Telegraph Travel Awards 2013: Best short-haul airline Runners up: Swiss, Icelandair British Airways has made one or two concessions to competition from no-frills airlines - it has introduced hand-baggage-only fares on some routes, for example. But broadly speaking it has remained committed to a more traditional model of inclusive fares and services, while the no-frills operators have massively complicated the fare structure and irritated passengers with endless, expensive "extras" and aggressive enforcement of limits and charges. Telegraph readers clearly prefer BA's model of allocated seating, a more flexible approach to cabin baggage, traditional models of customer care, and decent catering. I had one of the best on-board meals I have ever had on a flight to St Petersburg the other day - a cous cous salad. BA has also kept on top of technological developments, and its online booking and check-in services are among the best. It is no accident that, as BA's commitment to service is paying off, its rivals are realigning themselves to try to compete more effectively. EasyJet for example, now offers allocated seating, as does Ryanair, which has also recently begun to try to soften its public image. Having the excellent Heathrow Terminal 5, the much-improved Gatwick, and tiny City Airport as its main London bases has no doubt also counted in BA's favour. It is also particularly impressive that BA can pip an airline like Swiss to the top spot. Operating mainly out of the highly efficient Zurich and Geneva airports, and with its own demanding home market, it is no surprise that Swiss has again done well in our survey. It is particularly popular with skiers since it doesn't charge for the carriage of skis and snowboards. The appearance of a tiny airline like Icelandair in the number three spot is more surprising, however. No doubt it reflects the growing popularity of Iceland as a destination that offers highly distinctive holidays, and, since the 2008 crash, vastly better value to British travellers. Nick Trend