Air Canada has been named North America’s best airline for the second year in a row and tenth time overall.
The Montreal-based company also was singled out for the Best Cabin Crew in North America in the recent 2026 Skytrax Awards, handed out in Europe this week.
In addition, Air Canada was first for best cabin crew in Canada, second for Best Business Class in North America (finishing only behind Delta Air Lines), second for Most Family Friendly Airline in North America (behind only American Airlines).
|
The Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Air Canada’s operations at Toronto Pearson won for Best Business Class Lounge Catering for the third year in a row, and finished second for Best Business Class Airline Lounges 2026. The airline won for Best Economy On Board Catering in North America.
Air Canada rouge came in fourth place for best low-cost airline in North America.
In the overall world rankings for all airlines, Air Canada came 17th. That’s up two spots from last year and makes Air Canada the only North American airline in the world’s top 20.
PORTER AIRLINES AND TRANSAT ALSO SCORE
Toronto-based Porter Airlines also earned bragging rights in the Skytrax Awards. It was name best regional airline in North America and was third for Best Airline in North America, finishing behind only Air Canada and Delta.
Porter finished fourth for Best Airline Staff in North America. On the world scale, Porter jumped from 44 last year to 34 in this year’s rankings; a sizeable leap.
Air Transat was named Best Leisure Airline in North America for the eighth year in a row. Transat also came seventh for Best Airline in North America.
A Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2 jet. Photo Courtesy Porter Airlines.
WestJet tumbled from 75th in the world rankings last year to 85th this year.
Oneworld Alliance was named world’s best airline alliance, while Star Alliance, which includes Air Canada, was number two.
SKYTRAX TOP NORTH AMERICAN AIRLINES
- Air Canada
- Delta Air Lines
- Porter Airlines
- United Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Air Transat
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Breeze Airways
SKYTRAX TOP WORLD AIRLINES
Turkish Airlines business class.
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Turkish Airlines (Here’s a link to a review I did of their business class service)
- Emirates
- Air France
- Hainan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Air
DON’T DELAY A VISIT TO KAUAI, LOCALS SAY
It was understandable that locals and even tourism types didn’t want visitors on Kaua’i in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Lowell. Many pleaded for more recovery time.
But things are starting to settle down, and many island residents say they need tourists to return so they can rebuild their businesses and pay their employees.
Kaua’i County Mayor Derek Kawakami yesterday (Sept. 17) said the island is now “welcoming residents” who will show respect and restraint.
“Come with patience, spend local, and help us recover,” he said.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort at Poipu Beach.
Kelly Kakalia, who runs a food truck business on Kaua’i, told Associated Press she needs her business to return.
“Now that power and water is being restored, we should start to switch the narrative before many of us go out of business,” she said. “People are cancelling their trips in November.”
It’s always a sensitive issue to know when to return to a place that has suffered physical and emotional damage. It might seem too early to return for some people, but if you go and don’t demand instant or perfect service and don’t mind that not all the uprooted trees have been restored or beaches cleared of debris, you’ll be doing island residents a world of good.
AN EXOTIC TAHITI CRUISE
For more than 40 years, Aranui Cruises has inspired cultural immersion through the heart and soul of Polynesia by transporting passengers and freight on its renown ship, the Aranui 5, throughout the distinguished Marquesas Islands. Staffed by our Polynesian crew, this cruise company has been best known for embracing the road less traveled as it explores the history and beauty of the Marquesas Islands, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2024.
The Marquesas Islands of Tahiti. Gregoire Le Bacon/Tahiti Tourisme Photo
Next year, Aranui Cruises will celebrate its expanded fleet, with its second ship, Aranoa, set to sail the waters of the South Pacific beginning in March 2027. Like the Aranui 5, the new Aranoa is designed as a mixed passenger-freighter vessel, equipped with the latest technology to minimize its environmental impact. Aranoa passengers will experience the elusive Austral Islands, offering a new off the beaten track archipelago of untouched and mysterious land where white sand beaches clash with intense blue lagoons. Several archaeological sites highlight a well-organized, pre-European community of rich cultural and religious practices. Passengers will be able to explore the islands’ colorful, picturesque villages and discover the creativity of the local artisans who mainly live off their artwork.
