Flying is often a fundamental element of travel, and airlines have the ability to make or break a trip. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which ones offer the best service, comfort, and value for your money?

To answer that question and establish which airlines are the best, an expert panel nominated their top picks across six categories, then readers decided the winners by voting for their favorites.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

Best Airline: Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines wins Best Airline for 2024Southwest Airlines wins Best Airline for 2024 — Photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines

While you won’t find first class seats or luxe airport lounges when flying with Southwest, the popular American-based airline wins passengers over with a host of perks. Southwest offers low fares, free baggage allowance, no fees for flight changes or cancellations, and spacious seats, compared to their competitors.

Full list of winners: Best Airline »

Best Business & First Class: Korean Air

Korean Air offers the best first and business class cabinsKorean Air offers the best first and business class cabins — Photo courtesy of Korean Air

Korean Air affords its First and Prestige class passengers privacy, lie-flat sleeper seats, and large entertainment screens. Passengers are provided an in-flight amenity kit from Atelier Cologne, high-quality multi-course meals, plus snacks and assorted beverages. Passengers aboard the A380 can even enjoy craft cocktails in the Celestial Bar.

Full list of winners: Best Business & First Class »

Best Cabin Crew: Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines also ranks highly for its cabin crewsSouthwest Airlines also ranks highly for its cabin crews — Photo courtesy of Cunaplus_M.Faba // Getty Images

The Southwest Airlines cabin crew imbues every aspect of flying — even pre-flight safety briefing — with a sense of levity. The cabin crew members aren’t just attentive and reliable, they’re also encouraged to have fun; their playfulness lifts even the most mundane or turbulent flights.

Full list of winners: Best Cabin Crew »

Best Economy Class: Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines ranks No.1 for its economy classPorter Airlines ranks No.1 for its economy class — Photo courtesy of Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines is a bit of a hidden gem in the North American aviation industry, offering regional flights to and from destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Passengers enjoy comfortable seats, snacks, and an assortment of beverage options, including local wine and beer.

Full list of winners: Best Economy Class »

Best Inflight Entertainment: Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is beloved for its inflight entertainmentAir New Zealand is beloved for its inflight entertainment — Photo courtesy of Air New Zealand

Each Air New Zealand passenger can enjoy a personal seat-back screen with hours of entertainment options, including a mix of new and classic films, games, curated Spotify playlists, and more. There’s even a Seat Chat feature, which lets you send messages to friends and family on your flight, right from your seat.

Full list of winners: Best Inflight Entertainment »

Best Inflight Food: Air New Zealand

Enjoy the best inflight food aboard Air New ZealandEnjoy the best inflight food aboard Air New Zealand — Photo courtesy of Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s dining experience has been curated to reflect the local cuisine and Māori hospitality. All cabins on long-haul flights can enjoy warm, fresh, carefully prepared meals and New Zealand wines.

Full list of winners: Best Inflight Food »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers’ Choice Awards.

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