If you’ve ever found yourself wedged into a tiny seat, knees pressed against the tray table, wondering if there’s such a thing as a ‘good’ airline anymore—well, you’re not alone!
But according to tens of thousands of flyers from around the globe, there are still some airlines that manage to soar above the rest (pun absolutely intended).
The latest results from AirlineRatings.com’s annual Flyers’ Choice Awards are in, and they’re packed with surprises, familiar favourites, and a few eyebrow-raising upsets.
Over 40,000 passengers cast their votes, sharing their honest opinions about which airlines deliver the best experiences in the sky. Unlike some industry awards judged by experts behind closed doors, these results come straight from the people who matter most: the travellers themselves.
Qantas: Australia’s High-Flying Favourite
Let’s start with some homegrown pride. Qantas has once again been crowned the most popular airline in Australia and the Pacific region, beating out fierce trans-Tasman rival Air New Zealand for the top spot. Virgin Australia rounded out the local podium in third place.
It’s no secret that Qantas has had its ups and downs in recent years, but this win shows that Aussie flyers still have a soft spot for the Flying Kangaroo.
Whether it’s the friendly cabin crew, the reliability, or just the comfort of hearing a familiar accent at 35,000 feet, Qantas continues to earn the trust of travellers across the region.
Singapore Airlines: The Global Gold Standard
While Qantas took out the local honours, Singapore Airlines was the big winner on the world stage. The airline scooped up an impressive four titles in 2026, including:
- Preferred Economy Airline
- Best Cabin Crew Service
- Best Airline in Central and South East Asia
- Airline That Gave the Greatest Peace of Mind
That last category is especially telling. In a world where travel can sometimes feel a bit uncertain, passengers clearly value airlines that make them feel safe and looked after.
Qantas also scored highly here, coming in a very close second to Singapore Airlines—a testament to the trust both brands have built over the years.
Low-Cost Carriers: Jetstar Holds Its Own
Budget airlines often get a bad rap, but Jetstar proved it can still deliver value where it counts. Despite some recent controversy over changes to its cabin bag policy (we’ve all been there, frantically repacking at the gate!), Jetstar was ranked among the world’s top three Favourite Low-Cost Carriers.
It landed in third place, just behind Vietjet and Air Asia, and only narrowly edged out easyJet by a single vote. Not bad for an airline that’s often the butt of travel jokes!
How Are These Awards Decided?
Unlike the World’s Safest Airlines and World’s Best Airline awards—which are judged by aviation experts—the Flyers’ Choice Awards are determined entirely by passenger feedback.
That means every vote comes from someone who’s actually been there, done that, and probably has the neck pillow to prove it.
Safety Still Matters
Speaking of safety, Qantas also ranked third on the World’s Safest Airlines list for 2026, just behind Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand. For many seniors, safety is the number one priority when booking a flight, so it’s reassuring to see our local carriers holding their own on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
- Qantas has been named the most popular airline in the Australia and Pacific region, as voted by 40,000 passengers in AirlineRatings.com’s Flyers’ Choice Awards.
- Singapore Airlines was the standout winner globally, taking out four major titles, including Preferred Economy Airline, Best Cabin Crew Service, Best Airline in Central and South East Asia, and Airline That Gave the Greatest Peace of Mind.
- Jetstar was ranked among the world’s top three Favourite Low-Cost Carriers, coming in third place despite recent criticism over changes to its cabin baggage policy.
- Unlike other industry awards judged by experts, the Flyers’ Choice Awards are entirely based on votes and feedback from travellers, highlighting the airlines passengers trust and value most.
Have you flown with any of these top-rated airlines recently? Did they live up to the hype, or did you have a different experience? Maybe you’ve got a hidden gem of an airline you think deserves more recognition. We’d love to hear your stories—good, bad, or hilarious—in the comments below!
And if you’re planning a trip soon, don’t forget to check out our latest travel tips and exclusive seniors’ discounts before you book. Safe travels, and may your next flight be turbulence-free and filled with friendly faces!
