One of the most thrilling aspects of traveling is flying, but picking the incorrect airline can quickly make an ideal vacation unfulfilling. A traveller’s trip may be significantly impacted by delays, cancelations, subpar customer service, uncomfortable aircraft, and erratic schedules. This begs the intriguing question of which national airlines should have the worst reputations.
Our list of the worst national airlines in the world goes beyond internet grievances. Punctuality, cancelation rates, customer satisfaction, baggage handling, on board service, and the general dependability of the passenger experience are some of the metrics used to assess airline performance. It is crucial to take the big picture into account because an airline that does poorly in one category might still be relatively strong in another.
National airlines, sometimes referred to as flag carriers, can play a particularly significant role in linking their nations with the rest of the world. While some have outstanding reputations and high standards, others face challenges related to finances, aging fleets, operational issues, or uneven service.
This guide investigates airlines that have received a lot of bad press and looks at the causes of their reputations. It also explains why these airlines should be avoided by travellers.
You can make a better choice if you look up an airline’s recent performance before making your next international reservation. The objective is to understand what makes an airline dependable—or unreliable—and what travellers should consider when selecting their next flight, as airline rankings are subject to annual fluctuations.
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Air Canada Worst National Airline Carrier
Although Air Canada is one of the biggest and most well-known airlines in Canada, many passengers are dissatisfied with the airline’s reputation for poor customer service, baggage issues, and flight delays. There is sufficient information on passenger complaints and regulatory actions to comprehend why certain passengers have negative opinions of the airline.
There were still a lot of complaints about Air Canada. Air Canada had more closed complaints than any other Canadian airline during the 2024–2025 fiscal year, with 6,555.
We have personally discovered that Air Canada’s customer service is terrible on multiple occasions. They disappear and fail to assist customers, delay and cancel flights without offering reimbursement or hotels, swear at multiple people without realizing they are speaking to paying customers, and provide the worst customer service we have ever encountered.
On seven separate occasions, they have misplaced our bags. One lost for more than three months, four returned within 48 to 72 hours, and two were totally gone. All but one of the ones we had returned had items missing from the bags, and customer service claimed it was not their fault and didn’t do it. On one occasion, they even cursed at us.
When a delayed suitcase contains clothing, medications, toiletries, or other necessities, it can be especially annoying. They disappear and fail to assist customers, delay and cancel flights without offering reimbursement or hotels, swear at multiple people without realizing they are speaking to paying customers, and provide the worst customer service we have ever encountered.
Particularly when traveling abroad, missing luggage can result in extra costs and uncertainty for travellers.
An even larger chain reaction may result from flight delays. A missed connection, an overnight stay, or baggage arriving without the passenger are all possible outcomes of a delayed departure. There may be serious repercussions for tourists with constrained schedules.
Regulators have also taken notice of Air Canada’s handling of disruptions. Following an investigation into infractions during the airline’s August 2025 labour disruption, the CTA announced a $426,000 administrative monetary penalty in March 2026.
In the end, Air Canada isn’t clearly the worst airline in Canada and in our opinion the worst overall national airline in the world from our experience. Its high complaint volume and known regulatory problems account for why thousands of other travelers have reported having a very bad experience. Keeping necessities in carry-on luggage, allowing ample connection times, recording interruptions, and being aware of your rights as a passenger are the best ways to protect yourself when traveling.
2. Air India Horrible National Airline Carrier
One of the most well-known airlines in India is Air India, but complaints from some passengers regarding customer service, baggage issues, delays, and cancelations have damaged the airline’s reputation. These problems can make an exciting trip into a frustrating one for travellers hoping for a seamless international journey.
One of the main issues is flight disruptions. Air India has acknowledged that schedule modifications brought on by operational limitations and other factors occasionally necessitate rebooking or refunds for impacted passengers. Reliability is a crucial factor to take into account when selecting a flight because the airline has also gone through periods of severe disruption.
Another source of annoyance is baggage handling. Although Air India offers systems for tracking misplaced or delayed luggage, travellers may need to file reports and wait for their belongings to be located if their bags do not reach their destination. According to the airline, luggage may be deemed lost if it is not found within 21 days.
