Plane truths...the world's most loved and loathed airlines

From endless delays and frightening mishaps to delightful cabin crew, the differences between airlines can be astonishing. So which ones rule the air and which dontimpress?

- MADDY MUSSEN

When it comes to airlines, everyone’s a Karen. Even the most progressive, mild- mannered people in the world hold opinions on airlines so strong they would shock you. Because airline experiences are indelible. Good or bad, you remember them for life. That slow food service on the way to Budapest? Or that impeccable offboarding in the Maldives? Etched into your memory forever. But not everyone’s experiences are the same.

From tales of frequent delays and militant check-in staff, to flawless service and the best air-mile systems on offer, we wanted to see what some real-world travellers had to say. So, pack it up, pack it in, and let us begin. Here we present five of the best and worst airlines of 2024, as per some very frequent (and opinionated) flyers.

SKY HIGH:

British Airways Not to get all patriotic about it, but British Airways is one of the last remaining bastions of high quality service in this country. Isabelle McMahon is a bona fide British Airways obsessive, who never flies with anyone else if she can avoid it.