Amanda PhillipsEveryone has their own idea of the perfect airline and the perfect flight experience, so when the 2014 Global Traveler Reader Survey Awards published its results they made interesting reading. Here are the top airlines, as voted by their readers – do you agree with their winners, or would you have chosen another carrier to scoop the prizes?
1. Best Overall Airline In The World
Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier took the top spot in this most prestigious of categories, overtaking pervious winner Singapore Airlines. Scots will be able to experience the carrier’s award-winning service direct from Edinburgh in 2015, as the national airline of the United Arab Emirates starts its service on 8th June. The service will connect onwards to other destinations in the Gulf region, Asia, Australia and Africa.
Such is Etihad’s dedication to quality of service that it was also voted Number 1 in the Best Airline in the Middle East and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents categories.
2. Best Airline Alliance
Oneworld took top honours in this category. Travellers can ear and redeem points and miles across all member airlines, and there are quite a few – Air Berlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malaysian, Royal Jordanian, TAM, Qantas, Qatar Airlines, S7 and Sri Lankan. With access to more than 600 premium lounges and with a network that covers 6 continents and nearly 1000 destinations, it’s not hard to see why Oneworld crossed the line in first place.
3. Best Business Class
Singapore Airlines have enjoyed a reputation for service excellence for many years, and they remain a travellers’ favourite. In fact, they claim to be the world’s most awarded airline, and they have three more to add to their haul, coming in first place not only in the Business Class category, but also in the categories for Best Business Class Seat Design and Best Airline in Southeast Asia.
Singapore Airlines claims to have raised the bar for Business Class travel, and certainly Global Traveler readers agreed wholeheartedly.
4. Best Airline for International First Class
Emirates has always been an airline innovator, with a reputation for luxurious in-flight offerings and service excellence. Its First Class product garnered most votes in the survey.
With private suites, a shower spa, personal mini bars, a fully-flat bed complete with mattress, and gourmet meals whenever you wish, Emirates’ world-class service is very apparent in their First Class product. And when you arrive refreshed at Dubai Airport, perhaps try a spot of retail therapy, as it was named the winner in the Best Duty Free Shops category in the same awards!
5. Best Airline in Europe
Air Portugal took the prime position in a hard – fought category. While not the largest carrier in Europe, it was the most popular with Global Traveler readers. Its Lisbon hub is a key European gateway and the airline says it’s dedicated to offering customers the best possible travel options, something which is exemplified by its continuously – expanding network, including more destinations in South America, Europe and Africa.
Barrhead Travel has specially-negotiated fares with all of these award-winning airlines, and we can help you get to your destination easily and cost – effectively from the UK. Just give our flight consultants a call to see how we can save you time and money.