With high fares, costly fees, and now the prospect of endless delays caused by sequester-mandated FAA budget cuts, flying economy is often a horror show.
But not all airlines are created equal, and some treat all their passengers very nicely.
To find the best of the best for flying at a reasonable cost, we devised a ranking system based on the two most important factors for a pleasant trip: An enjoyable experience in the plane, and timely departure and arrival.
We looked at dozens of major international airlines that fly long-haul routes.
We valued in-flight experience based on ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, from leading airline reviewer Skytrax.
Flightstats.com provided the on-time performance figures (from February 15 to April 15) for each airline.
We then averaged scores for in-flight experience and the on-time performance of the airlines equally to come up with an overall score. Ratings are out of 100 points.
20. Etihad Airways
In-Flight Experience: 80
On-Time Performance: 74
United Arab Emirates-based Etihad is barely ten years old, but it is growing rapidly: It said its profits tripled from $14 million in 2011 to $42 million last year.
Its has been named the World's Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards for the past four years.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.
19. Lufthansa
In-Flight Experience: 80
On-Time Performance: 75
With hubs in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich, Germany's Lufthansa is the largest airline in Europe.
To compete in today's tough airline industry, the carrier has improved its business class seating, but economy is still excellent.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.
18. Air Astana
In-Flight Experience: 74
On-Time Performance: 82
Air Astana is the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and started commercial flights in 2002.
It may not top our list, but it did win "Best Airline in Central Asia and India" at the 2012 World Airline Awards.
In-flight experience score is an average of ratings for seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency, provided by Skytrax.
On-time performance is for February 15 - April 15, and is provided by Flightstats.com.
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