The World's Best International Airlines

The air travel industry has grown to unprecedented size. It has also gone through much transformation to accommodate the ever-increasing number of passengers, whose priorities vary greatly from price, seat comfort and baggage fees. The business of reasonable flights has expanded so much, prizes and honors are now bestowed every year. The World Airline Awards, the so-called "Oscars" of the industry, were held at Farnborough Airshow, and the world's Top 100 Airlines in 2016, were announced. Airline customers around the world were the voters.

Emirates was voted the best airline in 2016 by Skytrax World Airline Awards. This is a great improvement considering in 2015 they were ranked 5^th. The airline offers flights to over 150 destinations, including Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, The Americas and The Middle East.

Only moving down one slot since 2015, Qatar Airways still remains in the Top 5. Explore more than 150 places worldwide. Some of their new destinations for 2017 include Auckland in New Zealand, Nice in France, Lusaka in Zambia and Sarajevo in Bosnia. They offer world-class service and a luxurious travel experience that is tailored to meet the travel experience of the guests onboard.

Dropping two slots since 2015, Singapore Airlines is the third best airline in the world. The airline flies to Europe, North and South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Americas and Africa. They provide over 1,000 movies, music, television programs, and games onboard to keep you and your kids occupied during the flight.

Cathay Pacific Airways has earned their No. 4 ranking. They are the flag carrier of Hong Kong, and they operate scheduled passenger and cargo services to about 200 destinations in countries such as Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Enjoy their inflight freshly brewed coffee, signature noodles, and tasty treats, as well as their variety of entertainment options.

This airline improved over the last year, making its way from number 7 to 5. It is the only Japanese airline to receive a 5-star rating from Skytrax. ANA prides themselves on their extensive network, which flies to destinations such as Bangkok, New York and all of Asia, and on offering "the finest dining experience."

This airline remains consistent as it ranked No. 6 in 2015 and in 2016. It is the second largest airline of the UAE, operating more than 1,000 flights per week to destinations such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and The Middle East. Onboard enjoy the latest blockbuster movies, top-rated dramas, 16 bespoke radio channels, audio books and interactive games for all ages.

This is the national flag carrier airline of Turkey. Although it is still in the top 10, this year, Turkish Airlines dropped from 4 to 7. It flies to 133 countries and offers delicious Turkish and world cuisine onboard. Take advantage of their infight entertainment – movies, music, internet and a USB connection connected to your entertainment screen.

The Taiwanese international airline offers services to over 40 international destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. EVA flies with Hello Kitty Jets as well, which have been very popular. The company even operates seven second-generation editions of the specially painted planes on routes within Asia, to Paris and Houston.

The flag carrier of Australia and its largest airline by fleet size and international flights has moved up one spot since 2015. Qantas was voted Australia's favorite domestic and international airline at the 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards. Passengers describe their experience as "very pleasant" when it comes to everything from seats to money value and entertainment.

The largest German airline has often been referred to as one of the best in the industry. It was ranked 12th in the world last year, and it is 10th now. Lufthansa transported 107.7 million passengers in 2015, a new record and an increase of 1.6 percent over the previous year. The company had invested heavily in the improvement of its offers and services –new aircrafts, cabin refurbishment in all classes, and improvements to on-board services.

The airline has slipped three spots since 2015. The company gets very high remarks for customer service. The ground crew and flight attendants are always described as kind and friendly. People also like it for legroom, seat comfort and values for the money. Garuda Indonesia operates non-stop flights to about 40 domestic and 20 international destinations across Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Europe.

The Chinese airline, the fourth largest in the country, has moved from 22nd to 12th in just 12 months. Starting December 2, they will offer a non-stop flight from Beijing to Las Vegas, the first-ever such service. Customers give the company very good reviews in almost all areas, but note that the airline needs to improve its in-flight entertainment and ground service.

Thailand's national carrier has stepped up its game over the last year. In 2015, the airline ranked 19th overall, but it picked up the Best Economy Class award. Passengers give the company high ratings for in-flight entertainment, seat comfort (seat recline is a generous 6 inches, with a 32 inch pitch), staff service, value for money, and food and beverage options.

Air France has been in business since 1933. The company has always been highly regarded. Air France–KLM is one of the largest airline companies on the Old Continent. In 2015 the airline transported more than 79 million passengers. Over the last several years, Air France has been criticized by travelers for poor customer service. Yet, the company moved up one spot in the ranking since last year.

The flag carrier airline of Switzerland mostly flies in Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia. Customers like the company for the good prices it offers and staff service, but don't really recommend it for long-haul flights in economy, according to reviews on Air Quality. Still, Swiss Air has been in the Top 20 in the world for at least six years in a row.