Air Canada Just Took the Top Spot Again

Air Canada has been named Best Airline in North America for the second consecutive year and the 10th time overall since 2010.

The 2026 award is based on passenger satisfaction surveys conducted between September 2025 and August 2026. The survey included responses from more than 100 nationalities and covered more than 300 airlines.

That makes the award more than just an industry announcement. It reflects feedback from travellers who have actually used airlines around the world.

You can learn more about the awards through Skytrax.

Air Canada Didn't Win Just One Award

The airline picked up several other recognitions at the 2026 awards.

Air Canada was named:

• Best Cabin Crew in Canada

• Best Economy Onboard Catering in North America

• Best Business Class Lounge in North America

• World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining for its Toronto Signature Suite

The Signature Suite dining award is particularly notable because it marks the third consecutive year that Toronto’s Signature Suite has received the recognition.

For travellers, these awards point to something worth considering when booking: the experience doesn't necessarily stop when you board the aircraft.

Air Canada Also Climbed the Global Rankings

Air Canada also moved up two spots to 17th in the World’s Top 100 Airlines.

It was the only North American airline to appear in the global top 20.

For Canadians, that is relevant because Air Canada remains a major part of the country's air travel network, connecting travellers with destinations across Canada and around the world.

What Has Air Canada Been Changing?

The awards come as Air Canada continues to make changes to the passenger experience.

The airline has invested in faster, free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell, updates to its mobile app, complimentary premium snacks, wine and beer, in-flight entertainment, lounges and airport processes.

Air Canada has also been working on its booking experience, including intermodal travel options, while introducing new cabin designs such as those planned for its A321XLR aircraft.

You can explore Air Canada's current services and travel options on the Air Canada website.

For travellers, the bigger takeaway is simple: the airline experience can include much more than the seat and the flight itself.

What About Premium Travellers?

Air Canada has also put significant attention into its premium travel experience.

Its Signature Suites at Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International Airport offer premium dining and lounge experiences before departure.

Toronto's Signature Suite has now received the World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining award for the third consecutive year.

Of course, not every traveller needs or wants a premium experience. But for Canadians taking a long-haul trip or travelling for business, these services can become part of the overall decision when comparing flights.

Does This Mean Air Canada Is the Right Choice for You?

Not necessarily.

An airline winning an industry award doesn't automatically make it the right choice for every traveller.

Price still matters. So do flight times, destinations, baggage allowances, connections, loyalty programs, cabin class and personal preferences.

A traveller flying across Canada for a short weekend may have very different priorities from someone taking a long-haul flight to Europe or Asia.

That is why awards like this are useful as one piece of the puzzle, rather than the only reason to book.

What This Means for Canadian Travellers

For Canadians, Air Canada's latest recognition is worth knowing about because the airline plays such a significant role in Canadian air travel.

But it also highlights something important about booking a trip: the cheapest flight isn't always the only thing worth considering.

Before clicking “book,” look at the complete experience. Check the schedule, connections, baggage, onboard services and what you are actually getting for the price.

And remember that your flight is only one part of your trip.

Where you're staying, what you're doing, how you're getting around and how everything fits together can make just as much difference to the overall experience.

How Red Leaf Travel Can Help

Planning a trip involves more than finding a flight.

Airline awards like Air Canada's latest Skytrax recognition can give travellers another factor to consider, but choosing the right flight is still about how it fits into the rest of the journey.

That is where Red Leaf Travel can become part of the planning process.

Rather than looking at airfare on its own, travellers can think about the bigger picture—where they want to go, how they want to travel, where they want to stay and what they want to experience once they arrive.

Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a major international trip, having the right travel information can make it easier to compare your options and build a trip around what matters to you.

3 Questions You Might Have

How many times has Air Canada won Best Airline in North America? Air Canada has now won the award 10 times since 2010, including consecutive wins in 2025 and 2026.

How are the Skytrax awards decided? The awards are based on passenger satisfaction surveys. The 2025–2026 survey collected responses from travellers representing more than 100 nationalities and covering more than 300 airlines.

Does the award mean Air Canada is the best airline for every Canadian traveller? No. The award is one factor to consider. Travellers should also compare price, schedules, routes, baggage, connections, cabin options and other services.

Before You Book, Look Beyond the Price

Air Canada's latest recognition gives Canadian travellers another reason to take a closer look at the airline before booking their next flight.

But the real lesson isn't simply to choose one airline because it won an award.

It's to look at the whole travel experience.

Your flight sets the tone for the trip, but your destination, accommodation, transportation and plans once you arrive all matter too.

So before you book your next flight, don't just look at the price.

Look at the journey.