For many travelers departing from the United States, choosing a foreign carrier over a domestic airline isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about the experience—an experience that often feels distinctly better when flying international airlines. But why do foreign carriers have such an edge in the hearts of U.S.-based flyers? Let’s dive into some of the key reasons.
1. Service That Stands Out
One of the biggest draws is the elevated level of service. Many foreign airlines prioritize hospitality, often making passengers feel genuinely welcomed. Cabin crews from airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and ANA are often praised for their attentiveness, warmth, and professionalism. On our flights with ANA, we were constantly being checked on during the journey. In contrast, some travelers perceive service on U.S. carriers as inconsistent, focusing more on efficiency than creating a memorable in-flight experience.
2. Preconceptions About U.S. Carriers
Part of the preference for foreign airlines stems from our familiarity with U.S. carriers’ domestic services. Domestic flights in the U.S. are often associated with cramped seats, limited meal options, and a no-frills approach to flying. These experiences can shape our expectations, making it harder to imagine the same airlines offering a premium experience on international routes. While U.S. carriers have invested in improving their long-haul services, like with United Polaris and Delta One on the A350, which can rival most competitors’ offerings, the lingering perception of their domestic operations often colors travelers’ choices.
Delta 767 International Business Class Seat – 2019
3. Superior Cabin Comfort
Foreign carriers often excel in cabin design and comfort. Whether it’s the spacious seating in economy, the lie-flat beds in business class, or the ultra-luxurious first-class suites, many international airlines invest heavily in passenger comfort. While I’d rather not spend a long-haul flight in economy, I’d consider it with an airline like Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Emirates or Etihad. Meanwhile, U.S. airlines can sometimes feel a step behind, especially on long-haul routes.
4. Food and Beverage Excellence
Let’s be honest: airline food has a reputation for being underwhelming. However, foreign carriers frequently break this stereotype. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines offer multi-course meals crafted by renowned chefs, regionally inspired dishes, and premium drink selections. We experienced this on our flights on Singapore Airlines, where the dining experience felt more like a high-end restaurant than an airplane meal—a testament to the airline’s commitment to excellence. Whether it’s savoring a tea service while en route to the UK or enjoying a flavorful bibimbap on a flight to Korea, foreign carriers create a dining experience that makes you feel your journey has truly begun.
Singapore Airlines’ Lobster Thermidor
5. Global Perspective
Foreign carriers often bring a sense of global culture onboard. Whether through their inflight entertainment selection, which includes a variety of international films and shows, or through the cultural touches in their branding and design, these airlines remind passengers of the adventure awaiting them at their destination.
6. Modern Fleets
Many international airlines boast younger, more technologically advanced fleets than their U.S. counterparts. Aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, celebrated for their quieter cabins and better air quality, are more commonly found in the fleets of foreign carriers. For passengers, this means a more comfortable and enjoyable flight.
7. Alliances and Connections
Foreign carriers often make international travel seamless through partnerships and alliances. Flying a foreign airline might grant access to better lounge facilities, more straightforward connections, and smoother baggage handling, especially when traveling through their home hubs. For example, Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline from its hub in Istanbul.
8. Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s not underestimate the power of branding. Foreign airlines often exude a sense of sophistication and elegance in their marketing, cabin design, and uniforms. The visual appeal—from the plane’s livery to the presentation of onboard services—adds to the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
While U.S. airlines have made some strides in improving their offerings, the competition from foreign carriers remains strong. For many travelers, the combination of superior service, comfort, and cultural authenticity makes flying a foreign airline feel like the start of the journey rather than just a means to an end. Whether you’re sipping champagne at 35,000 feet or enjoying an extra inch of legroom, it’s clear why so many of us gravitate toward foreign carriers when given the choice.
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9 comments
Some of the better foreign carriers also don’t prioritize seniority for route selections. It is absolutely ridiculous that in the US, seniority drives the flight attendant routes. Therefore we aren’t getting the best flight attendants on these long haul routes, hence the inconsistent service.
Totally agree. If the big three Us carrier cannot be bothered to give you a solid deal from LAX to CHI, no way am I going to select you for a longer flight overseas. I don’t even want to fly a US carrier to Canada. Like Southwest delivers what they promise. We will have a seat and we will get you there. That is pretty much. their marketing message … the big 3 think it’s 1969 and they are still selling glamour and an oasis in the air.They are the MS Windows of Operating systems and computers. They are stuck in 1994 but keep trying to tell you it’s a dream world. All airline senior staff should ONLY fly in coach and adjust their marketing message.
I think you should just say it out loud. It’s the flight attendants. North American flight attendants are bossy, unpleasant, and generally seem unhappy with their job. This is in contrast to mid East and Asian carrier flight attendants who are attentive, seem happy, and relish the service aspect of their job.
Nice analysis. Sadly the U.S. airlines that provided a quality flying experience are the ones who didn’t survive the deregulation fallout, largely because of inflated costs and just being unable to change quickly enough to survive the onslaught of changes in the 80’s and 90’s. Pan Am, Northwest Orient, TWA, etc. had a wonderful flying experience but had massive problems making money post-deregulation due to legacy costs and when those airlines died or merged all that was left was a group that had little ability or appetite for providing a quality product.
The look of the flight attendant staff on foreign carriers is more like the look of US flight attendants from 50 years ago: models. I flew an American carrier where all of the attendants were old, crabby grand or great grandmothers.
I respectfully disagree with the premise if the article. I do not categorically avoid US carriers.
The article would be more correct if it said that some foreign carriers are preferred. EVA and Singapore Airlines, I can see. I would not prefer Norse, Philippines, or Icelandair.
@Derek – I have flown Iceland Air a number of times. Mainly Saga Premium (their business class) but also in coach. If you say you wouldn’t prefer them you obviously haven’t flown them. Norse if an ULLC and Philippines is very uneven but I have had nothing but great experiences on Iceland Air. Yes they have some hallmarks of ULCCs in that there are several ticketing options for coach including one where practically everything is an add on fee and they don’t serve free meals in coach. Finally no lay flat seats in business but more like US first class. However, the service is great, especially in Saga Premium, longest flights are around 7 hours so sort of negates lay flat seat requirement and quality of food/drink in Saga Premium is better than what I get on US long haul business class flights. You can knock the hard product maybe a little and do have to pack your food in coach (or preorder it) but the service mentality and overall soft product is great. Also, for the price (frequent $1000-$1200 round trip to Europe from US in Saga Premium sales) and ability to lay over in Iceland for up to 7 days each way at no cost you really can’t beat it.
I have flown on Icelandair. They are ok, but not superior.
Flying Singapore in Coach Class is like flying Business Class or First in any U.S. carrier. I can usually stomach any 2-3 hour flight with an American carrier but any long haul I always prefer Air France, Lufthansa, Singapore out of Houston to Europe, Austrian Air, SWISS, KLM….
British Airways to and from Heathrow is too expensive. Use any other airline and or use a train with your travel plans in Europe.