For most of us, we’re familiar with hotels being graded by a number of stars but probably not so much with airlines. And yet Skytrax, an independent airline rating company, has been grading airlines across the globe using the star system since 1999.
Grading is based on overall product and service standards rather than the quality of champagne you get when you turn left on an aircraft.
To achieve what is currently the highest star grading for a commercial airline, there is a minimum criterion including:
- Long-haul airlines must have full-flat seats in both First and Business class cabins. Economy cabin requirements are a bit more fluid though. Previously seat pitch had to be a minimum of 32-33 inches but with new ‘slimline’ seats being installed on aircraft, Skytrax look for something they call ‘personal seat space’ instead.
- Other requirements are comfort standards for example choice of food, blankets, pillows, and a first-class on-board cabin crew service.
- Also, critical to achieve this 5-star grading is the product offering from the airline at their home base airport. This covers the services associated with the arrival, departure, and transfer of passengers.
According to Skytrax they know an airline may not be 5-star in all aspects of their product offering or service.
What they’re looking for is a consistent high standard experience for passengers both onboard and at the airport with the quality of staff service often giving an extra push up the grade ranking.
The 2021 5-Star Airlines are:
- ANA All-Nippon Airways
- Asiana Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- EVA Air
- Garuda Indonesia
- Hainan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
To bring it back to our own local airlines, Aer Lingus is currently graded as 4-star, while Ryanair has a 3-Star grading however with a Covid-19 4-star rating
If you’re ready to book your next 5-star trip, get in touch and we’ll make it happen for you!
T: 01 276 8114
E: travel@thetravelboutique.ie
