SaleHoo Travel places Airlines Under the Microscope

Who can you trust to hurtle through the air over mighty oceans and mountain-scapes? Which airline provides the best value? Who’ll pamper you and make travel luxurious? Which airline will make flying with children stress-free? SaleHoo Travel makes it easy to decide who to fly with. In the past five years we have seen the rise of the budget airline, which has begged the question: is the money saved worth the potential delays and possibly less stringent safety standards?

Well, wonder no longer. We’re about to reveal who is the best!

Safety

Basically, if you are paying less, then you’re not going to be travelling as safely. This is because the safety of an airline depends on the management of the company, age of the airline, how well staff are trained, whether operating procedures are properly followed and maintenance – all of which require money. If the airline is trying to cut corners by spending less, then none of these things are going to do that well. Also, it’s worth noting that the most established airlines with the best reputations do tend to attract the best pilots as training standards are better and so is the pay! These are the airlines with the lowest accident stats:

South West
America West
British Airways
Qantas
All Nippon Airways

Most Comfortable Setting

On a short trip, a comfy seat isn’t such a priority. But if you are travelling half-way around the world, then cramped legs and squashed body parts can be a major issue!

Best leg-room:

British Airways World Traveller Plus B747-400: 38”

Singapore Airlines Executive Economy Class on A340-500: 37”

Scandinavian Airlines Economy Extra A340: 37”

Worst leg-room:

Dragonair A320: 29-30” (below recommended standard).

Best Bum Room:

Singapore Airlines A340-500: 20”

Vietnam Airlines B777: 20”

Worst Bum Room:

Finnair MD11: 16.2-17.7”

Largest Baggage Allowance for International Flights

British Airways: 51 lbs/23 kg (70 lbs/32 kg up until November 2008)

American Airlines: 51 lbs/23 kg

American West: 51 lbs/23 kg

Air New Zealand: 51 lbs/23 kg

Worst Baggage Allowance for International Flights

Ryanair: 33 lbs/15 kg

Best Food

Etihad Airways: Caters for an impressive range of religious and health dietary requirements.

Emirates: Economy menu is tasty and well-balanced. Up to the standards of other airline’s business class.

Malaysia Airlines: Emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce from the port of departure.

Honorable mention: Singapore Airlines & Qantas

Best Travel Experience

Based on customer reviews and the 2007 Top Airline Awards:

Malaysia Airlines

Singapore Airlines

Cathay Pacific

Thai Airways

Best Airline for Babies/Children

Emirates: A special children’s menu on request, dedicated children’s channel and bassinets and changing tables available. All children are also provided with toys, games and comics to use.

KLM Airlines: Bulkhead seating with extra leg room is set aside for parents with young children. Heinz baby food is available and toddlers get chicken nuggets and fries. Older children are entertained with their own goody bag of games and coloring books.

British Airways: Young families are given a priority when boarding, which is a plus in our books! Formula and breast milk can be stored and heated in the kitchen galley and bassinettes are available for infants. For older babies and children, a choice of Hamley’s toys is on offer.

Note: Budget airlines do not offer any special care or services to families.