A frequent long-haul economy traveler has ranked Etihad Airways, Air France, and American Airlines as the top three airlines for comfort, service, and value after flying with a dozen major carriers. The traveler, who has visited 50 countries, highlighted these airlines for their food, entertainment, and overall experience, while China Eastern Airlines was criticized for its app usability and lack of amenities.
The traveler emphasized that while economy class does not offer premium perks, the top three airlines provided reasonable fares and noticeable comfort compared to others. Etihad Airways was particularly praised for its cushioned seats, wide-winged headrests, and plush pillows, making long flights more restful. The airline's Boeing 787-9 was noted for its convenient cupholders and touchscreen remotes, while WiFi was available for $9.99 per flight.
Air France and American Airlines were also commended for their service and entertainment options, though specific details on their offerings were not provided. The traveler noted that China Eastern Airlines had friendly staff but struggled with app navigation and amenities, making it less favorable for long-haul trips.
The traveler's criteria for selecting flights included cheap seats, good connections, vegetarian meal options, and sufficient legroom, especially for red-eye flights where sleep is a priority. The analysis was based on four years of exclusively flying economy class, comparing factors like seats, service, entertainment, food, and prices across multiple airlines.