Passengers may also run into issues with customer service, especially when handling delayed flights or baggage claims. While its own guidelines recognize times of high contact-centre demand, Air India maintains a customer-support portal that addresses baggage, refunds, flight disruptions, and complaints.
No Air India flight will be unpleasant because of these issues. Travelers should, however, take into account the airline’s recent operational performance, allow extra time for connections, and be aware of the baggage and compensation policies before departing.
It might be beneficial for travellers who prioritize dependability over all other considerations to compare Air India with other airlines before making a reservation.
3. Tunisair Horrible National Airline Carrier
The national airline of Tunisia, Tunisair, has a particularly bad reputation among some travellers due to baggage issues, delays, cancelations, and poor customer service. As a matter of fact, Tunisair was ranked last in the 2024 AirHelp Score, making it a prime contender for any debate concerning airlines that provide the worst customer service.
One of the most common complaints is delays. According to recent passenger reviews, flights have been delayed for several hours, and passengers have occasionally received little information. The fact that Tunisair’s own website has specific processes for handling cancelation and delay claims shows how frequently the airline must deal with these problems.
Another significant source of annoyance is baggage. In the event that luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, Tunisair has specific protocols in place, including requirements for passengers to report issues and provide supporting documentation. According to the airline, lost baggage claims can start after 21 days, but delayed baggage claims must be filed within 21 days of receiving the luggage.
Another area that receives criticism is customer service. Complaints about inadequate communication during delays, trouble getting information, and issues getting in touch with the airline have recently been posted on customer websites. However, some travellers report having good experiences, so it is evident that the quality of service varies from flight to flight.
Therefore, Tunisair is not always a bad option for travellers; however, due to its reputation, travellers should thoroughly research their specific route. The likelihood of a bad experience may be decreased by giving yourself more time for connections, being aware of baggage procedures, and researching the airline’s cancelation policies prior to departure.
4. Kenya Airways Horrible National Airline Carrier
The national airline of Kenya, Kenya Airways, has received a lot of negative feedback from travellers regarding customer service, baggage issues, delays, and cancelations. The airline has a bad reputation among some travellers due to recent passenger reviews that detail interrupted flights, missing luggage, and challenges getting adequate assistance.
Long delays that caused missed connections have been reported in recent reviews, and other travellers have expressed dissatisfaction over cancelations and significant schedule adjustments. These interruptions may result in missed plans, higher lodging expenses, and a great deal of stress.
Another frequent grievance is baggage handling. In addition to file references and tracking services, Kenya Airways has specific protocols for lost, damaged, and delayed luggage. Additionally, according to the airline, travellers may have to file baggage compensation claims by certain dates.
When something goes wrong, customer service can become even more crucial. Although Kenya Airways offers formal complaint procedures and a 24-hour Customer Excellence Center, recent customer reviews highlight challenges in getting prompt responses and handling baggage or disruption claims.
The airline is also under a lot of operational and financial strain. Kenya Airways reported a significant first-half pre-tax loss in August 2026, and additional difficulties have been brought on by growing fuel prices and trouble finding replacement parts.
This does not imply that every flight on Kenya Airways will be unpleasant for passengers. Reliability-conscious travellers should, however, thoroughly investigate their particular route, allow extra time for connections, and comprehend the airline’s baggage and disruption policies prior to making a reservation.
5. Egyptair Horrible National Airline Carrier
The national airline of Egypt, EgyptAir, has received a lot of flak from travelers regarding customer service, baggage issues, delays, and cancelations. Although individual experiences differ, EgyptAir is a contentious option for travelers due to the numerous complaints in recent passenger reviews regarding interrupted flights and inadequate communication.
One of the most annoying things seems to be baggage. Some passengers have complained that it was difficult to get updates from the airline, while others have reported luggage arriving days late or failing to arrive with the flight. According to a recent review, there was little helpful staff communication and baggage was delayed for several days.
