World's Best Airlines

Asia dominated this year's World Airline Awards. The awards, based on data, surveys and research done by Skytrax, are considered the industry's most prestigious. Customer surveys play a large part in the results. This year, Singapore Airlines took top honors. They were also recognized as the world's best airline last year. Singapore Airlines boasts one of the best customer service records in the world. Everyone from their web site support staff to ground crew to cabin crew offers exemplary service. Another big reason for the award: their in-flight amenities. Personal media devices and above-average meals are the norm in economy class as well as first class. Some fliers even said they preferred Singapore Airline's economy class to the business class area of other airlines.

It is interesting to note that the top 10 does not include any airlines from the US or Europe. Outside of Australia's Quantas, which held the #3 spot this year, all of the top 10 were from Asia.

Here are the best of the rest:

2. Cathay Pacific. This Hong Kong-based upscale airline has long been a favorite of Skytrax. If Singapore Airlines didn't exist, Cathay would have dominated the survey for the past few years. Its service and in-flight amenities are on par with any other airline in the world.

3. Despite a spate of mid-flight problems this year, Australian airline Qantas was able to earn third position with exemplary service and above-par cabin features.

4. Thai Airways' best-in-class service earned them 4th position.

5. South Korean-based Asiana has risen in the ranks over the past few years. Their current promotions are among the cheapest US-to-Asia offerings of any airline. But the price does not mean a lack of service and quality.

And airlines 6 through 10: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand, Emirates, and Etihad Airways.

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