Flying doesn’t have to mean cramped seats and poor service. Some airlines go above and beyond to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. We’ve looked at real awards from trusted organizations like Skytrax and APEX to find the airlines that truly deliver on their promises. These 15 carriers have proven track records for exceptional comfort and service that will make your next trip memorable for all the right reasons.
1. Qatar Airways
Taking home the crown as World’s Best Airline 2025, Qatar Airways didn’t stop there. They also claimed awards for World’s Best Business Class and Best Business Class Lounge, proving their excellence across multiple areas.
Their famous Qsuite revolutionizes business class travel with private suites featuring closing doors. Even more impressive, select center seats can transform into a double bed, while four seats together create a “quad” configuration perfect for families or groups traveling together.
When booking, look specifically for aircraft showing “Qsuite” during seat selection, typically found on their A350 and 777 fleets.
2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines earned the coveted World’s Best Cabin Crew award for 2025, cementing their reputation as hospitality leaders. Their flight attendants are known worldwide for their precision, grace, and genuine care for passengers.
The A380 Suites represent the pinnacle of luxury flying, featuring private compartments with closing doors. What sets them apart is that certain adjoining suites can be combined to form a genuine double bed, making it perfect for couples traveling together.
For the ultimate experience, book their A380 Suites routes. However, even their long-haul economy class maintains consistently high standards that exceed most competitors’ premium offerings.
3. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific dominated the 2025 awards, landing in Skytrax’s top three overall while winning World’s Best Economy Class. They also took home the prize for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment, ensuring passengers stay engaged throughout their journey.
What makes them special is their spacious economy layouts on long-haul flights. Unlike many carriers cramming in extra seats, Cathay Pacific prioritizes passenger comfort with generous legroom and wider seats that make long flights bearable.
Smart travelers book their long-haul economy and premium economy for the best combination of comfort and value, especially on routes to Asia where their service truly shines.
4. Emirates
Emirates consistently ranks in Skytrax’s top 10 globally, famous for their premium service that feels more like a luxury hotel than an airline. Their attention to detail and consistent quality across routes has earned them a loyal following worldwide.
The A380 First Class experience is legendary, featuring private suites complete with an onboard shower spa. Passengers can also enjoy the walk-up bar and lounge area, creating a social atmosphere unique in aviation.
Here’s the key: book specifically on their A380 aircraft, not the 777, if you want access to the shower and bar amenities that make Emirates famous among luxury travelers.
5. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA secured their spot in Skytrax’s top 10 while winning awards for Best Airport Services and Best Airline Staff Service in Asia. These accolades translate into smooth, courteous journeys from check-in to arrival.
Japanese hospitality, known as “omotenashi,” permeates every aspect of their service. Flight attendants anticipate needs before passengers even realize they have them, creating an almost telepathic level of care and attention.
Book their newer long-haul cabins featuring “The Room” or “The Suite” configurations on select routes. Their premium economy also offers exceptional value with the same meticulous Japanese service standards applied throughout.
6. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines claimed both a Skytrax top 10 position and the World’s Best Economy Class Seat award for 2025. This recognition proves that comfort doesn’t have to come at first-class prices.
Their economy seats feature thoughtful design elements that maximize comfort during long flights. Extra padding, adjustable headrests, and clever storage solutions make even the longest Pacific crossings more bearable than most competitors.
Travelers seeking value should focus on their long-haul economy for superior seat comfort, or upgrade to premium economy for additional space while maintaining the same exceptional Japanese service standards throughout the cabin.
7. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines earned the title of Best Airline in Europe 2025, while also receiving recognition for their Business Class onboard catering and strong economy class performance across their extensive network.
Their Istanbul hub connects more destinations than almost any other airline, making them incredibly convenient for complex international itineraries. The modern airport facilities and efficient connections add significant value to the travel experience.
Focus on their long-haul business class for exceptional dining experiences that rival fine restaurants. Their European connections through Istanbul also offer excellent value with consistent service standards across short and medium-haul flights.
8. Air France
Air France secured a Skytrax top 10 position while winning awards for First Class Comfort Amenities and First Class Lounge Dining at Paris CDG. Their commitment to luxury extends beyond the aircraft into ground services.
