Just in time for summer, and travel season, Point Hacks has released a ranking of Australia’s favourite airlines, as rated by 1686 frequent flyers and members of the Point Hacks community.
Point Hacks members were asked to nominate their favourite seat and service experience across categories including first-class, business-class, premium economy and economy from the world’s top 15 airlines.
Out of 11 major airlines, Emirates took out the prize for best first-class seat and service, with 37 per cent of the total vote, closely followed by Singapore Airlines.
While NSW voters preferred Emirates as the top choice for first-class carriers, Victorians preferred Singapore Airlines. Still, the southern state’s preferences mattered little nationwide, as, once all states’ votes were tallied, Emirates landed on top (37 per cent), followed by Singapore (29 per cent), Etihad (13 per cent) and Qatar (10 per cent).
Rounding out the top five first-class carriers, right behind the Middle Eastern heavyweights was Australia’s own Qantas, with five per cent of the national vote.
Singapore Airlines was ranked the best business class service and seat with 29 per cent of the frequent flyer’s votes. Coming in a close second, with 21 per cent of the vote was Emirates, followed by Qatar Airways in third (14 per cent), Qantas (12 per cent), Etihad Airways (six per cent) and Cathay Pacific (six per cent).
Qantas had a win in the best premium economy seat and service category, beating out Singapore Airlines (24 per cent) and our ‘bros’ across the ditch, Air New Zealand (12 per cent). Virgin Australia came in fourth with nine per cent of the total vote and Cathay Pacific in fifth place backed by eight per cent of voters.
And the best economy airline was – drum roll, please – Singapore Airlines! Hailed for its impressive entertainment options, comfortable seats and for offering the widest range of meals, Singapore were chosen by 29 per cent of voters. In second place, with 17 per cent of votes, was Qantas; then, sharing a tied fourth place, were Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia with seven per cent of votes. Air New Zealand snuck in just behind them, chosen by six per cent of frequent flyers.
Did any of these results shock you? Or might they help inform your decision the next time you book a flight? On which airlines have you had your best and worst experiences?
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