Welcome to my Top 10 Favourite Airline's Mobile App blog post!
Do note: These are the airlines I flew from the year 2023 and onwards and there were some airlines flown during this period (2023 to 2026) not included in the list as either they do not have the mobile app version or the mobile app is not available in my region.
Introduction
I thought of doing something different and since I have a particular interest in airline's mobile app, I decided to do a blog post on this and do take note that not in anyway am I paid by any airline to write this blog post. My booking experience on these apps may be different from all of you and just to let you know that normally I use either my Ipad or my Iphone 15 Pro connected to my home internet WiFi to do the booking. These mobile apps are based on the ones on Apple's store. I am sure for Android users booking on the apps through the Goggle Play should have a similar experience.
So without further ado, let's begin this blog post!
Let me list down the airlines in alphabetical order
1st
(New Airline for my flight logbook)
I like the interface of the mobile app, it looks neat and easy to view. At this point of time, I haven't flown with the airline I can't comment much at this point so if there are any updates, I will update my blog accordingly.
I am able to view my itinerary without any issues.
I was able to check my requirements to enter my destination, Argentina and this is one of the useful features of the airline's app.
I had an option to make a bid for either the Premium Economy or Business Class.
The seat map - Premium Economy (More on this in my upcoming Air Canada Trip Report).
Even if you are not a member of Air Canada, your flight itinerary will be stored automatically until the day of your flight.
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My thoughts
I enjoyed this mobile app as it is not only functional, it is also easy to use and navigate. I was able to book and check the important notices especially on the type of fares and prices before confirming the booking. When I did the booking, I was able to navigate without any issues and more importantly the information I needed was given.
My rating:
2nd
This Skyteam airline along with KLM uses the same interface on its app and I find it to be quite user-friendly.
The layout of the app is impressive.
What I like about the app is it gives you a checklist and options (chargable) for you to consider.
A detailed information about the type of airfare is given.
The seat map does not look too bad, however I still have to refer to Aerolopa.com to check that the window is aligned to the seat.
Once my booking was completed, I was given a detailed information about my flight. (below)
My thoughts
This app worked flawlesss for me and I was able to access and check my flight itinerary without any issues from time to time. I am definitely surprised and happy with this mobile app and I dare say that among the mobile apps I used so far, this has to be one of the top ones out there.
My ratings
3rd
Some of you may be surprised with this one. Despite its current problems, credit have to go to the IT department for creating a very good mobile app in my opinion.
I like the user friendly mobile app. Can you spot something wrong over here? This was fixed just the day before the flight.
The airline kept me well updated on my aircraft's status with notification appearing on my phone quite regularly.
The seat map, may not be the best but at least it is clear to view.
The mobile check-in process was a smooth affair.
I like the layout of the flight information, it's neat and clean.
There is even a flight menu on this short domestic flight (business class).
If you have multiple trips with this airline, you can also add label to easily identify your flights.
My thoughts
Well done to the airline for this outstanding mobile app. I had no issues accessing it and doing the booking process. Whatever information I needed was listed on the app and also the notification I received from the airline kept me well updated and I knew exactly when to head to our gate without the need of rushing off from the lounge.
My ratings
4th
I voted for ANA is because I thought the airline's app was quite informative and user-friendly. I was able to do the booking without any issues and seek important information without the need to refer to other sources.
My flight information
There were multiple messsages on my mobile phone informing me about my flight status and that is very much appreciated.
The app also stats the aircraft type you are flying on and some useful information about the aircraft you are flying on.
The seat map of the original aircraft (787-8)
The app also allows you to save the boarding pass into the apple wallet. For Japanese domestic flights, you are allowed to use mobile boarding passes.
Check in process was straight forward.
My thoughts
Although the app is nothing fanciful, the interface is not bad as it allows the user to navigate and check the important information about the flight and that matters. I didn't encounter any issues when I did the booking or do the online check-in. I appreciate the every bit of details the airline offered especially the notification of the aircraft change. Because of the aircraft change, our assigned seats were affected and that's nice to know that the airline notify us about it.
My ratings
5. Delta Airlines/Virgin Atlantic
Delta Airlines owns a 49% share in Virgin Atlantic and they have a joint venture and partnership which allows them to coordinate flights and services especially on routes from the U.K to U.S. The mobile apps are quite similar and therefore I decided to combine them as I flew with both of them not too long ago.
