We are officially entering the travel season as many of us look forward to the long summer vacation. While some may opt for domestic travel like going to Boracay, Cebu or Palawan, many Filipinos still choose to travel overseas. And talking about traveling abroad, we just couldn’t deny the fact that we would usually choose the airline that doesn’t just fit our budget, but also gives the best service and travel convenience. I even have friends who are very particular about the airline they take. If their preferred airline is fully booked, they would rather cancel their trip than taking another airline. This week, I’m giving tribute to the best international airlines that have garnered the best reviews and awards. I also got some information from SKYTRAX, an independent body that recognizes the world’s best airlines through its annual Airline of the Year Award. I have also intentionally excluded the low-cost carriers (LCC) and Philippine-based airline companies in this list to give way to the international carriers that fly to almost all continents except Antarctica.
1. Singapore Airlines
Undoubtedly, when you ask frequent Filipino travelers about their most favorite international airline, they will answer Singapore Airlines. The flag carrier of Southeast Asia’s richest nation has the reputation of having the best customer experience. From the time you book your ticket up to the arrival on your destination, Singapore Airlines truly knows what 5-star service is all about. They allow internet check-in even two days before departure. You may choose your preferred seat online and print your boarding pass to avoid the hassle of queuing at the airport. At Changi Airport, passengers may also print out boarding passes at the Auto Check-In Machines. Last year, Singapore Airlines won the Best Airline First Class award. Its first class cabins are known for having the largest seat in the sky upholstered in fine-grained leather with Mahogany trimmings. Well, you don’t really have to fly first class to experience heaven with Singapore Airlines because even if it’s economy, the service is that of first class.
2. Cathay Pacific
Having won the Airline of the Year award last year, Cathay Pacific has been very consistent with providing excellent product and service to their customers onboard and on-ground. Along with tough rival, Singapore Airlines, this Hong Kong flag carrier also has the qualities of a 5-star airline. Undoubtedly, this airline has the best inflight entertainment across all cabin classes even in the economy class. It is also known for its efficient cabin crew service even amidst complaints from picky passengers. Inflight meals are fairly good for both quality and quantity. Even in economy class, you can grab a Haagen Dazs ice cream for dessert on its Manila-Hong Kong flight. If you’re looking for the best Chinese food in the sky, then Cathay Pacific is the airline of choice.
3. Qatar Airways
It is true: “With Qatar Airways, every journey is a rewarding experience.” Being named as last year’s Best Airline in the Middle East, many Filipinos who traveled with this 5-star airline have good things to say. It has one of the most comfortable economy seats with spacious legroom. It also boasts a state-of-the-art Oryx in-flight entertainment system offering passengers in both Business and Economy Class a choice of more than 700 video and audio options. The interactive service also includes over 150 international movies, 150 international TV programs and more than 50 games and 500 audio CDs to choose from. It is no wonder that it also won last year’s award for the Best Economy Class.
4. Emirates
When it comes to excellent service, comfort and technology, Emirates is definitely the airline to experience. Its newly-designed economy class has one of the most comfortable seating experiences in this cabin class among other airlines. It has provided more space and legroom as well as extra recline for its seats. The airline’s new generation seats also stand out from the rest. Each seat features a personal ICE (information, communications and entertainment) digital widescreen for a groundbreaking inflight entertainment never been experienced in any flight before. Over 1,200 channels of premium entertainment are available to choose from. I’m not surprised that Emirates has been a consistent awardee for the Best Airline Inflight Entertainment in the last six years.
5. Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines is uniquely Korean. Where in the world can you find an airline that offers an onboard make-up service and mask packs for their passengers? Yes, Asiana Airlines’ flight attendants can do that in selected long-haul flights! In some flights, the cabin crew also provide entertainment to passengers like magic shows, face painting and art magic balloon for kids, and programs to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. There’s more – some flights even have fashion shows featuring Korea’s rich and colorful history. Another reason why many Filipinos love to fly Asiana is because of food. The airline partnered with top chefs and restaurants in South Korea to provide one of the most delectable meals in the sky. Asiana has also proven itself to be an airline that cares for the environment. This 5-star airline offers coffee that has been cultivated using environmentally-friendly farming methods. Last year, Asiana emerged triumphant winning the Best Economy Class Catering and the Best Transpacific Airline awards.
For your comments and views, you may e-mail me at high5.harold@gmail.com.
