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Continental and Virgin Top Airline Rankings
Zagat, the company known more for their restaurant guides than for airline rankings, has nonetheless released a new report based on a survey of frequent fliers. The report ranks airlines based on their overall quality of service and a host of other criteria. Though it is not as prestigious as the World Airline Awards by Skytrax, the Zagat ranking has different categories that make it more useful for domestic travelers in the US.
Here’s who came out on top:
The best “large airline” coach class experience went to JetBlue. Southwest Airlines finished second in the category and Continental third. However, when premium class (business and first-class) was added into the equation, Continental topped all airlines.
The best medium-sized airline went to Virgin America. The survey found that Virgin provided the best first-class experience. Its coach services were second only to Midwest Airlines.
The best large, international carrier was Singapore Airlines. They received the highest marks for both their economy and premium classes. Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific also scored well.
There were a host of other categories as well. Continental Airlines was deemed the best overall value for international flights. International carrier Virgin Atlantic had the best frequent flier program. Domestically, that honor went to Southwest.
JetBlue got the nod for best in-flight entertainment with Virgin America a close second.
Interestingly, Continental was the only major carrier to earn consistently good rankings across all categories. Delta, Northwest, American and United were average, often holding up the fifth spot (of 5) in a category.
Many people write off the Zagat rankings, saying they are not as thoroughly researched and detailed as Skytrax. However, Skytrax is a decidedly international ranking system. US-based airlines rarely crack the top 10 overall. Zagat had a more domestic focus. And it speaks to the trend that many people have been trying to point out: travelers are sick of the games played by “legacy carriers.” They are in search of alternatives and the Virgins, Southwests and JetBlues of the world are trying to capitalize on the situation.