The Best Airlines of 2018

Some airlines fared better than others in 2018, with many securing awards for their exceptional offerings and performance. Here are some of the carriers that impressed the most over the course of the past year.

Emirates changed the game this year, launching the world's first biometric path at Dubai International Airport to provide passengers with a seamless experience via facial and iris recognition. The airline also finished first for in-flight entertainment at this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Singapore Airlines was named the world's best airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2018 thanks to one of the youngest aircraft fleets around and an expansive network spanning six continents. It also launched the world's longest non-stop flight this year.

2018 was another strong year for Lufthansa as the carrier began biometric boarding at Los Angeles International Airport and introduced light fares in North America.

Qatar Airways ranks among the world's top airlines year after year and 2018 was no exception as the leading Gulf carrier expanded its innovative Qsuite Business Class in the U.S.

Hong Kong's flag carrier certainly didn't rest on its laurels in 2018, launching a new in-flight yoga program and continuing to wow passengers with its extraordinary level of service.

Japan's largest airline, All Nippon Airways was recognized as the world's best airline for cabin cleanliness in 2018 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards and also ranked third-best for business class.

AirAsia was named the best low-cost airline in the world for 2018 by Skytrax, beating out stiff competition that included Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, among others.

Norwegian Air surpassed British Airways in the battle for New York City this year and was recognized by Skytrax as one of the 10 best airlines in the world.

China's Hainan Airlines was named the cleanest transpacific carrier this year and also launched nonstop service between London and Changsha, the capital of China's Hunan province.

Air Canada has big plans for 2019 but the carrier's 2018 performance shouldn't be overlooked. The airline boosted overseas connections and kept passengers entertained from takeoff to landing with one of the industry's top in-flight experiences.

Australia's flag carrier climbed four spots from 15th to 11th in Skytrax's world airline rankings in 2018 and helped passengers relax on the way to their destination by rolling out an in-flight meditation program.

If you're looking for the world's best economy class, look no further than Thai Airways. The 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards honored the Asian carrier with the impressive title and an overall ranking of 10th.

Taiwan's EVA Air was recognized by Skytrax for boasting the world's best airport services in 2018, a distinction that propelled it to number five overall.

Elsewhere in Asia, Indonesia's national carrier, Garuda Indonesia was singled out for the stellar performance of its cabin crew, beating out the staff from Singapore Airlines, ANA and other highly-regarded airlines.

Air New Zealand was named AirlineRatings.com's Airline of the Year for 2018, standing out for its superior premium economy experience. The airline also became the first to offer the coveted plant-based Impossible Burger onboard select flights.

Hawaiian Airlines ranked tops among U.S. airlines for best on-time percentage (87.4 percent) based on OAG data from June 2017 through May 2018.

Alaska Airlines was also among the leading U.S. carriers for on-time performance this past year. Plus, the airline expanded service to give customers more travel options.

2018 was a significant year for Delta Air Lines as the carrier broke passenger records over the summer and launched the first biometric terminal in the U.S. in Atlanta.

Last year was a rocky one for United Airlines as it was highlighted by the infamous dragging incident. Nonetheless, the Chicago-based carrier bounced back in 2018, announcing major international expansion and enhanced transcontinental service.

Travel agents' clients are guaranteed to be wowed by Etihad Airways, specifically the airline's "The Residence." The three-room first class suite offers a one-of-a-kind flying experience that's well worth its hefty price tag.