Flying is often a fundamental element of travel, and airlines and airports have the ability to make or break a trip. 10Best is looking for the best airlines and airline amenities, as well as the best airports in North America that make getting to your destination a pleasure rather than a pain.
Vote for your favorite airlines and airports once per day, per category until polls close on Monday, January 13. The winners will be announced on Friday, January 24.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Airline
These airlines are the best in the sky — Photo courtesy of iStock / guvendemir
Flying has become a fundamental aspect of travel for many people. While it may not be the most pleasant part of a vacation, airlines continue to improve the flyer experience with newer planes, better connectivity and improved food and entertainment.
Best Airport Lounge
Where would you most want to relax? — Photo courtesy of iStock / andresr
Waiting at the airport becomes a whole lot better when you’re in a luxe airport lounge, complete with comfortable seating, food, drinks and even showers to freshen up before your flight. These 15 lounges, nominated by a panel of frequent flier experts, are so good you’ll pray for flight delays.
Best Business & First Class
Who does premium classes the best? — Photo courtesy of iStock / Chesky_W
Flying in these airlines’ premium cabins makes it easy to forget you’re on an airplane at all, with luxe amenities like lie-flat beds, widescreen TVs for personal entertainment and multi-course meals prepared by onboard chefs. Which airline has the best business and first class cabins?
Vote: Best Business & First Class »
Best Cabin Crew
A cabin crew can make or break a flight experience — Photo courtesy of iStock / Hispanolistic
The cabin crew is one of the most critical and overlooked elements of a flight, whether you’re flying economy or first class. The friendliness, enthusiasm and efficiency of the flight attendants onboard can often make or break the passenger experience. It’s not an easy job, and these airlines exceed at it.
Best Economy Class
Economy doesn’t have to be uncomfortable — Photo courtesy of iStock / Capuski
For the vast majority of travelers, flying means sitting in economy class – the most affordable option for air travel. But not all economy classes are created equal. These 13 airlines make the economy class experience more comfortable with perks like bigger seats, more legroom and ample entertainment options.
Best Inflight Entertainment
These airlines score points for keeping passengers entertained — Photo courtesy of iStock / andresr
With seat-back touchscreens, high-speed Wi-Fi, personal device access and hundreds of hours of free content, flying is more entertaining than ever. These 15 airlines score big points when it comes to in-flight entertainment options, and we need you to crown the best.
Vote: Best Inflight Entertainment »
Best Inflight Food
These airlines serve the best food at 30,000 feet — Photo courtesy of iStock / Aureliy
Airplane food has long been the butt of jokes and complaints, but airlines are upping their culinary game (even in economy). These airlines create meals that are well worth eating at 30,000 feet. Which airline serves the best food?
Best Large Airport
These big airports are the best in North America — Photo courtesy of iStock / andresr
Spending time at the airport is an inevitable part of most travel experiences, and the quality of the airport itself can make a big difference. Passenger satisfaction at North American airports is on the rise, according to recent studies by JD Power, and these 20 large airports across the continent (each serving more than 15 million passengers annually) are leading the charge.
Best Small Airport
Which small airport do you love? — Photo courtesy of iStock / LightFieldStudios
While giant airports like JFK, LAX and Chicago O’Hare often dominate the travel scene due to the sheer number of passengers who pass through them each day, the United States is home to many smaller, friendlier airports that take some of the headaches out of travel. These 20 airports serve fewer than 10 million passengers each year, yet excel with their commercial flight offerings, easy access and amenities.
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, January 24.