Sky-High Service Showdown
Flying isn’t just about reaching your destination but also about the experience in between. Flight attendants play a bigger role than we often admit — those warm smiles that instantly put anxious travelers at ease or chilly stares that can sour a dream getaway. Here, we spotlight airlines where passengers rave about the kindness and others where complaints paint a very different picture. But before we get to those with the best attendants, let’s see those that are disliked.
Brussels Airport/Aéroport de Bruxelles/Luchthaven Brussel on Wikimedia
1. Spirit Airlines
DOT complaint data show Spirit triggering some of the highest customer‐service grievances in the U.S. Reviewers on Trust pilots use words like “rude” or “hostile” to describe them, and TikTok doubles down with viral clips of crew members in fiery face-offs with passengers.
2. Ryanair
Rude and unhelpful—two words used to describe staff members on Trustpilot. On Skytrax, reviews repeatedly cite irritated cabin crew who rush passengers through service. Add in a crew that pushes scratch cards and extras mid-flight, and you’ll get some annoyed customers.
3. Aeroflot
Aeroflot’s formal, old-school Soviet training creates an ultra-strict, no-smiles vibe, but that’s just the beginning. Reviewers on TripAdvisor mention how the crew responds to requests with visible frustration or disapproval. Then there are language barriers on international flights, which may lead to rude-feeling misinterpretations.
4. United Airlines
You've probably seen viral YouTube clips showing United crew in heated passenger confrontations. If you haven't, customers on Skytrax reviews calling the service robotic and getting "worse each year" may convince you. DOT data even shows that they stack up thousands of complaints annually.
5. British Airways
Some passengers come expecting British politeness, but get passive-aggressive instead. TripAdvisor users increasingly describe BA cabin crew as snobbish or condescending, while Trustpilot shows preferential treatment for business class. Also, Redditors recount crew sighing or making sarcastic remarks over small requests.
Steve Lynes from Sandshurst, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
6. Southwest Airlines
Long-time customers claim service has slipped dramatically from its once-iconic friendliness. DOT reports show rising complaints accusing Southwest crews of sarcastic or snappy attitudes, and frequent flyers on Reddit say that staff jokes now feel “forced” or “mocking.”
7. Frontier Airlines
A top issue for Frontier customers, according to DOT complaints, is rude staff attitude. Head to Trustpilot and you’ll find travelers claiming attendants respond with eye-rolls or sarcasm about baggage fees. Plus, the airline’s strict carry-on policy turns flight attendants into fee-collecting enforcers.
8. Air India
ConsumerAffairs reviews often mention crew that ignore passengers, or speak bluntly without apology. Their attendants also hold a reputation for disappearing during long flights instead of answering call buttons. And when some passengers make complaints, they get shrugs rather than solutions.
9. EasyJet
Rushed, blunt, and unfriendly—these aren’t the hardest phrases to find when checking out Skytrax feedback on EasyJet crew. Trustpilot users also say staff often act irritated when explaining carry-on rules. Some passengers add that even asking for water earns a hard stare or sigh.
10. Jet2
Trustpilot reviewers can tell you about the rudeness and sharp tongues of Jet2 staff, especially on delayed flights. Holiday crowds heading to party spots like Ibiza tend to push crew patience to the edge, and even during routine service like drink rounds, some flyers sense irritation.
Now, let’s go over to the airlines that keep flyers in the best spirits.
1. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines enjoys a consistent No. 1 ranking by Skytrax for cabin crew friendliness and polished service. It's not just about their iconic uniforms—Business Insider reveals their staff are trained to treat passengers with respect and care.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
2. Japan Airlines
While Japan Airlines holds a prestigious 5-star rating from Skytrax, it also looks good on TripAdvisor reviews, where you find exceptionally low complaints about staff attitude. In-flight meals here can include Japanese wagyu beef or seasonal cherry blossom desserts, perfecting the experience.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
3. Emirates
2025 saw Skytrax list Emirates in the top 20 in its “World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew” rankings. Flyers also enjoy calm and caring attendants even on 16-hour flights, according to praises on TripAdvisor. The staff’s red hats and lipstick have become a viral uniform trend online.
Maarten Visser from Capelle aan den IJssel, Nederland on Wikimedia
4. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Attendants here dim the lights to mimic sunrise and sunset to reduce jet lag, and Trustpilot reviewers mention crew going “above and beyond” to help even economy passengers. The airline scored in the top three for staff service worldwide on Skytrax.
Alan Wilson from Peterborough, Cambs, UK on Wikimedia
5. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has won Skytrax's “World’s Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East” multiple times. On TripAdvisor, their crew gets praised as exceptionally gentle, polite, and patient. As part of a warm cultural ritual, some passengers have attendants serve them Arabic coffee in tiny cups.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
6. Cathay Pacific
Attendants here don’t just serve Hong Kong-style milk tea and dim sum; they are genuinely caring and anticipate needs, according to TripAdvisor. The crew undergoes etiquette training so strict that they're even told how to place their hands while standing.
7. Virgin Atlantic
TripAdvisor reviews highlight Virgin Atlantic staff for friendly banter and upbeat energy throughout flights. Their signature red outfits were designed by Vivienne Westwood to look bold and fashion-forward. Some long-haul jets even include an actual walk-up bar where crew joke and mingle with guests.
8. EVA Air
Skytrax scores EVA Air highly for polite, calm, and gentle service styles, especially in economy. Trustpilot reviewers say attendants are respectful and smiling. The crew sometimes hand out collectible character playing cards to passengers during boarding.
9. Turkish Airlines
Attendants bring Turkish delight to each passenger shortly after takeoff as a signature welcome. The staff has been praised on TripAdvisor as gracious and “unusually generous with help,” and Skytrax has repeatedly included the airline in its top 10 for excellent cabin service.
10. Air New Zealand
The humor, kindness, and relaxed service style of Air New Zealand crew have been noted in TripAdvisor reviews. Also, Skytrax has recognized them for the best staff service in Australia/Pacific multiple times. Attendants sometimes crack jokes over the PA.
