Flying High Or Falling Flat
Air travel has changed a lot in the last decade, and not always in the way passengers hoped. Some airlines finally listened to complaints and invested in friendlier staff, smoother check-ins, and cabins that don’t feel like cramped buses in the sky. Others seem determined to test just how much discomfort a traveler can tolerate before swearing them off forever. So, first, here are ten airlines that have had a major glow-up in recent years.
Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia
1. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has steadily raised the bar by introducing its Qsuite, a business-class experience designed with sliding doors that give travelers a rare sense of privacy in the skies. Passengers also notice the little luxuries, such as upgraded cabin meals that turn flights into something closer to fine dining even in economy.
2. Turkish Airlines
Travelers often notice how Turkish Airlines keeps stretching its wings wider, now flying to over 120 countries and offering unmatched global reach. The introduction of modern wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has elevated the flying experience even further.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
3. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has built a reputation for reliability, consistently ranking high in on-time performance that travelers can count on. Its fleet has been modernized with the addition of Airbus A350s and A220s. In short, a commitment to in-flight entertainment shines through as every cabin comes equipped with seatback screens.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
4. Singapore Airlines
Travelers associate Singapore Airlines with elegance, and its recent improvements only reinforce that image. The A380 first-class suites now feature sliding doors and double beds, creating one of the best private cabins in the world. Plus, flight attendants trained in premium service ensure consistently attentive care.
Damien Aiello, room added by Jebulon on Wikimedia
5. Air France
Air France has reintroduced an elegant cabin design for its long-haul flights, giving passengers a refined sense of comfort in the air. The airline has also improved punctuality, strengthening its reliability across routes. And on the ground, flagship lounges in Paris delight passengers with unique touches like wine tasting and spa facilities.
6. United Airlines
Polaris business-class lounges have become a standout feature at United Airlines’ major U.S. hubs. It has also retrofitted its wide-body aircraft, while long-haul passengers now benefit from the Premium Plus premium economy cabin. At the same time, United has expanded both transatlantic and transpacific routes.
Colin Cooke Photo on Wikimedia
7. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has gradually restored its services following the strict travel restrictions in Hong Kong, bringing back consistency for international passengers. Lounges in Hong Kong and other major cities have been refurbished, and in-flight menus have also been refined.
Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland on Wikimedia
8. Aer Lingus
Expanded direct flights from Ireland to North America have strengthened Aer Lingus’s role as a convenient transatlantic carrier. Its strong loyalty program partnerships continue to attract frequent flyers, and the airline’s Dublin hub has been enhanced into a reliable connecting gateway.
Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) on Wikimedia
9. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines maintains a strong reputation for reliability and a consistently friendly crew. Free in-flight messaging for all passengers adds to the convenience, supported by seamless Wi-Fi across the fleet. Plus, its Mileage Plan continues to stand out as one of the most rewarding loyalty programs.
10. Virgin Atlantic
Airbus A350s with newly designed Upper Class suites have elevated Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul travel experience, combining comfort with style. Eco-conscious initiatives, including ambitious biofuel projects, also show a clear commitment to sustainability.
Now, here are ten airlines that are constantly sliding in the opposite direction.
1. Ryanair
Ryanair has earned a reputation for its aggressive hidden fees, often leaving passengers shocked by additional charges, especially for carry-on baggage. On top of that, the cramped seating offers little comfort, with minimal recline, making even short flights feel like a struggle.
2. Spirit Airlines
Flying with Spirit Airlines often feels like navigating a maze of hidden fees, from charges for seat selection to unexpected baggage costs. Reliability is another stumbling block, as delays and cancellations are frequent, causing travel plans to unravel.
Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia
3. American Airlines
This airline has been facing growing scrutiny as its basic economy fares continue to eliminate essential perks like seat selection and priority boarding. Cabin crew service is also hit or miss, with experiences ranging from great to mediocre. To make matters worse, some aging aircraft are still in service.
4. Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s reputation has been severely impacted by frequent strikes among crew and staff, which have disrupted schedules and caused chaos for travelers. And when it comes to long-haul business class, Lufthansa has been slow to update cabins, falling behind competitors in offering a premium experience.
5. British Airways
British Airways has had its share of setbacks, from persistent IT glitches causing widespread cancellations to ongoing baggage handling failures that leave passengers without their luggage. Some airport lounges also feel stuck in the past.
6. JetBlue Airways
Once a favorite for its comfort, JetBlue Airways has struggled with reliability in recent years, with rising cancellations and delays that have left passengers frustrated. Its older aircraft show signs of aging, with dated cabin interiors that fail to meet modern standards.
7. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines, long known for its low-cost fares and simple service, is now notorious for operational meltdowns. Frequent flyers, in particular, are growing weary of the airline’s refusal to adopt assigned seating, something that many competitors have already implemented.
8. Frontier Airlines
Flying with Frontier Airlines often feels like navigating a maze of hidden fees. From charges for carry-ons to even a simple bottle of water, the airline’s additional costs pile up quickly. Beyond the fees, cabin comfort is consistently ranked among the lowest in North America.
9. Air India
Air India’s long-standing issues continue to plague its reputation despite ownership changes meant to usher in a new era. Passengers often find themselves navigating outdated, poorly maintained cabin interiors that leave much to be desired in terms of comfort and aesthetics.
José Luis Celada Euba on Wikimedia
10. EgyptAir
Travelers flying with EgyptAir often encounter a series of disappointments that detract from their overall experience. Outdated cabins remain a common sight across the fleet. On top of that, long-haul flights are marked by a distinct lack of in-flight amenities.