The app is simple but the layout is user-friendly. I was able to book my flight without issues.
For this flight DL769, I reserved a window seat but somehow on the day of departure, my seat was changed to a middle seat. I know this can happen and the airline has stated this in the terms of conditions but I find it rude not to be informed as a courtesy and for my past experience, I received notifications about it. Fortunately this rarely happens.
The state of the prices were given and I was able to use the ecredits on this flight thanks to the flight changes I made the year earlier (which I received a refund of $50).
I was able to access Virgin's aircraft layout on Delta's mobile app.
This is the seat map of Virgin Atlantic's on the tablet version.
I like this layout, it's tidy and the information is clear. (Below)
My thoughts
Delta and Virgin Atlantic's mobile apps are easy to use and I had no issues at all with the booking and the checking of flight status. I was also able to upgrade to a better class on one of the flights without the need of going through an agent and that is important of the role of the mobile app. The app also gives me regular update and when my flight was changed due to the airline's operation reasons, I was able to change my flights without any issues.
My ratings
6. Emirates
I find the mobile app to be quite user-friendly and easy to navigate. The main reason why this is included in my top 10 list is the ability to view my seat in the virtual environment thanks to the computer technology. I thought this is a pretty cool feature.
Check in process was done without any issues.
The necessary information of my flight details were stated.
Another cool feature about this app is the ability to view the inflight menu even in Economy Class.
The seat map of my aircraft
Once the check in was done, the details of my flight was given.
My thoughts
I find the mobile app to be user-friendly as I was able to navigate the pages and make my booking without any problem. There are some interesting features such as the virtual cabin tour and the inflight menu for economy class passengers and from the time I used the app, I had no issues with it and was able to successfully complete the check-in and do regular checks of my flight without any issues.
My ratings
7. Malaysia Airlines
This must be a surprise to some but I actually like the mobile app for its simplicity and user-friendliness. Although it is not perfect, I like the interface of the app and I was able to navigate and participate in the MHupgrade without any issues.
A list of options for you - most of them requirement payment to enjoy the services.
I decided to go ahead with the MHupgrade. More information on this in my upcoming trip report, stay tuned!
I was able to retrive my boarding pass from the app and add it to the apple wallet.
I like the layout of my flight details
Passenger details are displayed and this is important so that you can do the check now and if there are any errors, you can amend them now rather than later.
I thought the seat map layout is pretty cool with the rows of seats split into 3 section for easy viewing. It is also important to have the legend in case anyone is wondering what it is.
Although the app can be a laggy at times, I had no problems at all doing my check from time to time, changing my seats or navigate the app to consider whether to add the lounge access to my trip. Just like the other apps, it is important that the app is user-friendly for all ages and my experience so far has warrents a place in my top 10 mobile app user experience.
Ratings
8. Saudia
(New airline for my flight logbook)
This is a new airline for me and I would only be flying with them in February next year. I have plans to also fly with Riyadh air and when I will make plans once the airlines has start its operation. For the parent airline, I was pleasantly surprised how pleasant and smooth the interface of the mobile app is. I managed to get my booking done without issues.
The airline offers packages and offers for its own members.
After booking, I was offered a few options on upgrades.
I am able to fill in the information and do seat selection without issues. However, I would need to key in the authentication code each time I try to amend my booking (either email or sms), that's not a bad thing actually.
Seat map
I had to refer to Aerolopa.com's version to make sure the window is aligned to my seat.
The inflight details provided is clear and it is always nice to know how much miles one will earn from flying on each sector. For this airline, you are able to earn miles with any of the airlines in the Skyteam alliance.
My thoughts
I thought this is an excellent app. The user interface is top notch and I was able to check my flight status and any other important information easily. The only troublesome part is having to go through the authorisation process to make amendment to your flight. Other than that, I really enjoy using this mobile app and I have a preference for dark background as it makes it easier for my eyes to view the content. I can't wait to try out the soft and hard products of the airline early next year.
Rating
9. Singapore Airlines
I remember there was one time this airline had issues with both the mobile app and the website. However, they came out with this version which is certainly a big improvement. I decided to add this into the list because overall I am satisfied with my mobile app experience on this version. In addition, I didn't have to switch back and forth with the website just to get my booking done or checking my flight details.
