Brooke In The Air Travel's Subjective Ranking
Experience-based rankings of premium airlines evaluated on value, service, safety, luxury, and reputation.
Brooke in the Air: A Subjective Ranking of the World’s Best Airlines
These rankings reflect Brooke’s personal, experience-based perspective, informed by industry research and long-haul travel. Airlines are evaluated on Value, Service, Safety, Luxury, and Reputation. This list is intentionally subjective.
1. Emirates
No surprise here. Emirates consistently competes for the top global airline position, often rotating with Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines depending on the year and category. Across value, service, safety, luxury, and reputation, Emirates remains exceptional.
The airline has invested heavily in luxury, particularly through its A380 fleet—the largest in the world at 125 aircraft. From onboard bars to first-class showers, Emirates has redefined long-haul indulgence.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) functions primarily as a global transfer hub, with approximately 80% of passengers connecting onward. Dubai is currently constructing Al Maktoum International (DWC), which is planned to become the world’s largest and most technologically advanced airport, eventually replacing DXB entirely.
Value Rating: ★★★★★ (Extremely High)
2. Singapore Airlines
This was a difficult decision—Singapore Airlines could easily swap places with Emirates.
Singapore Suites, available exclusively through the KrisFlyer program on select A380 routes (including Singapore–Toronto), are widely regarded as the pinnacle of commercial aviation luxury. Features include Ferrari-designed leather swivel chairs, a fold-down twin-size bed, private suites, and tablet-controlled service with direct galley communication.
Even outside first class, Singapore’s business-class product remains one of the most refined and comfortable in the industry.
Value Rating: ★★★★½ (Very High)
3. Etihad Airways
Etihad may operate one of the smallest fleets among global premium carriers, but what it lacks in size it compensates for in exclusivity and refinement.
Based in Abu Dhabi and unaffiliated with any major airline alliance, Etihad specializes in long-haul luxury, particularly aboard its A380s. The legendary Residence—now sold as a first-class upgrade (USD $5,000–$10,000 depending on route)—offers unparalleled space, even without the pre-COVID butler service.
Comfort across all cabins exceeds expectations, including economy class.
Value Rating: ★★★★★ (Extremely High)
4. STARLUX Airlines
STARLUX is Taiwan’s newest international carrier and has quickly become its unofficial luxury flag carrier, alongside China Airlines and EVA Air.
The airline sets a new standard for futuristic design, culinary excellence, and premium service. Its flagship lounge at Taoyuan International Airport feels more like a high-end gallery than an airline terminal.
STARLUX is widely viewed as a textbook example of how to launch a startup airline correctly—intentional, polished, and uncompromising.
Value Rating: ★★★★½ (Very High)
5. Lufthansa
Germany’s flagship airline offers precision, consistency, and understated luxury.
Based primarily in Frankfurt (FRA) with a major hub in Munich (MUC), Lufthansa blends traditional hospitality with modern innovation. The newly introduced Allegris cabin offers five distinct business-class seating options, including closed-door suites and family-oriented configurations.
First-class passengers departing Frankfurt enjoy a private terminal and chauffeur service, a rare privilege even among elite carriers. Lufthansa’s Star Alliance partnerships also allow United PlusPoints upgrades, adding exceptional value.
Update: Lufthansa now operates the A380 between Munich and San Francisco.
Value Rating: ★★★★★ (Extremely High)
6. United Airlines
United ranks lower only because of intense competition from Middle Eastern and Asian carriers.
Based on extensive personal experience and research, United delivers outstanding value, especially for frequent flyers. The Polaris cabin—and upcoming Polaris Suites—features Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, destination-inspired menus, and pajamas on ultra-long-haul routes.
MileagePlus, co-branded credit cards, and PlusPoints upgrades make United one of the most rewarding airlines for loyal travelers.
Value Rating: ★★★★★ (Extremely High)
Honorable Mentions
7. Qatar Airways
A Oneworld member often praised for its Qsuite, widely considered the gold standard in business class. However, Qatar is frequently criticized for equipment swapping, inconsistent customer service, and operational unpredictability.
You may book a Qsuite and end up on an older A330 configuration instead.
Value Rating: ★★★ (Moderate)
8. Cathay Pacific
Exceptional service and some of the best airport lounges in the world, complete with made-to-order noodle bars.
Value Rating: ★★★★ (High)
9. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
One of Japan’s two flag carriers. “The Room”, available only on select 777-300ER aircraft, is often cited as the most spacious business-class seat in the sky—though personal preference here still leans toward United Polaris.
Value Rating: ★★★½ (Moderate–High)
10. Air Canada
United’s northern Star Alliance partner. Signature Class and Signature Service at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) provide a premium experience, particularly on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Airbus A330 aircraft tend to run uncomfortably warm.
Value Rating: ★★★★ (High)
Final Note
This list reflects experience, not hype. Rankings shift as fleets evolve, cabins refresh, and service cultures change—but value, consistency, and trust always matter most at 35,000 feet.
