World's 20 best airlines

Which are the world's best airlines? Travel + Leisure magazine conducted a poll of 76 global airlines on various parameters: cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, value, and food.

Here are the results of the poll...

Singapore Airlines (Rank 1)

Singapore Airlines bagged the first position for 17th year in a row. The airline is a favourite among flyers topping in every category of cabin comfort, in-flight service and food.

The impressive A380 first-class suites with sliding doors, 23-inch TVs are added attractions.

...

Air New Zealand (Rank 2)

Air New Zealand scores on cabin comfort, food, and improved in-flight service. The airline also offers cuddle class, a row of three seats that can be converted to a bed.

...

Emirates (Rank 3)

Emirates slipped to the third position this year though it continues to score high on  cabin comfort, in-flight service, and food. Airline's customer service and value scores fell this year.

...

Korean Air (Rank 4)

Korean Air rose to the 4th positon from 9th last year due to improved in-flight service and food, as well as cabin comfort and value.

...

Cathay Pacific (Rank 5)

Cathay Pacific scored high on the term of value of service and food. Cathay was among the first to have rice cookers on board.  Each seat is has power outlets and iPod and USB ports.

...

Asiana Airlines (Rank 6)

Asiana improved its cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, and value. It scored low on the food ranking.

...

Virgin America (Rank 7)

Virgin America is the highest-ranking US airline in the survey. The Red touch-screen system that allows you to order snacks and drinks, shop are a big hit among travellers.

...

Qatar Airways (Rank 8)

The airline's in-flight service, changes in cabin comfort and celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa are the biggest attraction.

...

Virgin Atlantic Airways (Rank 9)

Virgin Atlantic Airways slipped to ninth position this year as it fell a notch in food, in-flight service, value and cabin comfort.

... 

Thai International Airways (Rank 10)

Thai Airways retained its position at No.10, maintaining the quality and standards offered last year.

... 

EVA Air (Rank 11)

Better food and good service both in the air and on the ground have helped EVA Air to be among the favourite airlines.

...

All Nippon Airways (Rank 12)

All Nippon Airways has slipped to 12th position from 8th as travellers complained about cabin comfort and lack of value. 

...

Qantas Airways (Rank 13)

Qantas Airways improved its rank from 17th last year. The airline has designer Marc Newson's Skybeds, massage facility in business class, on-demand entertainment in every class on A380s and many 747s. 

...

Japan Airlines (Rank 14)

Though Japan Airlines improved its cabin comfort, it lagged behind in offering value.

...

Air Tahiti Nui (Rank 15)

Air Tahiti Nui's scores slipped across all categories. The survey highlighted the need for better food and cabin comfort.

...

JetBlue Airways (Rank 16)

JetBlue was steady in all categories. It improved on customer service this year.

...

Swiss International Air Lines (Rank 17)

Swiss International Air Lines was ranked at 18 in the past two years. Improved in-flight service and food are the highlights.

...

EL AL Israel Airlines (Rank 18)

The airline has improved its score with better cabin comfort and improved service in the air and on the ground. 

...

Finnair (Rank 19)

Finnair dropped from 12th place as in-flight service and customer service failed to impress.

...

Lufthansa (Rank 20)

Lufthansa's scores fell due to service in the air and ground, as well as food.