Qatar Airways soaring high as the best airline in 2024. Picture: Supplied
According to AirlineRatings.com, Qatar Airways is the best airline for 2024 providing evidence that despite increasing traveller complaints, many of the world’s carriers have soared above and beyond expectations.
The U.S.Transportation Department recently reported receiving nearly 97,000 complaints from air travellers in 2023, the highest number since 2020.
These complaints varied across both US and foreign carriers covering various issues, including delays, cancellations and inadequate accommodation for disabled passengers.
Lynette Machiri, customer experience leader at Flight Centre South Africa, said that there are always going to be ups and downs when it comes to air travel but it’s pleasing to see how much effort many leading global carriers are putting into maximising the traveller experience.
These are the world’s best airlines for 2024. Flight Centre assessed its customer feedback to validate reasons why these airlines are passing the customer feedback test with flying colours.
Qatar Airways
As mentioned, Qatar Airways was ranked first as the best airline by AirlineRatings.com.
According to Flight Centre data, Doha is the primary destination for South Africans flying with Qatar Airways. The airline offers two daily flights from OR Tambo and one daily flight from Cape Town, both to Hamad International Airport.
Qatar Airways appeals to travellers due its modern fleet, its Qsuite business class offering fully flat beds, direct aisle access, private spaces for groups, complimentary amenity kits and noise-cancelling headphones for business and first-class passengers.
Korean Air
In second place when it comes to world rankings is Korean Air. Though the airline doesn’t operate any flights from OR Tambo or Cape Town International Airport, it is possible to catch connecting flights from various destinations, such as flying with Emirates to Dubai and connecting with Korean Air to Seoul.
According to the local travel agency, the airline consistently ranks highly in customer satisfaction, achieving first place in the Global Customer Satisfaction Index for 19 consecutive years.
Whilst its also renowned for its exceptional service, particularly in economy class, the airline offers generous seat pitches, comfortable seating, and various in-flight entertainment options.
Cathay Pacific Airways
In third place, is Cathay Pacific Airways. The airline’s most popular flight is a direct service operating from Johannesburg to Hong Kong International Airport three times a week.
According to Flight Centre, the airline’s appeal lies in its recent upgrades, including fully flat beds in business class, improved in-flight entertainment systems and a focus on quality dining options.
The airline is committed to sustainability, pledging to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Air New Zealand
Fourth is Air New Zealand which does not currently offer a service to local shores.
However, South Africans can experience the airline’s hospitality when catching a connecting flight to New Zealand from Perth or Hong Kong, thanks to the airline’s codeshare partnership with South African Airways.
The travel agency said the airline has been named the world’s safest airline in 2024, has one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets globally and is renowned for its creative marketing strategies, including humorous and engaging safety videos that have gained international acclaim.
Emirates
Emirates ranked fifth. It operates three daily flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, two daily flights between Dubai and Cape Town and daily flights between Dubai and Durban.
The travel agency said it is renowned for its luxurious cabin offerings, particularly in first and business class.
Passengers can access over 5,000 channels of movies, TV shows and music, making it one of the most comprehensive entertainment systems available in commercial aviation.
Singapore Airlines
Though Singapore Airlines is not in the top 5 world’s best airlines from AirlineRatings.com, it certainly deserves a mention as South Africans favourite airline.
The carrier operates a daily non-stop flight to Singapore’s Changi Airport from OR Tambo. Highlights of the airline include, the airline’s cabin crew who undergo extensive training on cultural sensitivity, wine appreciation and etiquette.
It’s average aircraft age of just seven years and has won the Skytrax Best Airline award five times.
In conclusion, Machiri said that these airlines have demonstrated resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction over the years.
“They’ve consistently invested in modern fleets, groundbreaking cabin designs, exceptional service, and sustainable practices.
“Flight Centre’s travel experts feel privileged to be able to connect our clients with these trusted air carriers that share our dedication to creating seamless journeys,” she said.