What does it take to be one of the top airlines in the world? To start, impeccable service, low prices, and a high customer satisfaction rate. Most say it’s because of great human resource management in tourism industry. Skytrax, the World Airline Survey company, compiled the opinions of over 13 million customers in order to determine the top airlines from around the globe. Here are the top 7 from their list of the top 10.
The Top 7 Global Airlines
1. Singapore Airlines – This international airline flies more passengers than the entire population of its country each year. The proud iconic airline of Singapore tops many lists but surly its crown jewel has to be that of its satisfied customers. With more happy travellers year in, year out Singapore easily tops the list over any other airline.
2. Cathay Pacific – The top-ranked Asian airline, according to Skytrax.
3. Qantas – This airline has repeatedly scored well due to its great customer service.
4. Thai Airways – This airline is known for its great inflight service, and its friendly flight attendants, who wear traditional Thai clothing during the flights.
5. Asiana – This Star Alliance airline flies to over 50 cities in 17 countries.
6. Malaysia Airlines – The airline’s red-and-blue logo represents equilibrium, a great steadying force for an airline.
7. Qatar Airlines – Although young in the business (less than 15 years old), this airline has gained attention for its great customer service reviews.
Singapore Airlines topped the list, due in part to its reputation for incredible in-cabin service. Interestingly, absent from the list is any American airline. Clearly, Americans are not dominating the global airline front in terms of customer satisfaction.
Airline Customer Satisfaction
It should be important to all airlines to ensure their customers are consistently satisfied. Flying should be a pleasure, and on board, customers enjoy being comfortable and entertained so that their flying experience is pleasurable and as quick as possible. In the case of delays, customers desire attentive service and want to feel as though the airline attendants care about their case. Learn more in this article on claiming flight compensation. Today, flying can often be an arduous trek – between checking in, going through security, and waiting to take off, many customers become tired and impatient. However, a positive and attentive flight crew can make all the difference in the mood of a flight, and can cause a traveler to want to come back to the same airline again the next time they travel.
The Battle Between Low-Cost Flights and Good Service
In recent years, a battle has risen between customers’ desire for low-priced flights and quality service. A recent Los Angeles Times article highlights this issue, showing how airlines are struggling to contend with the battle between making a profit while reducing their rates. This seems to be a problem largely in North America, which may explain the reason why no American airlines have made the list in recent years. Airline customer satisfaction is down in North America, largely due to rising costs and a lower quality of service. Customers’ number one complaint? Extra fees for checked baggage. In airlines’ effort to make a profit, they are causing their customers to become majorly dissatisfied.
Filing Complaints
If customers are dissatisfied with their airlines service, they can easily file a complaint through the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD). However, it should be every airline’s hope and wish that no customer would ever have any need to file a complaint with their airline, not only to keep their rankings up, but also because customer satisfaction should be at the height of their mission and goals.
We can all agree the airline industry is at an all time low. My experience with SWA yesterday restores my faith that someone cares about passengers. A four hr delay at Midway – airport staff were apologetic and sincere, the crew were accommodating, and we received an unexpected $100 voucher. SWA used to be the cheapest but the fares have gone up. I believe to cover free baggage. But in our case it was cheaper because the fees on the other airlines made their flights higher. I know their are a lot of complaints about seats. I used to hate SWA for that reason. I also don’t like that the 24hr checkin still gives you only an A30 at best since they sell the first half of the A seats now for business select or a fee. But if you check in early you still have a good selection. The other airlines are sneakier. You may get an assigned seat but do you really have a choice? Most of my recent flights have shown me a chart selection of all centre seats and the aisles and windows for sale! Not a good way to build loyal customers.
My life of travel has thus far amounted to nothing– I’ve not yet been on a single one of these airlines! My travel resolution for 2013? Fly with at least two 🙂 Thanks for the round – up, Martha 😉
You are young darling. Plenty of time to experience all of the them. And thanks for stopping by! 😉