Based on replies from more than 18 million air travelers around the globe, the annual World Airline Awards survey – conducted by U.K.-based Skytrax -- is not your garden-variety customer poll. It covers some 200 airlines, and the travelers’ favorite carriers in the latest survey are mainly Middle Eastern and Asian companies – as they were last year.

For 2012, Qatar Airways repeated as the winner of the number one spot on the list of world’s best airlines. Ranking second in the massive poll was Korea’s Asiana Airlines, which had ranked third a year ago. Last year’s second-place winner, Singapore Airlines, was in third place for 2012.

Rounding out the top 10, Cathay Pacific held onto fourth place once again, while fifth-place ANA (All Nippon Airways) vaulted into that position from 11th place a year ago. Etihad Airways, flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, stayed in 6th place again this year, while Turkish Airlines captured the number seven spot, up from ninth place in 2011. Rounding out the top 10 among the world’s best airlines were Emirates (8), Thai Airways International (9) and Malaysia Airlines (10).

Respondents were surveyed from July 2011 through June 2012 by telephone, questionnaires, and online about their air travel experiences, answering questions about dozens of airline quality factors like check-in, boarding, seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, service staff and more.

Results were posted in a number of categories. For instance, Etihad was judged by respondents to have the best first class service in the world, followed by Singapore Airlines and ANA. The number one spot for best business class went to Cathay Pacific, followed by Qatar Airways and Oman Air. Qantas was judged to have the best premium economy service, with Turkish Airlines ranking second and Air New Zealand third. The title for best economy class service went to Singapore Airlines, followed by Qatar Airways and Asiana.

The world’s most improved airline for 2012 was China Eastern, the Skytrax survey found, while AirAsia grabbed the title of world’s best low-cost airline.

Winning the regional number one spot as best domestic airline in North America was Virgin America, followed by WestJet and Alaska Airlines. Air Canada was ranked number one among international airlines in North America, followed by Delta and United.

For a look at the full listing of winners in all the various categories, go to www.worldairlineawards.com.

In news of international carriers, Scandinavian Airlines plans to add a U.S. west coast gateway in the spring; Aer Lingus will switch terminals at New York JFK; and Japan Airlines opens up sales for a new U.S. route using the Boeing Dreamliner.

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The French may love their wine, but the government abhors drunk driving. As of July 1, all motorists are required to have a Breathalyzer kit in their car to check their blood alcohol before they drive, which should be under 50mg per 100ml of blood. Kits cost about $2. The government is also considering having all new cars fitted with anti-start breath-test monitors.

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