The latest Skytrax World Airline Awards, which rank global airlines in a number of categories, are out. And yet again, America is nowhere to be found in the top 10 overall list, nor do any American lines appear in the best economy lists. (However, Richard Branson will be pleased to note that Virgin America gets the number-two spot for world's best low-cost airlines.
1. Qatar Airways
- Hub: Doha International Airport
- Why we love it: Award-winning customer service and amazing seat-back entertainment systems with 2,000-plus options
2. Singapore Airlines
- Hub: Singapore Changi Airport
- Why we love it: Extra-roomy economy-class seating and Wi-Fi onboard; Changi Airport's amenities (hellooo, rooftop pool) on the ground
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
- Hub: Hong Kong International Airport
- Why we love it: In-flight technology, from personal-device streaming to your seatback TV to universal outlets at every seat
4. Turkish Airlines
- Hub: Istanbul Ataturk Airport
- Why we love it: Free stopovers in Istanbul en route to Europe, plus a top-notch airport lounge with massages and a golf simulator
5. Emirates
- Hub: Dubai International Airport
- Why we love it: Connections all over the world, with surprisingly affordable fares from the East Coast, as well as free Wi-Fi
6. Etihad Airways
- Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Why we love it: The countless in-flight amenities, including "do not disturb" sleep masks, toothbrushes, and children's activity sets
7. ANA All Nippon Airways
- Hubs: Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport (Tokyo)
- Why we love it: Comfy economy-class seats (with an unheard-of 34-inch pitch) as well as extra-large seatback screens
8. Garuda Indonesia
- Hubs: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta) and Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali)
- Why we love it: Besides flights to Bali? Top ratings for cabin staff, aircraft cleanliness, and economy-class food options
9. EVA Air
- Hub: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
- Why we love it: Hello Kitty planes (obviously) but also tasty in-flight Taiwanese cuisine like congee for breakfast
10. Qantas
- Hubs: Brisbane Airport, Melbourne Airport, Sydney Airport
- Why we love it: The recently refurbished planes with self-serve snacks. And the accents.
