Virgin Atlantic tops a poll of Europe’s favourite airlines

TripAdvisor’s latest European Flights Survey has revealed some encouraging news for British Airways, despite recent strike issues the airline comes in as British travellers’ second favourite airline.

Having just celebrated its 25th birthday last year, Virgin Atlantic takes the top accolade. The list of favourite airlines is as follows: 

1. Virgin Atlantic
2. British Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Emirates
5. Thomson Airways

For BA, there is clearly still mixed feeling among passengers because BA also takes the second spot in the least favourite airline category. As per the findings of the survey, which featured 2,868 travellers including 936 Britons, the five least favourite airlines are:

1. RyanAir
2. British Airways
3. easyJet
4. Monarch
5. Thomson Airways

“The airline industry has seen some major developments in the last six months, from body scanners and strikes to planned additional charges for toilets and overweight passengers,” said Emma O’Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor, “The survey reveals everything from how we book our tickets to the top in-flight passenger annoyances and serves as a useful barometer on how well airlines are currently performing in the reputation stakes.”

The TripAdvisor Flights Survey also reveals that: 

• Weighty Issue - With some airlines now charging a 'fat tax', over two thirds (69%) of British travellers believe overweight passengers should pay for two airline seats.

• Torn Over Technology - Mobile phones on planes are still unwelcome, 84% are against them but Brits are more tolerant of in-flight internet - two thirds (67%) believe Wi-Fi should be available on flights, yet only 10% would be willing to pay extra for the privilege.

• Price Wins - Airfare price is by far the most important factor for travellers when choosing an airline. This trumps departure times, legroom and even safety considerations.

• Online v High St - It seems traditional high street travel agents should be worried - 85% of respondents now buy their flight tickets online, either direct with the airline or through an online travel agent.