In this section, I was able to select the seat and choose a meal from the Book The Cook (Available at the home base and selected cities).
The Book the Cook option consists of many different type of dishes and this is one of the highlights flying premium class with this airline.
During the booking process, I was able to compare the different fare types and choose the best flight for my convenience.
The cheapest fare was displayed and this is very much appreciated, reducing the need of checking every flight combination just to get the cheapest fare.
This is the seat map
For window seats, I have to refer to aerolopa.com to make sure that the window was aligned to my seat.
A detailed trip summary after the booking is completed.
I find the mobile app for both the phone and tablet version to be quite user-friendly and more importantly bug free as I was able to navigate and confirmed my flights without any issues. It also allows you to make flight changes or upgrade your seats or class types (if available) without the need to go through the agent, making it convenient. Overall, I am satisfied with this airline's mobile app.
Ratings
10. Starlux
Starlux is one of the newest airlines out there and they have definitely taken aviation by storm, expanding at its own rate with more partnerships happening with other airlines. Not only that, it also operates brand new aircraft comprising of only Airbus aircraft and for the consumer side? I am impressed with the mobile app, it has to be one of the best out there.
This is one of the very few airline apps that have photos shown for your meal options in Economy Class and can be selected before the flight. If you forget to choose or choose not to select the meal option, you can do so during the meal service inflight.
The front page of the app looks really cool.
These are the ancilliary services provided by the airline. The layout is neat and clean.
This is the summary of your flight.
Flight information, I thought it would look better with a dark background.
The seat map - there is even a notification to inform you if the seat is windowless.
My thoughts
I am amazed with mobile app for I am a big fan of it. The user interface and my navigating experience on this mobile app has certainly impressed me. The quality of the mobile app has certainly blown away its closest rivals, EVA Air and China Airlines and hopefully both airlines can continue to work on improving their mobile app versions especially the airline from the skyteam alliance.
Ratings
My top 3 mobile apps
Winner
This airline's mobile app is certainly my favourite with a great design interface making me feel appreciated by the airline even when flying in Economy class. The design of the app gives me the luxurious feeling with important information and updates provided regularly from the airline, it makes my life much easier.
2nd place
When I first opened up the mobile app of this airline and KLM, I was positively surprised how good and smooth the interface is. I like how they arrange the layout and list down the important details you need on a page, making the booking experience a pleasant one. I do open the app from time to time to check on my flight and whatever information I need is all listed in there. Well done, AF and KL!
3rd place
I have flown with Emirates numerous number of times and this latest version of the app has certainly caught my attention. Just like the other apps, this app is easy to use and no issues navigating to find the most suitable flight combination. What I appreciate most about the app is the ability to view my inflight menu and to view my seat in the visual cabin. For that this gets the 3rd spot.
It was tough deciding the 3rd place as I was also considering Air India's mobile app. The Indian airline's app impressed me with the clean and easy to use functions but in the end I chose Emirates is because it has the extra 'wow' factor such as the ability to view my seat in the visual cabin.
My final thoughts
Booking with airlines today is more convenient than during the time when internet was new to the market many years ago. Air travel back then was more expensive whether it is through a travel agent or booking directly with the airline. I remember those days in the 1990s, I rely heavily on a travel agent for flight booking as it saved me a lot of time and I could fly with other airlines when possible.
Many years later, with technology improving every day at a constant rate, we can now rely on ourselves to book our flights through the website, mobile apps, 3rd party apps and travel agents. I may not be an IT person, but I like to check out the design of the apps and how user-friendly it is for an average Joe.
As years passed by, the quality of the mobile app improved with many airlines opting to upgrade the interface from time to time, making it more convenient and pleasant for us, travellers. So in this blog, I revealed some of the good ones out there that is worth a mention, at least the airlines I have either booked or have flown recently.
What are the important factors of a good mobile app?
- User-friendly
- Easy to navigate interface
- Not too many wordings (More photos would be great)
- Flight itinerary auto saved onto the mobile app (Without the need of joining or logging into the account)
- All the important information listed down in a point form on a page
These are the main ones I can think of. Do you have any suggestions on how the airlines can improve the mobile app experience? Feel free to leave a comment below
Charles Ryan
(If you are happy with my work, feel free to contribute by donating any amount over here. Greatly appreciated!)
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