Budget airline Jetstar has ranked stone cold last in a survey of international airlines, losing out to more than 70 rivals from eight different countries.
The budget carrier and Qantas subsidiary was given among the lowest scored by passengers for flight delays, plane space and comfort, and its onboard staff.
The new survey showed local airlines sliding in a range of public satisfaction measures, with Jetstar deemed the world’s worst carrier, while premium carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia also came off badly when compared with their international counterparts.
In an embarrassing result for the budget carrier, Jetstar was ranked 73rd for overall passenger satisfaction, giving it the lowest possible rating of one star.
In fact, according to one survey’s benchmarks, Australia’s best airline is not even Australian.
In a move that will yet again infuriate our trans-Tasman cousins, Air New Zealand was hilariously named as Australia’s most reputable company in a separate report earlier this week.
The Australian Corporate Reputation Index ranked the Kiwi carrier the most reputable company overall, with Qantas and Virgin taking out fifth and 16th spots, respectively.

And while Australia’s lacklustre airlines may come as a surprise to some, the differences between those in Australia and the world’s best are painfully obvious, according to Central Queensland University head of aviation Ronald Bishop.

“Air New Zealand has figured out what Australian airlines haven’t, they concentrate on being on time and don’t compensate with sub-par service,” Mr Bishop told The New Daily.

“Air New Zealand are finding the differences and nailing it, they don’t schedule airplanes right to the tee, and that leeway gives them some ‘squish’ time.
“They simply under-promise and over-deliver, and combined with little extras, for example, free headphones or snacks, it gives the perception to the customer they are going above and beyond the expectations set by domestic airlines.”