Cancelations and delays may exacerbate these issues. Travelers who experience flight disruptions may need to make arrangements for new connections, lodging, or refunds, and a number of recent reviews express dissatisfaction over the lack of clear information or support. After flights were cancelled, other travelers have complained about not getting their money back.
Another important issue is customer service. Long wait times for help, unanswered emails, trouble modifying reservations, and unhelpful responses when travelers needed assistance are all described in recent reviews. EgyptAir currently has a very low overall rating on Trustpilot, despite the fact that these reviews are based on individual passenger experiences rather than an impartial assessment of every flight.
This degree of criticism is detrimental to a national carrier. Not all passengers have a bad experience with EgyptAir; some travelers report pleasant crews and easy flights. Before traveling, though, anyone thinking about making a reservation should thoroughly investigate their particular route and comprehend the airline’s baggage, cancelation, and refund policies.
Comparing EgyptAir with other carriers might be beneficial for travelers who value dependability and prompt customer service over cost.
6. South African Airways Horrible National Airline Carrier
Some travellers have harshly criticized South African Airways (SAA), the country’s national airline, for issues with baggage, cancelations, delays, refunds, and customer service. Recent reviews detail annoying encounters that can make flying with the airline seem needlessly challenging.
One area that is receiving complaints is baggage handling. A July 2026 traveller reported that their luggage did not arrive, and another August 2026 review claimed that luggage was left in Johannesburg due to overbooking. These are just two examples of recent passenger complaints about delayed or abandoned luggage. These are individual reports, not evidence that all SAA passengers have baggage issues.
Even more issues can arise from flight delays and cancelations, especially for travellers who have connecting flights. Lengthy delays, missed connections, and cancelled services have all been mentioned in recent reviews. Some travellers have also claimed that they had trouble getting reimbursements or appropriate help afterward.
Another common complaint is customer service. While acknowledging that email response times can occasionally be longer than anticipated, SAA’s own website offers dedicated assistance for flights that are disrupted. In the meantime, recent customer reviews bemoan being passed between departments, having trouble getting refunds, and unanswered emails.
To say that every SAA flight is bad would be unfair. Recent travellers have reported pleasant crews, cosy flights, and on-time arrivals. However, given the number of recent complaints, passengers may want to do their homework before making a reservation with SAA. Before traveling, anyone selecting SAA should research connection times, baggage arrangements, cancelation policies, and refund procedures.
7. Air Serbia Horrible National Airline Carrier
Passengers have harshly criticized Serbia’s national airline, Air Serbia, for baggage issues, delays, cancelations, and poor customer service. Although it’s subjective to call any airline “horrible,” recent customer reviews indicate a pattern of dissatisfaction that makes Air Serbia worth thoroughly investigating before making a reservation.
One of the most frequent grievances seems to be delays. Long delays, lost connections, and inadequate communication during disruptions are described in recent reviews. Additionally, some travellers have complained about last-minute changes or cancelations that made it difficult for them to make other plans.
Another issue is baggage. Passengers must report missing luggage at the airport and keep their documentation as part of Air Serbia’s official procedure for delayed, damaged, and lost luggage. According to the airline, baggage that disappears for longer than 21 days may qualify for reimbursement.
When something goes wrong, customer service can become especially annoying. Although Air Serbia offers a contact center and an online claims system, complaints about slow responses, trouble getting help, and long wait times for claims resolution have been reported in recent reviews. Although these reviews reflect individual passenger experiences rather than all Air Serbia flights, Trustpilot currently displays a very low overall rating.
Not every traveller has a bad experience. Recent passengers have complimented Air Serbia’s smooth travel, comfortable flights, and cabin crew. Travelers should carefully consider their options, though, given the volume of recent complaints regarding baggage, customer service, and delays.
Allowing extra time for connections and being aware of the airline’s baggage and disruption policies could help passengers booking Air Serbia avoid further stress.
8. American Airlines Horrible National Airline Carrier
One of the biggest airlines in the US is American Airlines, but because of its vast network, travellers may encounter annoying issues with customer service, baggage, delays, and cancelations. There are good reasons why some travellers might want to compare options before making a reservation, even though calling the airline “horrible” is subjective.
