While air travel continues to evolve in a context marked by geopolitical tensions, operational constraints and rising expectations from travelers, YouGov publishes its study “France Airline Rankings 2026”.
Conducted from the data of its BrandIndex tool, it provides an overview of how the major airlines are perceived by the French public.
The analysis rests on several indicators: the consideration of travellers planning a trip within the next twelve months, the satisfaction of current or former customers, as well as perceptions of quality and value for money.
With a consideration score of 43%, Air France stands out as the airline most envisaged by French travelers for their future journeys. It clearly outscores easyJet (22.5%), Transavia (16.5%) and Ryanair (15.4%).
The national carrier maintains its leading position across all generations and both sexes. Its advantage is particularly pronounced among Baby Boomers, where it reaches 45.5% consideration.
Among the airlines showing growth, Transavia records the largest annual rise (+1.5 points), ahead of Emirates (+1.1 points) and KLM (+1 point), signaling positive momentum for some secondary market players.
Conducted from the data of its BrandIndex tool, it provides an overview of how the major airlines are perceived by the French public.
The analysis rests on several indicators: the consideration of travellers planning a trip within the next twelve months, the satisfaction of current or former customers, as well as perceptions of quality and value for money.
With a consideration score of 43%, Air France stands out as the airline most envisaged by French travelers for their future journeys. It clearly outscores easyJet (22.5%), Transavia (16.5%) and Ryanair (15.4%).
The national carrier maintains its leading position across all generations and both sexes. Its advantage is particularly pronounced among Baby Boomers, where it reaches 45.5% consideration.
Among the airlines showing growth, Transavia records the largest annual rise (+1.5 points), ahead of Emirates (+1.1 points) and KLM (+1 point), signaling positive momentum for some secondary market players.
Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways Dominate Satisfaction
If Air France enjoys strong attractiveness, it occupies only the fourth place in the current and former customers’ satisfaction ranking with a net score of 66.5.
The top three positions are held by Singapore Airlines (76.6), Emirates (74.5) and Qatar Airways (69), underscoring the strength of their reputation among French passengers.
According to YouGov, this hierarchy highlights the ability of premium long-haul carriers to translate their brand image into a customer experience that is judged satisfactory.
Corsair also stands out with the largest annual improvement in satisfaction (+6.1 points), ahead of American Airlines (+6 points) and Emirates (+5.7 points).
The top three positions are held by Singapore Airlines (76.6), Emirates (74.5) and Qatar Airways (69), underscoring the strength of their reputation among French passengers.
According to YouGov, this hierarchy highlights the ability of premium long-haul carriers to translate their brand image into a customer experience that is judged satisfactory.
Corsair also stands out with the largest annual improvement in satisfaction (+6.1 points), ahead of American Airlines (+6 points) and Emirates (+5.7 points).
Quality: Air France Tops and the Low-Costs?
The study also highlights a marked contrast between perceived quality and perceived value for money. On the quality criterion, Air France arrives in first place with a net score of 51.2, ahead of Emirates (20.4), Qatar Airways (18.8), British Airways (17.9) and Lufthansa (16.6). Traditional airlines largely dominate this ranking.
Conversely, when it comes to perceived value, low-cost carriers take the lead. easyJet climbs to first place with a score of 14.6, followed by Transavia (8.9), Air France (8.2) and Ryanair (5.4).
For YouGov, these results show that price is not the only criterion travelers use. Satisfaction, perceived quality, and the trust placed in a brand also play a decisive role in purchase decisions.
The study also examines the profiles of Air France and easyJet customers. Air France customers appear older, with 68% over 45 years old. They travel more for leisure, make reservations more often directly on the airline’s website, and show strong interest in the cultural discovery of destinations.
At easyJet, value for money is a determining factor. Customers tend to come from mid-range income brackets and are more cost-conscious when choosing their mode of transport. They also favor stays that combine relaxation and discovery.
Conversely, when it comes to perceived value, low-cost carriers take the lead. easyJet climbs to first place with a score of 14.6, followed by Transavia (8.9), Air France (8.2) and Ryanair (5.4).
For YouGov, these results show that price is not the only criterion travelers use. Satisfaction, perceived quality, and the trust placed in a brand also play a decisive role in purchase decisions.
The study also examines the profiles of Air France and easyJet customers. Air France customers appear older, with 68% over 45 years old. They travel more for leisure, make reservations more often directly on the airline’s website, and show strong interest in the cultural discovery of destinations.
At easyJet, value for money is a determining factor. Customers tend to come from mid-range income brackets and are more cost-conscious when choosing their mode of transport. They also favor stays that combine relaxation and discovery.
Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor See all articles by Amelia Brille
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