From award-winning luxury in the skies to surprising underdogs with budget brilliance, these are the top airlines making long-haul travel less of a chore and more of a journey.
When it comes to international air travel, a few names consistently rise above the clouds—not just for their sleek branding, but for how they deliver on comfort, service, and value across continents.
Top airlines by region
Qatar Airways at Frankfurt Airport/Jan Rosolino/Unsplash
- Qatar Airways (Middle East): Frequently ranked as the world’s best airline, Qatar offers plush cabins, top-tier inflight entertainment, and the luxurious Hamad International Airport in Doha as a transit hub. South Africans favour it for seamless connections to Europe and Asia, plus a reputation for punctuality.
- Singapore Airlines (Asia): A gold standard in hospitality, this airline is known for its generous legroom, gourmet menus, and polished service. It’s especially popular for routes to Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond.
- Turkish Airlines (Europe/Global Connector): Flying to more countries than any other airline, Turkish makes Istanbul a valuable stopover point. Add in great meal service and competitive pricing, and it becomes a savvy pick for cost-conscious international travellers.
- Emirates (Global/Middle East): A favourite from South Africa, Emirates combines excellent entertainment, well-appointed aircraft (especially on A380 routes), and family-friendly service. Their Dubai hub is also a traveller’s playground during long layovers.
Best for South Africans flying abroad
Ethiopian Airlines in Zurich/Fabian N/Unsplash
For South Africans booking that first leg of an international journey, certain airlines stand out—not just for global reputations, but for how well they cater to routes from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban.
- Ethiopian Airlines is a rising star. With Addis Ababa as a fast-growing hub, the airline offers competitive fares to Europe, Asia, and North America. While not flashy, its reliability and extensive African reach make it an efficient option.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has long been a favourite for Cape Town and Johannesburg departures to Europe. Bonus: Dutch efficiency extends to their check-in processes and punctual schedules.
- Lufthansa is another strong European contender with solid Johannesburg and Cape Town connections and a robust reputation for safety, service, and German engineering in the sky.
- Cathay Pacific is a four-time winner of the Skytrax Best Airline award. The carrier continues to raise the bar with fully flat beds in business class, upgraded in-flight entertainment, and a renewed focus on quality dining. It has also committed to sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Look out for airlines offering visa-free or easy transit options in their hub cities — for instance, Doha (Qatar) or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)—ideal for travellers wanting a multi-stop adventure.
ALSO READ:Belgrade uncovered: Serbia’s capital of cool
What matters most to travellers: Airlines by category
Singapore Airlines A380 landing at Sydney Airport/Troy Mortier/Unsplash
Rather than thinking in terms of “best overall,” travellers are increasingly choosing airlines that deliver where it matters most to them:
- Best for Comfort: Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways lead the pack, even in economy. Think adjustable headrests, mood lighting, and quiet cabins. Emirates’ A380 fleet also scores high on spaciousness.
- Best for Food: Turkish Airlines serves up hearty, culturally rich meals, while Qatar and Emirates add touches of fine dining to their in-flight cuisine, even in economy class. Air France is also a strong contender.
- Best for Budget: Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad (when running specials), and some seasonal flights from Kenya Airways can save thousands of rands, especially on last-minute bookings or long-haul routes with one stop.
- Best for Families: Lufthansa and British Airways are leading when it comes to family travel, while Emirates also has a strong track record with family seating and children’s meals.
- Best for Loyalty & Miles: Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue, Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer, Qatar’s Privilege Club, and Emirates Skywards all offer excellent mileage programs, especially if you’re a frequent international flyer who values upgrades and priority boarding.
- Best for Eco-Conscious Flyers: For eco-conscious travellers, a number of airlines are leading the charge toward greener skies. United Airlines, Lufthansa, JetBlue, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Singapore Airlines have all made notable investments in sustainable aviation fuel, next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft, and carbon offset programmes.
Hidden gems: Underrated airlines worth booking
Saudia Boeing 747-400/Bornil Amin/Unsplash
Beyond the big names, a few lesser-known airlines are quietly winning hearts with service, value, and clever routes:
- Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca) offers a gateway to Europe and North America with affordable fares and a cultural twist.
- Oman Air has quietly upped its game, offering elegant service and comfortable cabins on long-haul flights, particularly for those heading to Asia.
- Kenya Airways connects well with Johannesburg and offers affordable flights to Europe and the Middle East—a smart pick for budget-savvy travellers.
- SAUDIA (Saudi Arabian Airlines) has made major improvements in recent years, offering generous luggage allowances and updated in-flight tech—but be sure to research layover policies if you’re not entering the country.
The best airline for international travel ultimately depends on your destination, budget, and what you value most in the air. Whether you’re looking for gourmet meals at 30,000 feet, child-friendly cabins, or a wallet-friendly connection to Europe, there’s an airline that gets it right — and gets you there in style.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: FlySafair faces pilot strike as negotiations reach stalemate
