After flying with 40 different airlines, one consistently stands out as my favorite

• After flying with 40 different airlines, Qantas stands out as my favorite.
• In my opinion, the airline offers great customer service and in-flight perks.
• Overall, I think Qantas offers the best combination of value, service, and reliability.

When I first started traveling internationally, I wasn't loyal to any one airline. I simply chose whichever flight could get me to my destination at the lowest price.

However, in my 30 years of flying with 40 different airlines in seats ranging from business to economy, I've learned that the cost of a ticket isn't everything.

Oftentimes, the key to having a great trip is booking with the right airline. And after hundreds of flights, I have one carrier I'll choose every time I can: Qantas.

From the friendly staff to the included perks, here's why I love flying with the Australian airline.

I always feel at home on Qantas flights

When flying with Qantas, I always find the staff to be friendly and welcoming.

In some cases, they'll even go out of their way to make my trips even better. Once, after a long layover in Europe and a delayed flight with another airline, I was feeling exhausted and disheveled.

When a Qantas crew member came by my economy seat with water, we started chatting and I explained my situation. Later, they returned with a first-class amenity kit and pajamas so I could freshen up and change out of my travel-worn clothes.

This small, thoughtful act made a big difference for me on a tough travel day, and is something I'll always remember.

I never worry about hidden costs — or pay for airport food

I love that even on the shortest domestic flights, Qantas offers a free meal or snack and nonalcoholic beverages. This means I never need to arrive early to buy overpriced airport food.

Qantas also provides complimentary beer and wine on domestic flights after 12 p.m. — a nice touch that makes even short flights more enjoyable.

One of my favorite perks, however, is that baggage is included in the ticket price on all domestic and international flights. This isn't the case on most major airlines (even Southwest famously ended its free baggage policy earlier this year).

In my opinion, it's just another thing that makes flying with Qantas pretty great.

The Oneworld alliance makes US travel more seamless

Another significant advantage of flying with Qantas is the airline's membership in the Oneworld alliance — a global network of 14 airlines that makes connections easier and offers benefits across carriers.

The perks are especially great for passengers who have a frequent flyer account with one of the participating airlines.

For example, my Qantas gold status grants me priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to over 600 Oneworld lounges globally.

The lounge access is one of my favorite perks, since I can grab a decent meal before boarding a meal-free US domestic flight.

Sometimes, I even shower after a long-haul journey from Australia, arriving at my final destination refreshed and for the day.

When I'm able to, I always book with Qantas

No airline delivers perfect service 100% of the time. After all, delays and cancellations happen.

However, after hundreds of flights, I've found that Qantas offers the best combination of value, service, and reliability.

Although I may occasionally find cheaper fares elsewhere, the overall experience makes Qantas my go-to option whenever possible.