Book Your Next Flight Carefully
Choosing the right airline feels like decoding a secret language. Sometimes, you're living your best life in a comfy seat with mood lighting, and sometimes, you're wedged between a bathroom and a tray table that refuses to stay level. So, before you book your next flight, let’s help you sort out the best and worst airlines. The first ten can ruin your trip before you even take off.
1. Tunisair
Tunisair’s reputation continues to falter, with travelers regularly citing long delays and poor service (like zero communication). On TripAdvisor, the airline holds a dismal 2 out of 5 rating, which indicates widespread dissatisfaction. Many reviews also highlight inconsistent communication and lackluster onboard experiences.
Christian Volpati on Wikimedia
2. Buzz
Buzz, a subsidiary of Ryanair, has been critiqued for its no-frills approach that sometimes borders on neglect. Travelers have expressed concerns over limited customer support and unexpected fees. Moreover, the airline's minimalistic service model often leaves people feeling underserved.
3. Nouvelair
Flying with Nouvelair can feel like stepping into a time capsule where service hasn’t kept pace with expectations. And when problems arise, the resolution isn’t satisfying. As an airline representing an entire nation’s air travel profile, it’s clear this carrier has work to do in aligning with modern service benchmarks.
4. Bulgaria Air
If you’ve ever flown with Bulgaria Air, you may recall the overwhelming sense that corners are being cut. Reports describe tired cabin interiors, outdated aircraft models, and inconsistent communication. It’s a mismatch of promise and performance.
5. El Al Israel Airlines
El Al has faced criticism over its customer service practices. Passengers have reported challenges in communication and a perceived lack of responsiveness to inquiries. Such experiences can lead to frustration and a sense of being undervalued as a customer.
6. Pegasus Airlines
Budget travelers know Pegasus for its eye-catching fares, but those savings come with trade-offs. Seating is notoriously tight, and passengers frequently describe interactions that feel rushed or indifferent. Moreover, AirlineRatings gives it a 2 out of 5 in terms of customer service.
Markus Eigenheer from Genève on Wikimedia
7. IndiGo
Despite dominating India’s domestic skies, IndiGo isn’t immune to criticism. The airline’s rigid policies and brisk, sometimes dismissive service have led to growing unease among travelers. In an industry built on trust and care, emotional connection still matters, and this airline has a lot to improve.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
8. TAROM
Flying with TAROM is like boarding a remnant of aviation’s past. Aging aircraft, limited cabin upgrades, and a general lack of modern amenities make the trip feel longer than it is. The airline’s hesitation to evolve keeps it stuck in a pattern, so passengers look elsewhere for smoother rides.
9. Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius has faced operational hurdles that have affected its punctuality and service delivery. On top of that, delays without clear reasoning can leave you feeling disconnected. The airline was also ranked as one of the worst airlines in the world (2024) by AirHelp.
10. SKY Express (Greece)
Regional routes require precision, and SKY Express hasn’t quite mastered that. Many people describe cramped seating and surprising fees, and as regional carriers thrive on repeat customers, SKY Express risks losing trust before loyalty can take root.
Now, let’s take a look at ten trusted airlines that understand what it means to take care of passengers.
1. Brussels Airlines
Some airlines simply “get it”—Brussels Airlines is one of them. From gate to cabin, the staff offers a calm, collected service that makes your journey feel seamless. This airline earns trust the old-fashioned way by showing up with grace every step of the way.
2. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is known for its luxurious in-flight experience and exceptional service standards. Travelers often highlight the comfort of the seating and professionalism of the crew. These elements contribute to a consistently high customer satisfaction rate.
Konstantin von Wedelstaedt on Wikimedia
3. United Airlines
Once seen as a carrier in need of reinvention, United Airlines has reintroduced itself to the flying public with a clearer sense of purpose. While no airline is immune to delays, how United responds makes a world of difference.
André Du-pont (Mexico Air Spotters) on Wikimedia
4. American Airlines
Over the past few years, American Airlines has been focused on modernization without losing sight of clear communication and meaningful customer care. If you fly with American often, you’ve likely experienced how their systems have become more intuitive, especially with mobile updates that actually help.
5. Play
Instead of trying to compete with legacy carriers by mimicking their grandeur, Play has chosen a more refreshing path. What passengers love most is how expectations are clearly set and consistently met. You know what you’re paying for, and you get it without runarounds.
Colin Cooke Photo on Wikimedia
6. Austrian Airlines
Flying with Austrian Airlines often feels like stepping into a masterclass in hospitality. Even in the economy, there's an unmistakable attention to the atmosphere. This airline builds its reputation on a series of well-executed small moments.
Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) on Wikimedia
7. LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines stands out by perfecting the essentials. There’s a solid, grounded feel to the way they operate like check-in is orderly and delays are typically managed with refreshing transparency. Even the in-flight experience feels deliberately designed to reduce stress.
8. Air Arabia
Being budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean being bottom-of-the-barrel, and Air Arabia is living proof. For years, they have quietly built a reputation for clean, reliable travel, and that too, consistently. In a budget sector known for unpredictability, that’s a rare luxury.
9. Widerøe
Widerøe is known for its extensive regional network and consistent service delivery. People appreciate the airline's commitment to connecting remote areas with larger hubs. Such dedication enhances accessibility and convenience for passengers.
10. Air Serbia
Air Serbia is one of those airlines that’s made a quiet but steady comeback by focusing on the traveler experience rather than chasing trends. Even during disruptions or tight turnarounds, Air Serbia shines. Agents go the extra mile, and flight staff speak to passengers like family.
