THE BRIEF
My list of top airlines is a bit subjective so I try to mix in more detailed analyses by some top magazines dealing with the topic. SKYTRAX is widely followed by many each year for its “Best Of” Awards. I also looked at other models for comparison such as AIRLINERATINGS, TRAVELANDLEISURE and CONDÉNASTTRAVELLER.
My list includes airlines that are found pretty much in everyone’s top ten list. This year some airlines changed position on the list which is most often based on readers’ choice. It’s possible that Post-Covid flying had something to do with that. Not all airlines are fully operational and some destinations and routes remain closed.
Qatar Airways took the top spot in many of the choice awards this year. I’ve heard from friends and read numerous articles about great service and food as well as nice seats in business class. I personally have not flown them recently and so I’ve kept my top choice Singapore Airlines for 2022.
Some information I do have for readers that I’ve either uncovered during my research or experienced myself through the year follows in the Debrief.
THE DEBRIEF
Qatar apparently has a habit of changing your aircraft at the very last moment. The aircraft you booked and expected to fly on may not be the one you actually experience. A different aircraft means you won’t get the kind of seat you expected. Delta Airlines, someone I always relied on upon in North America, changed my flight months ahead of time. The modified flight would have left me stranded at an airport with no way of getting to my destination. After months of pointing this out to them, they finally did the right thing and refunded my money. That experience has tarnished my overall view of this carrier but I still feel they are in general the better carrier in North America.
Just a personal note on Korean Air. My Best Business Class Award goes to them. Their service and amenities on the A380 are second to none. The A380 is my top pick for long-haul flights. Sadly, hard to come by these days.
HERE ARE MY BEST AIRLINES OF 2022
1. SINGAPORE AIRLINES
2. QATAR AIRWAYS
3. EMIRATES AIRLINES
4. ETIHAD AIRLINES
5. ANA ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS
HONORABLE MENTION
1. KOREAN AIR
2. EVA AIR
3. VIRGIN ATLANTIC (SEE MY LATEST UPDATE)
TOP NORTH AMERICAN AIRLINE
1. DELTA AIRLINES
