Southwest voted best US airline by TripAdvisor reviewers
Southwest Airlines has come out top in TripAdvisor’s latest Travelers’ Choice awards for airlines.
The awards, based on TripAdvisor reviews and ratings submitted by travelers worldwide from February 2017 to February 2018, are in their second year.
Last year’s North America winner was Delta Air Lines.
Delta Air Lines was among the six US airlines who won awards this year, alongside Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue and WestJet.
Separate awards for Best Business Class went to JetBlue, while Southwest came top for Best Economy Class.
United Airlines and American Airlines were both noticeably absent from the ‘winners’ list.
Southwest was the only US airline to make the top 10 global list, which was dominated by Asian carriers (see full list below).
The number one airline was Singapore Airlines, which last year was pipped to the post by Emirates.
"We’re thrilled to recognize the global TripAdvisor community’s favorite airlines and shine a spotlight on the carriers around the world that provide the very best flying experiences," said Bryan Saltzburg, senior vice president and general manager for TripAdvisor Flights.
"As the airline industry introduces new fare products and a widening array of in-flight offerings, consumers continue to seek out the carriers that deliver value and a quality experience. The Travelers’ Choice awards for airlines recognize the carriers that exceed passenger expectations and receive top marks from travelers."
Ryan Green, Southwest Airlines vice president and chief marketing officer, added: "It’s an honor to receive several TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards for Airlines including being the only U.S.-based carrier named a top ten airline in the world."
Top 10 Airlines in the World, according to TripAdvisor reviews:
1.Singapore Airlines
2. Air New Zealand
3. Emirates
4. Japan Airlines
5. EVA Air
6. Southwest Airlines
7. Jet2.com
8. Qatar Airways
9. Azul
10. Korean Air
Best First Class: Singapore Airlines
Best Business Class: Qatar Airways
Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand
Best Economy: Singapore Airlines
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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