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Airline reviews

The writer’s flight returned to Sydney shortly after take off.

My 8½ hour flight became a 19-hour endurance test

A mechanical issue saw my flight return to Sydney shortly after take-off. Understandable, but what happened next was less than satisfactory.

  • John Borthwick
JAL suites in the First Class cabin.

This first-class is dated, but superlative service makes up for it

The plane on this route is 17 years old and looks it, but rarely have I encountered such welcoming, warm and thoughtful staff.

  • Trudi Jenkins
The David Caon-designed seats are surprisingly comfortable.

Dreading this long-haul flight, I had the best surprise

After forking out on business class to Europe for several years, it was time to see if premium economy is the Goldilocks option.

  • Trudi Jenkins
The business suites offer a “hotel in the sky” feeling.

This business class seat is a perfect ‘hotel in the sky’

This is one snug designer cubbyhole even if the unusual backwards-facing aspect of the seat takes a little getting used to.

  • Anthony Dennis
The seat converts to at 78-inch (198-centimetre) flat bed.

The top-rated airlines of the year

From short-haul budget carriers to the longest route on the planet on a plane with no economy class, here are the airlines we rated the best in 2024.

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Taking a flight? Find out what to expect from your seat, service and route with our comprehensive airline reviews.

Saudia flight. Boeing 787-9.

Airline review: Carry-on limits ignored on this Mid East airline

Passengers wedge enormous bags into the overhead lockers, then start a bunfight trying to rip their luggage out while we are still taxiing to our gate.

  • Belinda Jackson
The economy class cabin on a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER.

You won’t get any arguments about reclining in this economy seat

Flying overnight from Singapore is always a difficult trip, but I’m in one of the best economy seats you’ll find without paying for extra legroom.

  • Craig Platt
Qantas is flying to Vanuatu for the first time since carrying troops and freight during World War II.

On board Qantas’ new route to Pacific paradise

It’s the first time the Flying Kangaroo has flown to Vanuatu since carrying troops and freight during World War II.

  • Sheriden Rhodes
Inside the economy cabin. The first six rows offer extra legroom.

This airline seat offers great legroom, but miserly food offerings

Upgrading to the extra legroom seats is well worth the price, but nine hours of fasting may leave you famished.

  • Julie Miller

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/topic/airline-reviews-l5h