MASSACHUSETTS, United States - Singapore Airlines has been named the world's best airline in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, as voted for by holidaymakers.
In addition, the 70-year-old flag carrier airline of Singapore has been recognised for having the best first class and economy seats of all the airlines.
Last year's winner, Emirates, slid down to third place, pipped to the second spot by Air New Zealand.
Japan Airlines scored fourth place, trailed by Taiwan's EVA Air, America's Southwest Airlines, UK's Jet2.com, Qatar Airways, Brazil's Azul airline and Korean Air.
TripAdvisor airline reviews launched in July 2016, giving travellers a platform to share their candid feedback - both good and bad - about all major airlines around the globe.
Along with submitting written feedback, customers can rate the carriers on legroom, seat comfort, customer service, value for money, cleanliness, check-in and boarding, food and beverage and in-flight entertainment.
Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings submitted by travellers worldwide.
When it came to the top major airlines in Europe, Virgin Atlantic took home the award.
Coming in at second place was Turkish Airlines, followed by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Finnair, SAS and Russia's S7 Airlines.
On the budget front, UK's Jet2.com won the title for being the top low-cost carrier.
TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS' CHOICE AWARDS FOR AIRLINES 2017
Top airlines in the world
1. Singapore Airlines, Singapore
2. Air New Zealand, New Zealand
3. Emirates, United Arab Emirates
4. Japan Airlines, Japan
5. EVA Air, Taiwan
6. Southwest Airlines, United States
7. Jet2.com, UK
8. Qatar Airways, Qatar
9. Azul, Brazil
10. Korean Air, South Korea
Top major airlines in Europe
1. Virgin Atlantic Airways, UK
2. Turkish Airlines, Turkey
3. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Netherlands
4. Swiss International Air Lines, Switzerland
5. Lufthansa, Germany
6. Aeroflot, Russia
7. Austrian Airlines, Austria
8. Finnair, Finland
9. SAS, Nordics
10. Airlines, Russia
Top low cost airlines in Europe
1. Jet2.com, United Kingdom
2. Blue air, Romania
3. Thomas Cook Airlines -Scandinavia, Nordics
Class of service world winners
Best First Class: Singapore Airlines, Singapore
Best Business Class: Qatar Airways, Qatar
Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand, New Zealand
Best Economy: Singapore Airlines, Singapore
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said the company was 'proud' to claim victory in the TripAdvisor rating.
He added: 'The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for airlines are based on the experiences of paying customers, which makes them truly representative and all the more rewarding to receive as a result.'
Romania's Blue Air and Thomas Cook Airlines, were the other two carriers recognised in the cut-price category.
At the other end of the scale, Qatar Airways scored the top prize for having the best business class seats in the sky.
While Air New Zealand took home the award for offering the best premium economy facility.(FA)
