When it comes to air travel, not all airlines are created equal. While some excel in comfort, service and punctuality, others seem to lack it in all areas, turning what would be a pleasant trip into a nightmare.
In 2024, some airlines stand out for all the wrong reasons, earning the dubious reputation of being the worst in the world. If you are planning your next trip, consider avoiding these carriers at all costs. Here's a comprehensive list of the world's worst airlines, and Mexico's Viva Aerobus tops the list.
1. "Viva Aerobus" – Mexico
Viva Aerobus takes the unenviable first place as the worst airline in the world in 2024. Frequent travelers often complain about cramped seats, hidden fees and poor customer service. The airline has earned a reputation for its lack of transparency, with passengers reporting surprise fees for everything from hand luggage to seat selection.
Flight delays are common and customer support is often unresponsive, leaving travelers without clear communication or assistance. Viva Aerobus has also faced criticism for its in-flight experience, with reports of uncomfortable seats and a lack of basic amenities, making it an airline to avoid if possible.
2. "Ryanair" – Ireland
Ryanair is notorious for its no-nonsense approach, and while it may be a budget option, passengers often feel like they're getting less than what they're paying for. The airline has a long list of complaints, including poor customer service, a restrictive baggage policy and uncomfortable seats with minimal legroom.
Hidden fees are a hallmark of Ryanair, with passengers often having to pay extra for basic services such as printing boarding passes or checking in standard-sized hand luggage. Despite offering cheap tickets, the overall experience is far from pleasant, making Ryanair a regular contender for the worst airline list.
3. "Spirit Airlines" – USA
Spirit Airlines has made a name for itself as one of the least popular carriers in the United States. Spirit, known for its ultra-low-cost model, compensates by charging extra for almost everything, including seat selection, carry-on luggage and even water on board. Passengers often complain about the airline's uncomfortable seats, lack of legroom and general poor customer service.
Flight delays and cancellations are not uncommon, and communicating with the airline during these events often leaves travelers frustrated and without answers. Spirit's focus on low fares comes at the expense of comfort and convenience, leaving many passengers wishing they had chosen another airline.
4. "Air Koryo" – North Korea
North Korea's state-owned airline Air Koryo has long been considered one of the worst airlines in the world. The airline operates outdated aircraft and the in-flight experience is often described as disappointing, with minimal entertainment options and bland food.
The customer service is very bad and the strict policies of the airline can make the entire travel experience to be spoiled. Although Air Koryo has tried to modernize some of its services, it still lags far behind global standards, making it a difficult choice for those who need to fly to or from North Korea.
5. "AirAsia" - India
Although AirAsia India is a budget carrier, it has faced many issues that make it a disappointing choice for travelers. Passengers often complain about delayed flights, lack of communication during disruptions and uncomfortable seats.
The airline's customer service has also been criticized for being unresponsive and unhelpful, especially during flight cancellations or changes. Although AirAsia India offers attractive fares, the overall experience often leaves a lot of room for improvement as many passengers no longer want to fly with them after one flight.
6. "Flydubai" – UAE
United Arab Emirates-based low-cost airline Flyduba has a mixed reputation, with more negative than positive reviews. Passengers often cite poor customer service, lack of legroom, and low-quality in-flight entertainment as major issues.
Flydubai's pricing model can be deceptive with many additional fees that quickly increase the total cost of the trip. Additionally, flight delays and cancellations without adequate compensation or communication have contributed to the airline's bad reputation among travelers.
