ECONOMY travellers should head to one particular airline after it voted as having the best economy class in the world.
The latest awards were handed out for 2024 in the annual Airline Excellence Awards by Airlineratings.com.
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And taking the top spot for their economy seats was Air New Zealand.
The airline was voted the best for economy passengers following it’s two innovative features – the Skycouch and Skynest.
The Skycouch was launched in 2011, which lets passengers buy an entire row of three seats and turn it into a bed.
The third seat is half price, and the legs rise up to meet the row in front, turning it into a bed or play area for kids.
It was revamped in 2018 to allow it to remain as a bed even when the seatbelt sign is on.
And launching next year is the Skynest, which are bunk beds economy passengers can book.
First announced in 2022, travellers can book a four-hour slot so they can get a comfier sleep during the long flight.
Not only will the bedding be changed between each passenger, but each bed will have USB charging ports, a reading flight and ear plugs.
Costing between £190 – £284 for the four hour slot, the cost is on top of the economy ticket.
The first route to include the beds will be on the Auckland to New York flights.
It hoped to roll them out by September of this year, but this has been delayed to next year due to delays with Boeing aircraft deliveries.
Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty, told news.com.au: “We’re very proud to win Best Economy Cabin for 2024, it’s always an incredible honour to be recognised for our innovation and offering onboard.”
“There’s a proud history of Kiwis being known for their ingenuity and innovation, and we are no different.
“We reimagined the economy cabin with the Skycouch introduced in 2011, and when our Skynest product is onboard next year, it will be the world’s first fully lie flat option for economy customers.”
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Brits can fly with Air New Zealand from London Heathrow to Auckland, with return economy flights from £1,232.
The Airline Excellence Awards looks at more than 350 airlines, with a number of other awards given this year.
The best first class was given to Singapore Airlines, thanks to it’s new “Skyroom” Suites.
The airline launched new flights from the UK this year, operating between London Gatwick and Changi Airport in Singapore.
This is in addition to flights from London Heathrow and Manchester to Singapore.
And Virgin Australia was the Best Cabin Crew award for 2024 – for the sixth time.
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Airlines with the best plane food
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year’s Global Traveler’s awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader’s Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars – so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: “Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants.”
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options.
