Best low-cost airlines in the world

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has been named the world’s best low-cost airline by travelers around the world.

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has been named the world’s best low-cost airline by travelers around the world.

Both the regional and its long-haul subsidiary AirAsia X made the Skytrax World Airline Awards top 10 list this year in the category of best no-frills airlines.

Winners are based on 18 million customer surveys completed between July 2012 and May 2013 from passengers in 160 countries which rated passenger satisfaction in areas like check-in, boarding, onboard seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, staff, and in-flight dining and entertainment.

AirAsia pitches itself as a low-cost carrier that aims to service the 3 billion people who are currently underserved with poor connectivity throughout Asia.

Last month, AirAsia X -- which took the fourth spot in the top 10 list -- grabbed headlines when it hosted Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson who flew dressed up as a flight attendant after losing a high-stakes Formula 1 wager with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes.

The long-haul carrier was the first in Asia to introduce an empty seat option, allowing passengers to buy empty seats beside them for a more comfortable flight.

Here are the top 10 low-budget airlines for 2013:

1. AirAsia
2. Jetstar Airways
3. Virgin America
4. AirAsia X
5. Indigo
6. Norwegian
7. Jetstar Asia
8. easyJet
9. WestJet
10. Azul Airlines