The Best Airlines of 2010

What’s the world’s best airline? I suppose it’s a matter of taste. Personally, I like an airline that gets me where I’m going - in one piece – for a minimum amount of money.

However, the 25,916 readers of Conde Nast Traveler are somewhat more discriminating.

They rated the airlines – on a scale of “Excellent” to “Poor” on a number of factors including Cabin Comfort, Cabin Service, Entertainment Options, Food/Beverages, and Ticketing/Ground Services.

And here’s what they came up with for world-wide favorites:

Best Global Airlines – Top 5

Notice the winner, Singapore Airlines – it tops almost everyone’s list, year after year.

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Etihad Airways
3. Emirates
4. V Australia
5. Virgin Atlantic

Not familiar with Etihad Airways? I wasn’t either, so I looked them up. Based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, they’ve been around since 2003 and have numerous flights to Europe and Asia (and elsewhere).  Etihad refers to its first class as “Diamond”, business class as “Pearl” and even economy gets a fancy name – “Coral”.

Best North American Airlines – Top 5

And the winners are…

1. Virgin America
2. JetBlue Airways
3. Hawaiian Airlines
4. Alaska Airlines
5. Frontier Airlines

Let’s see, Virgin American tops the North American list, and V Australia and Virgin Atlantic rank in the top five  world favorites. That Richard Branson must be one happy guy, but then he always seems to be having fun, whether being knighted by the Queen and just hanging out at his own private island.

See the entire list of top airlines on the Conde Nast Traveler website.