Singapore Airlines Named World's Best Airline of 2019
Singapore Airlines is the world's best airline for 2019 – at least according to AirlineRatings.com. The flag carrier of Singapore ousted five-year champion Air New Zealand, which has held the coveted title since 2014 and which still claimed second place this year. In comparison, not a single European or North American carrier made it into the Top 10 roster.
The Perth-based website stated that "Singapore Airlines came out number one in many of our audit criteria" during the AirlineRankings.com Annual Excellence Awards Tuesday. The audit, annually conducted by the publication's seven editors, involves a detailed process that evaluates 12 major factors including fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings and staff relations.
This year, Singapore Airlines edged out runners-up Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways and Qatar Airways for its "industry-leading in-flight service" as well as its new fleet additions, such as the world's first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-900 ULR. Singapore Air also earned praise for its updated interiors, for its commitment to operation safety, and for its relaunch of the longest commercial flight in the world: non-stop service between Singapore and New York. The premium Singapore Suites product also clinched the airline another prize: the prestigious First Class award.
But just because Singapore shone in this year's rankings doesn't mean that Air New Zealand fell far short. The flagship carrier of New Zealand claimed the Best Premium Economy and Best Airline Pacific awards, with high praise from AirlineRanking.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas. "Air New Zealand is one of the few airlines in the world to have an investment grade credit rating, is a staunch supporter of its home country and has been enjoying a healthy expansion in both its domestic and international market, Thomas said. "Its overall product is superb, and its business class bed is outstanding."
First-time winner Qatar Airways claimed titles for Best Catering, deemed "quite exceptional even in economy class," as well as Best Business Class for its Qsuite product, while Australian Qantas won Best Domestic Airline Service and Best Lounges awards. Meanwhile, Korean Air claimed Best Economy for its spacious cabins and comfortable, 34-inch pitch seating.
In ranked order, these are the Top 10 Airlines of 2019:
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | Earn 2X miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere |
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- Simple earning structure
- Bonus categories
- Annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options, including transfer partners
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Fewer bonus categories than some competitors
- Lacks premium perks
- Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app