La Première, their first-class product, represents French luxury at 40,000 feet. From champagne service to gourmet meals prepared by renowned chefs, every detail reflects France’s reputation for sophistication and style.
Book La Première where available for the ultimate luxury experience, or choose their latest business-class suites on refurbished 777 and A350 aircraft for modern comfort with classic French elegance and service.
9. EVA Air
EVA Air built their reputation on remarkable consistency, earning the Best Economy Class Onboard Catering award for 2025. Their meals consistently exceed expectations, even in the back of the plane.
Taiwanese hospitality shines through their service, with flight attendants who genuinely care about passenger comfort. Their attention to detail in meal presentation and quality rivals many airlines’ premium cabin offerings.
Their premium economy ranks among the world’s best, offering exceptional value with generous space and superior service. Even long-haul economy passengers enjoy high-quality soft products that make flights more enjoyable than typical economy experiences.
10. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic claimed the APEX 2025 Best in Europe Overall Airline award, recognizing their stylish cabins and distinctive friendly service culture that sets them apart from traditional carriers.
Their brand personality translates into genuine warmth from crew members who seem to actually enjoy their jobs. This creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes flying feel less stressful and more enjoyable.
Book their new Upper Class suites on A350 and A330neo aircraft for cutting-edge comfort and privacy. Their premium economy also delivers excellent value with extra space and the same friendly Virgin Atlantic service that has earned them loyal customers worldwide.
11. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM earned the prestigious APEX World Class 2025 designation, an audited recognition covering safety, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness. This comprehensive evaluation proves their commitment to excellence across all operational areas.
Their Dutch efficiency combines with genuine warmth to create reliable, pleasant travel experiences. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport serves as an excellent European hub, making connections smooth and logical for complex international itineraries.
Look for their refreshed business class featuring privacy doors rolling out across their fleet. Amsterdam’s central location makes KLM ideal for European connections, while their long-haul service maintains consistent quality standards.
12. Korean Air
Korean Air achieved both APEX World Class 2025 status and a Skytrax top 10 ranking, demonstrating excellence across multiple evaluation criteria. Their newer suites featuring privacy doors are gradually appearing across their fleet.
Korean attention to detail shows in everything from perfectly pressed uniforms to precisely timed service. Their flight attendants maintain professional standards that create a calm, orderly environment even on the longest flights.
Seoul’s Incheon Airport serves as an efficient hub for Asian connections, while their trans-Pacific routes offer some of the most comfortable ways to travel between North America and Asia with consistently high service standards.
13. Air Canada
Air Canada earned recognition as Best Airline in North America from Skytrax 2025 while ranking in the top 20 worldwide. Their strong lounges and premium cabins on key long-haul routes provide excellent comfort for transcontinental travel.
Canadian politeness isn’t just a stereotype aboard Air Canada flights. Their crew members genuinely embody the friendly, helpful nature Canada is known for, making even routine flights more pleasant experiences.
Their Signature Class and premium economy offer competitive comfort levels for North American travel, while their extensive domestic network makes them invaluable for exploring Canada’s vast geography with consistent service standards throughout.
14. Delta Air Lines
Delta swept North American categories, winning Best Economy Class Airline and Best Airline Staff Service from Skytrax 2025. They also earned J.D. Power’s Premium Economy award for the third consecutive year, proving consistent excellence.
Their investment in new aircraft and cabin refurbishments shows throughout their fleet. Delta One suites on A350 and retrofit 767-400s feature closing doors, while their ground operations maintain industry-leading on-time performance.
Book Delta One suites for privacy and comfort, or choose Comfort+ and Premium Select for extra space at reasonable prices. Their extensive domestic network and international partnerships create seamless travel experiences.
15. JetBlue
JetBlue won J.D. Power’s 2025 First/Business segment award while leading U.S. carriers in average economy legroom at 32.7 inches, edging out Southwest. This proves that low-cost doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable.
Their Mint Suites on transcontinental routes offer lie-flat comfort at prices significantly below traditional carriers. Even economy passengers enjoy more legroom than most competitors, plus complimentary snacks and entertainment.
Book Mint Suites on A321LR and XLR aircraft for premium transcontinental travel. In economy, look for A321neo or A220 aircraft for the quietest, most comfortable ride in their fleet with generous space throughout.
