Every two years, the aviation world gathers in Paris to see the latest in technology and get a glimpse of the future of air travel. For frugal travelers, the most important of the show may come from what has been described as “The Oscars of the Aviation Industry:” the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
The World Airline Awards rates the best of the best in the travel industry across several metrics. Honors are measured by a combination of product analysis and traveler ratings, representing an industry benchmark for who provides the best services in the world.
Which airlines walked away as the winners and losers from the event? We looked into the awards and have our list who came away with the best honors and less-than-optimal results.
Winner: Qatar Airways
If ever there was a time Qatar Airways needed a boost, 2017 was the year. Skytrax named the Middle East carrier the best airline in the world, giving them top honors for the best business class, the world’s best first class lounge and the best airline in the Middle East. The carrier also ranked in the top three for best inflight entertainment and world’s best economy class.
The award comes as Qatar faces sanctions from neighboring nations, all but cutting off their access to the rest of the world. Although frugal travelers connecting through Doha may not experience difficulties today, history suggests troubles could be coming in the future.
Loser: America’s Legacy Carriers
The race to the bottom continues for America’s legacy carriers, each only earning three stars from the Skytrax survey. In the latest review, the highest rated American carrier was Delta Air Lines at 32 overall. Rating above them were AirAsia, Norwegian Airlines and Aeroflot.
Meanwhile, American Airlines and United Airlines also stayed in the list of the world’s top 100 airlines, but not by very much. According to the 2017 edition of the survey, American airlines ranked 74 overall, an improvement of three spots from the previous year. Meanwhile, despite the launch of Polaris, United Airlines slid down 10 spots to 78 overall.
Winner: British Airways & Iberia
Although it was speculated British Airways would drop to a three-star rating, the flag carrier remained a four-star airline in the Skytrax ratings. What’s more, their partner in IAG, Iberia, gained a star as well – becoming a four-star airline.
While this is an important win for British Airways, it may not be long lived. Customers rate the airline as a three-star carrier in all respects, including value for money.
Loser: Low Cost Airlines
While low-cost carriers around the world did well, America’s low cost carriers were not among the world’s favorite airlines. JetBlue rated third among the world’s discount flyers, while Virgin America – which will ultimately be absorbed by Alaska Airlines – rated only fifth. Southwest Airlines, America’s largest low cost carrier, rated ninth in the world.
Who rated best among discount carriers in the world? AirAsia and Norwegian Air rated the best in the world, taking the first two spots, respectively. Even though discount carriers charge more in hidden fees, they can still offer a frugal pathway to see the world.
How would you rate the airlines you fly around the world? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com