For travellers making connections, delays and cancelations can be especially problematic. Although American Airlines’ conditions of carriage make it clear that scheduled departure and arrival times are not guaranteed, the airline claims that it will typically rebook passengers when flights are cancelled or delays threaten a connection. Passengers experienced further delays while operations recovered following a nationwide disruption and temporary ground stop in July 2026 due to a technology outage.
Another possible source of annoyance is baggage. Passengers must adhere to certain deadlines and procedures in order to use American’s systems for reporting delayed or damaged luggage. For instance, international travellers should report delayed bags prior to departing the airport, whereas domestic travellers must typically do so within four hours.
When something goes wrong, customer service can also become annoying. Currently, American’s customer service pages alert users to the possibility of longer response times and delays. Passengers looking for assistance with delayed flights, refunds, or baggage claims may find this particularly annoying.
All of this does not imply that every flight on American Airlines is unpleasant. However, before making a reservation, travellers who place a high value on promptness, dependable baggage handling, and attentive service should carefully consider recent performance and other carriers. The stress brought on by unforeseen interruptions can also be lessened by allowing ample connection times.
9. China Eastern Airlines Horrible National Airline Carrier
One of China’s biggest airlines, China Eastern Airlines, has received a lot of negative feedback from travellers regarding customer service, baggage issues, delays, and cancelations. China Eastern received an overall score of just 4.74 out of 10 in the 2025 AirHelp Score, placing it near the bottom of 117 airlines. Travelers should be especially concerned about AirHelp’s ranking, which takes into account customer feedback, claims processing, and punctuality.
Recent passenger complaints frequently mention delays and cancelations. Long delays at several airports, flight cancelations, last-minute changes, and challenges setting up alternate travel are all mentioned in recent reviews. One traveller complained about the lack of support during the disruption and described a trip that ended up being 24 hours late due to a cancelation.
Another area that has drawn criticism is baggage handling. Recent travellers have complained about damaged or lost luggage and trouble getting reimbursement. One passenger reported that a large suitcase was lost and expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the compensation request, while another described waiting months for a response to a damaged-baggage claim.
When something goes wrong, customer service can be especially annoying. According to recent reviews, it is difficult to get in touch with the airline, there is little help available at airports, and complaints are handled slowly. When attempting to resolve interrupted reservations, some international travellers have also reported communication issues.
These grievances do not imply that all flights with China Eastern are unpleasant. Travelers should do their homework on this airline, though, given its low 2025 AirHelp ranking and the number of recent negative reviews. Before making a reservation, travellers thinking about flying with China Eastern should be aware of the airline’s baggage, cancelation, and disruption policies and allow ample time for connections.
10. TAP Air Portugal Horrible National Airline Carrier
Some travellers have complained about delays, cancelations, baggage issues, and customer service on Portugal’s national airline, TAP Air Portugal. Despite calling the airline “horrible,” there are legitimate reliability issues that travellers should take into account before making a reservation.
One of TAP’s shortcomings is punctuality. According to AirHelp’s most recent evaluation, TAP received a punctuality score of 5.8 out of 10, with about 58% of flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time during the measurement period. Significant numbers of delays and cancelations have also been reported in more recent tracking data.
Passengers who have important travel plans or connecting flights may find cancelations especially annoying. Among 2,570 tracked TAP flights, recent operational data showed 271 cancelations; however, these numbers vary significantly depending on the season, route, and operating conditions.
Another source of stress is baggage. For lost, damaged, and delayed luggage, TAP has formal procedures that require travellers to report issues and file claims by certain deadlines. Passengers have 21 days from the time the luggage becomes available to file a complaint about delayed baggage.
But TAP isn’t just among the worst airlines in the world. In 2025, it ranked 21st out of 117 airlines with an overall AirHelp Score of 7.37 out of 10. Surprisingly, at 8.3, it had the best complaint handling score of any airline.
Therefore, rather than presuming that every flight will be unpleasant, passengers should consider TAP to be an airline with significant disruption and punctuality issues. The risks can be decreased by reviewing recent performance and giving connections more time.
