The Top 20 in Coach

Business Insider has released a list of the 20 best airlines in the world for flying economy class. The annual list is based in a ranking system that evaluates major airlines worldwide based on two main factors: the quality of the economy class flight experience and the airline’s on-time performance.

With perfect scores in cabin cleanliness and condition, in-flight entertainment and service efficiency, Singapore Airlines topped the list for the second year in a row. After Singapore Airlines the top five in order included: All Nippon Airways, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. While there were no U.S.-based airlines on the top 20 list, there are plenty of opportunities to book award travel on non-U.S. based partner airlines that made the list.

Looking at alliances, Star Alliance came out as the clear winner with nine Star Alliance airlines making the top 20 list. United MileagePlus members looking to burn some miles are in luck as award travel on all nine of the Star Alliance airlines on the list, including Singapore Airlines, can be booked with MileagePlus miles (although at a higher redemption amount after recent changes).
Frequent flyers holding American AAdvantage miles or US Airways Dividend Miles can book award travel from four oneworld alliance airlines on the list: Qatar, Asiana, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines as well as Etihad Airways which is not a member of any alliance but allows American AAdvantage miles redemption.

Members of Starwood Preferred Guest may be in the best position of all because 13 of the airlines on the top 20 list are transfer partners with SPG.

To view the top 20 list and learn more about each airline’s overall score, go HERE.