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It’s a good question because most people will have different things that make them happy. Fair enough, everyone has their own unique thing that they would like to see from an airline and what qualifies as “great” to them. When I look at an airline, I usually look out for a number of different things, too. I wanted to run through a few key points that, in my humble opinion, make an airline great!
In no order, here are my top 5 things that make an airline great.
In This Post
Fleet consistency.
In other words, airlines that tend to stick to the same family of aircraft; I’ll give you an example; when you think about great airlines, what comes to mind? Usually, it will be something along the lines of Emirates or Qatar! Why is that? It is because I find that people can relate to the aircraft; even people who aren’t necessarily av-geeks can know the difference between an Airbus A380 and a 777; when you think about airlines, for example, Thai Airways, you immediately know that in terms of fleet “inconsistency,” they are at the top, so having a strong one family fleet is vital, even if you’ve never really given it much thought!
Newer planes.
As with the above, having a brand new or newer model aircraft can be very important, especially for people who aren’t very good fliers. An A350 will most likely be a way better journey than a 737-200. Why? Aviation has evolved so much over the years, and newer aircraft usually make for a much smoother journey.
Solid economy product.
Whilst you might think this is obvious, it is; however, I actually wanted to talk more about the economy and premium economy side of things for a minute. I’m very against pushing people in like sardines on aircraft. For example, having a 3-4-3 abreast is a bit too much for my liking, as I think just because you’re sitting in the economy doesn’t mean that I’d want to be cramped for the entire journey.
Solid premium economy.
Over the last couple of years, the premium economy has become increasingly popular with travellers, as we’ve seen what Emirates has done to its A380 fleet. I’m a huge fan of premium economy seating on long-haul day flights, and if you have a solid premium economy product, that will go a long way with the passengers.
Service.
When I talk about service, I’m not talking about not being rude, etc. Although I don’t think many flight attendees are, I’m more talking about going the extra mile for a traveller, which can go a long way, as you never know why that person is travelling.
Conclusion.
Ultimately, what makes an airline great isn’t just flashy planes or fancy seats—it’s about the whole experience coming together. From consistent, modern fleets that promise smoother rides to thoughtful seating that doesn’t treat economy passengers like cargo and service that feels genuinely caring rather than robotic, all the little details add up. Whether you’re an av-geek who knows your A350s from your 777s or just someone looking for a comfortable, hassle-free journey, these factors matter. At the heart of it, a great airline understands that every passenger has a story, and making that story a good one truly sets them apart.
