Despite all the bashing CO seems to take (especially on this forum), they were the only US/domestic airline to make Skytrax's Top 10. for best overall. The list included: Singapore, Emirates, Cathay, Qantas, Thai, British Airways, Qatar, Malaysia,
CO and ANA. Best First Class International went to Cathay, Qantas & Singapore, best Biz Class to British Airways, Virgin & Qantas. In economy the top were: Emirates, Malaysia & Singapore. Now I know these surveys can be biased, and rankings can be viewed in a number of lights, but where oh where are AA, UA, NW, AS, DL etc....
... especially since so much of the 'bashing' CO takes comes from those who think the grass is greener on those airlines.