As well as our World’s Best Airline awards, AirlineRatings.com is pleased to further award airlines for cabin class, catering, and lounge offerings.
World’s Best Economy Class is awarded to Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand took first place for its economy product, which includes its industry-leading Skycouch, a product that continues to define long-haul economy travel. Available on its Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the Skycouch converts a row of seats into a flat bed measuring 1.55 meters in length and includes a complimentary mattress topper and pillow, providing a significantly enhanced rest experience on long-haul flights.
READ: Air New Zealand Skycouch Review
But even for passengers not using the Skycouch, amenities such as meals, blankets, pillows, in flight entertainment, a 31-32 inch seat pitch, and cabin crew service consistently make this airline hard to beat in the economy class space.
CEO Sharon Petersen said, “I’ve been flying Air New Zealand economy since 2014, and it just never disappoints. Now I have a young family, little things like extra amenities, helpful crew, in-flight entertainment, and meal options really matter, and Air New Zealand gets it right every single time. Add to this the option of the Skycouch on select routes, and you really have a clear winner.”
Runners Up: Singapore Airlines and Korean Air
World’s Best Premium Economy is awarded to Qantas and Emirates
With our awards being based on measurable factors and editors’ reviews, once again this year, we were unable to separate Emirates and Qantas, with no other airline competing at the same level or scale. While several carriers offer strong premium economy products, Qantas and Emirates continue to lead across all areas, including business class style service, meals and cutlery, a 38-inch seat pitch, significant recline, foot/legrests, luxurious duvets and pillows, as well as bathrooms reserved for the cabin.
However, watch this space, as airlines such as Cathay Pacific and United Airlines increase the scale of their new products, which are sure to add to the competition.
Runner Up: Japan Airlines
World’s Best Business Class goes to Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite
Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite, available on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, is redefining luxury travel with detailed finishes and premium materials. The seat uses technology to enhance the passenger experience, with Bluetooth headphone connectivity, lavatory availability indicators, and 4K video that automatically dims at certain times of the flight so the screen glow does not affect other passengers. It also features a sliding door, Cathay’s exceptional menu, and a seat that is truly yours with pre-set functions, customisable for your comfort.
READ: Cathay Pacific's Aria Suite: Where Understated Luxury and Functionality Come to Life- our review.
CEO Sharon Petersen said, “It’s been quite some time since the Qatar Qsuite has had a challenger, and the Aria Suite is, in our opinion, the one brand that narrowly edges above it. It’s the real world, thoughtful touches like the automatically dimmable screen, lavatory availability map, wireless charging, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity that set the bar high.”
Runner Up: Qatar Airways’ Q-Suite and Lufthansa’s Allegris Suite
World’s Best First Class is awarded to Singapore Airlines for the second year
Singapore Airlines keeps its top spot for its world-class First Class product, continuing to define the ultimate luxury experience across the industry.
Available on select Airbus A380 aircraft, the airline’s First Class Suites offer an unmatched level of privacy and space, with fully enclosed rooms featuring a separate bed and seat. The attention to detail is remarkable, from Lalique-branded bedding and spacious layouts to the seamless integration of technology.
Dining remains a standout feature, with passengers able to use ‘Book the Cook’, allowing passengers to pre-select from an extensive menu of gourmet dishes. Cabin crew complements the leading catering service with consistently outstanding service, elevating the journey from start to finish.
Runners up: Etihad Airways and Emirates
World’s Best Value Premium Economy Product awarded to Vietnam Airlines
Premium Economy has expanded across many airlines, but not all offerings are equal. Some stand out for their premium features, like Emirates and Qantas, whilst others focus on delivering strong value through space rather than extras such as upgraded meals and amenities.
Vietnam Airlines exemplifies value, offering space without the frills and price tag. Passengers travelling in this class on Vietnam Airlines can expect the same meals as economy class, with drinks served in either glassware or plastic depending on the route. However, passengers still benefit from priority check-in, boarding, and baggage, complemented by a spacious 2-3-2 seating arrangement, and generous legroom with a pitch of up to 42 inches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Added touches such as USB charging ports, travel kits, and a basic cosmetics pack further enhance the experience, all without the premium price tag. This is the second year in a row that Vietnam Airlines has picked up this award.
READ: Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy Review
Runner Up: British Airways
World’s Best Value Business Class Product**
Vietnam Airlines takes the top spot again for delivering a business class product that perfectly balances comfort, service, and affordability.
Whilst not as well known as its competitors, the airline’s long-haul business class offers fully lie-flat beds in a 1-2-1 or 2-2-2 configuration, depending on aircraft type, and provides a comfortable and practical experience for long-haul passengers.
Travellers benefit from attentive service, solid catering, and a well-rounded onboard offering that delivers where it matters. The airline focuses on consistency and accessibility to a wide range of passengers through its price point, instead of extravagance.
READ: Vietnam Airlines Business Class Review
Runner Up: TAP Portugal
World’s Best Domestic Airline Service
Qantas leads the way in domestic airline service, delivering a consistently high-quality experience across one of the world’s most extensive domestic networks.
Economy passengers will receive a meal or snack as well as a full array of beverages, including alcoholic beverages, on flights after a certain time of day. Most aircraft are equipped with in-seat power, Wi-Fi, and either seatback screens or streaming to your own device. Passengers on longer domestic flights are also served a dessert such as an ice cream, and the cabin crew consistently offer dedicated and efficient service.
Petersen said, “This is a really exciting time for Qantas as it is deep underway with its fleet renewal. Australians are incredibly fortunate to have this offering as a choice for domestic travel — no other all-inclusive domestic option globally provides this much to passengers. Those lucky enough to travel transcontinental on the A330 or B787 Dreamliner aircraft are in for a truly enjoyable experience, where they can enjoy even more space and comfort. I fully expect over the coming year or two that Qantas will start to climb towards the top of the overall rankings yet again.”
Runners Up: jetBlue and LATAM
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World’s Best Branded Lounge
Cathay Pacific is quietly leading the industry with its consistently exceptional lounge options, combining thoughtful design with a calm and refined atmosphere.
Dining is a standout feature, with a freshly prepared à la carte menu, noodle carts, a tea house, woodfired pizza, and expert mixologists available throughout the day. Dedicated relaxation areas, day beds, shower suites, massage therapists, and business zones further enhance the experience.
Cathay Pacific’s lounges are not just a pre-flight convenience, but an integral part of the premium travel experience, well worth making time for. As a side note, if you’re an avid runway watcher, you’re in for a real treat, with the lounges positioned next to or above the apron.
READ: Are These The Best Airport Lounges in Asia?
Runners Up: American Airlines and Qantas
World’s Best In-flight Catering goes to Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines, in partnership with Do&Co, is continuing to set the benchmark with its onboard catering, delivering restaurant-quality dining across all cabins at 35,000ft.
The airline’s menu focuses on fresh ingredients, diverse dishes, and a strong connection to Turkish cuisine, while also catering to international tastes. Meals are consistently well-presented, often with onboard chefs in business class enhancing both quality and experience.
Economy class passengers are not left out, benefiting from above-average quality and generous portions, underlining the airline’s commitment to delivering industry-leading catering.
Turkish Airlines demonstrates that in-flight catering can be a defining element in passengers choosing an airline to fly with, rather than an afterthought.
Runner Up: STARLUX Airlines
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