There was a time when traveling on the airlines was only for the elite and wealthy. Back then, all passengers were treated as if they were in a 5 Star Hotel with bone china plates, fine silverware and white tablecloths. However,with the dawn of budget airlines in the 1980's like Laker Skytrain, the days of standard premium service were rapidly coming to an end. Fast forward to today and premium service has returned to the airlines (albeit not for everyone), but today's airlines have come a long way from the no frills 1980's. We have compiled a list of the Top 10 Best International Airlines in 2023.

[There are no American Air Carriers on the list because their premium offerings are simply lacking in comparison to their international rivals]. 

1. Emirates

The Dubai based Emirates Airlines is the best airline in the world when it comes to customer service and in flight service. Their private cabins rival private jets in comfort and convenience. If you find yourself with a long layover when flying on Emirates, they will put you up in a first class hotel and feed you. No other airlines offers this service.

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines operates some of the longest routes in the world. This experience has made them them experts in long distance comfort. Like Emirates, Singapore Airlines offers private jet like Suites and Best in Class cuisine throughout your flight which can be as long as 17 to 19 hours. Singapore Airlines has always been a cutting edge airline that operates the latest aircraft. For a short period of time, Singapore Airlines was the only airline to operate the Concorde during the 1980's besides British Airways and Air France.

3. Qantas Airways

Qantas Airways is the second oldest airline still operating having been founded in 1920. Qantas prides itself on exceptional customer service. Not only do they operate the latest aircraft, their mechanical and aesthetic maintenance is second to none. Qantas routinely rates in the top three best airlines on most customer surveys.

4. All Nippon Airways

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is Japan's largest airline with 212 aircraft and over 20,000 employees. ANA is famous for their ability to maintain their aircraft in 'as new' condition. No other airline can rival ANA when it comes to aesthetic maintenance of their aircraft and airport lounges.

5. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines is the flag carrier for Japan. Their service is excellent in all classes from economy to first class. Unlike other airlines on this list, Japan Airlines is the only airline that consistently rates high in all classes of service. The only issue with Japan Airlines is that they have consistently high ticket prices because the demand for travel on them is constantly high.

6. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines fly's to more countries than any other airline in the world. As such they have accumulated an enormous amount of international experience in their 89 year history. From their hub in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines can connect you to literally any destination on the planet.

7. Korean Air

Korean Air is the flag carrier for South Korea. They frequently rate in the Top 10 for cleanliness, customer service, in flight service and cabin legroom. Over 5.7 million passengers fly on Korean Air annually making it one of the most popular airlines in Asia.

8. Cathay Pacific

Launched in 1946, Cathay Pacific is one of the oldest airlines still in operation in Asia. They have an excellent safety record and their customer service is exceptional. Cathay Pacific focuses on the total travel experience and this is reflected in their lounges, in flight entertainment and in flight meals. Cathay Pacific offer full lie flat beds and A&R headsets, which make the flight very pleasant.

9. Qatar Airways

Based out of Doha International Airport, Qatar Airways is one of the most luxurious airlines in the world. With an impeccable safety record, Qatar Airways is almost as good as Emirates in terms of level of service, the only downside with Qatar Airways is their fares which are consistently higher than any other comparable airline.

10. Swiss International Airlines

Swiss International Airlines (colloquially known as SWISS) is arguably the best European airline. Based in Basel, Switzerland SWISS offers exemplary service in all cabins from economy to first class. Like most things from Switzerland, SWISS operates with great attention to detail and precision.

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