MaNdlovu on Flights: Not all airlines are created equal

April 10, 2026
Travel News & Insights

Sané Ndlovu|Published 1 hour ago

Not all airlines are created equal, and I say this with all the respect in the world. This is a topic I’ve wanted to discuss because just the other day I received an email from an airline I didn’t particularly enjoy flying with, and after opening it, I quietly said to myself: “I won’t be flying with you again.”

Eight to sixteen hours, and sometimes even more, is a very long time to be on a plane, and there are many things that make the experience bearable. Your travel experience does not start when you reach your destination; it begins the moment you leave home, head to the airport, and is even more pronounced during bag drop-off and check-in. This is why choosing the right airline is essential.

We’ve been tightening our belts for a while now. The cost of living is something we are paying more attention to. “Cheap” or more affordable flights are always attractive, but in my experience, there is often something hidden that you may have to pay for down the line. This can result in limited baggage allowance, an inability to choose your own seat, or restrictions on making changes to your flight.

My experience with an airline that will remain unnamed involved purchasing what I thought were inexpensive tickets, only to pay extra to reserve seats. I understand paying more for additional legroom, but you shouldn’t have to pay for a standard seat. The seats weren’t the only issue; the crew’s service was also lacking, with a dismissive attitude that made the experience even less enjoyable.

If you’re going to fly for that long, and it’s all part of your overall experience, I recommend choosing an airline with a strong reputation. While not every airline can tick every box, you need to ensure that what matters most to you is covered. My list of requirements is long, but I believe it’s fair.

Service from the crew is at the top of my list. Whether you’re flying first class or economy, the service needs to be good, and passengers should be treated with respect. You should feel well looked after and comfortable asking for anything you need.

Food quality and taste come next. If that’s the only food I’m going to eat for the next 16 to 24 hours, it needs to be enjoyable. Don’t judge me for putting comfort third on my list. What can you do? Either pay for extra comfort in first class or make the most of what’s available in economy. The most I’m willing to do is pay for extra legroom so I can stretch and avoid sitting with bent knees for the entire flight. Let me remind you that I am a cost-savvy “gal”.

The last item on my list is in-flight entertainment. Access to music, films, or documentaries is important. Access to messaging, even if you have to pay for it, is also a must.

I’ve placed a lot of responsibility on airlines for our enjoyment during a flight, but it wouldn’t be fair not to mention the importance of being a considerate passenger. Treat fellow passengers and the crew with respect. It may go without saying, but watching TikTok videos or listening to voice notes out loud is a definite no. Reclining your seat so far back that the person behind you feels like you’re in their lap is equally disrespectful.

How you behave on a plane can affect someone else’s travel experience just as much as the airline itself.