airline: AirAsia

The Malaysia-based airline operates flights across its home continent and beyond, with connections to Australia, the US, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan and more. Sign up for the rewards scheme and you can earn AirAsia points on whatever fare you choose, which can then be redeemed against hotels, tours, car hire and even future flights.

World's Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline: Scoot

Scoot, owned by the Singapore Airlines Group, has been awarded first place for budget travellers seeking long-haul destinations for two consecutive years now. The airline's economy class offers three fares: Fly, FlyBag and FlyBagEat. The cheapest fare is Fly, allowing carry-on of up to 10kg (22 pounds) per passenger; FlyBag includes 20kg (44-pound) checked baggage; and FlyBagEat adds on a hot meal.

World's Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline: Scoot

But there's another reason everyone's talking about Scoot. In September 2022, it launched its first Pokémon-themed plane (pictured). The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (or "Pikachu Jet"), with its colourful livery and Japanese-inspired menu, serves selected journeys between Singapore, Taipei, Nanjing, Tokyo and Seoul throughout 2023.

World’s Most Family Friendly Airline: Air Canada

As well as being awarded the World’s Most Family Friendly Airline, Air Canada also came out on top as the best Canadian airline, with the best airline staff in the country. Established in 1937 as Trans-Canada Air Lines, the flag carrier became known as Air Canada from 1965 onwards and is headquartered in Montreal. It currently flies to 51 domestic destinations and 136 international destinations in 57 countries.

World’s Most Family Friendly Airline: Air Canada

Skytrax’s Most Family Friendly Airline Award is a new category for 2023, factoring in how well an airline accommodates families being seated together, how helpful staff are, what dedicated family check-in, baggage and boarding procedures are in place, and the quality of children’s meals, entertainment and amenities. As well as making the lives of guardians and children that little bit easier while in the air, Air Canada also runs the Aeroplan Family Sharing scheme, where up to eight family members can share rewards points.

Best Airline in South America: LATAM

The largest airline in Latin America, LATAM won big across Skytrax's South America categories in 2023, taking gold for both Best Airline and Best Airline Staff Service on the continent. The airline serves Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

Best Airline in South America: LATAM

So what makes LATAM so great? The airline is addressing its sustainability credentials and has pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics onboard its services by the end of this year. It also aims to be zero-waste by 2027 and carbon neutral by 2050. Plus, its range of LATAM Airlines credit cards could see you earn up to 40,000 miles to redeem on flights.

Best Airline in Africa: Ethiopian Airlines

Not only did Ethiopian Airlines rank in the top 40% of Skytrax's list of the best 100 airlines in the world in 2023, but it was also crowned the Best Airline in Africa once again after winning the category for five previous years. The flag carrier of Ethiopia was founded in 1945 and today serves 19 domestic and 114 international destinations. The airline has the youngest and newest fleet across the entire continent, consisting of Boeing's Dreamliners and Triple Sevens as well as Airbus A350s.

Best Airline in Africa: Ethiopian Airlines

There’s a range of cabin types – economy includes complimentary drinks and its luxury Cloud Nine service provides a curated business-class experience. Guests of Cloud Nine can enjoy exclusive lounge access, additional baggage allowance and an even comfier flight with more room to stretch out.

Best Airline in Europe: Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines was founded in 1933 with just five aircraft. Today, it flies to 269 destinations around the world, best summed up by its tag line: “We fly to more countries than any other airline in the world". The national carrier won the sought-after Best Airline in Europe award, as well as the same award for services in Southern Europe.

Best Airline in Europe: Turkish Airlines

The airline offers an incredible culinary service – winning the top award for best catering in both business and economy class in 2023 – and its highly regarded lounge welcomes travellers in Istanbul. It’s regularly commended for being the best long-haul travel experience in Europe, and also serves Africa, North America and Asia.

Best Airline in North America: Delta Air Lines

According to Skytrax, Delta Air Lines is the top airline in North America for the second consecutive year. The accolades don’t stop there – the US-owned airline dominated the major North America categories, taking Best Airline Staff Service, Best Business Class, Best Premium Economy Class and Best Economy Class. It’s one of the world’s oldest airlines and is constantly expanding its network, adding London Gatwick to its roster in 2023 for the first time in 15 years.

Best Airline in North America: Delta Air Lines

But what makes it worth flying with? From check-in to landing there’s a seamless system; its Airport Curbside service (at most US airports) allows you to check in your baggage as soon as you’ve exited your vehicle at passenger drop-off. Its cabins range from Basic Economy to Delta One, where you can enjoy your own flat-bed seat, luxury skincare products and chef-curated meals.

World’s Best Airline Overall: Singapore Airlines

Ranked number one for 2023 in the World’s Top 100 Airlines is Singapore Airlines, making this the fifth time in the accolades’ 23-year history that the Singaporean flag carrier has been crowned the best of the best. It also beat out the competition in several other categories, including Best First Class Comfort Amenities, Best Business Class in Asia and Best Premium Economy Seat in Asia.

World’s Best Airline Overall: Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines knocked 2022’s Airline of the Year Qatar Airways (a seven-time champion) off the top spot to second place this year, though the Middle Eastern carrier still cleaned up in the majority of the business-class categories. The Singapore Airlines Group (which includes the award-winning budget subsidiary airline, Scoot) ferried nearly 21 million passengers across the world last year and achieved its highest-ever monthly passenger load factor in December 2022. Click here to see the full results of the World Airline Awards 2023.

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