The AirlineRatings.com 2025 World’s Best Airlines and Cabin Classes have been announced, highlighting the global carriers excelling in passenger comfort and product consistency across route networks.
This year, AirlineRatings added a third airline category, recognising hybrid airlines – those offering a mix of low-cost carriers and full-service airline features – alongside full-service airlines and LCCs.
2025 World’s Best Airline
Korean Air won 2025 World’s Best Airline for its focus on passenger comfort, particularly in economy with its industry-leading seat pitches of 34” (86cm) on wide-body aircraft, generous meals and slippers on long-haul flights.
Its game-changing merger with Asiana Airlines and investments in fuel-efficient aircraft also set it apart from competitors to be named as 2025 World’s Best Airline.
2025 World’s Best Airlines – Full-Service
Qatar Airways came in second in the list of 2025 World’s Best Airlines with Air New Zealand taking third place. Other Asia-Pacific carriers also ranked in the top 10, including Cathay Pacific (4), Singapore Airlines (5), Japan Airlines (7) and Qantas (8).
Rounding out the top 10 full-service airlines are Emirates (6), Etihad Airways (9) and Turkish Airlines (10).
AirRatings ranks the top 25 full-service airlines according to strict criteria, including a full-service experience, minimum economy seat pitch of 31” (78.7cm), lie-flat beds for business class, a 7-star safety rating, modern fleet, financial stability and consistent inflight product across routes.
Other desirable features include Wi-Fi, in-seat power across all cabin classes, kids’ packs and a premium economy offering.
2025 World’s Best Hybrid Airlines
North American airlines dominated the category for the World’s Best Hybrid Airlines, recognising the high-low mix.
JetBlue took the top spot, followed by WestJet, Virgin Australia, Delta Air Lines and United.
Rounding out the top 10 list are American Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines and TAP Portugal.
2025 World’s Best LCCs
AirAsia was awarded the Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025, followed by Jetstar, AirBaltic, HK Express and EasyJet.
FlyDubai, Ryanair, Scoot, Breeze and Southwest were also among the top 10 LCCs.
Vietjet, which has introduced several routes to Australia, again took out the top Ultra Low Cost Carrier for 2025 with Cebu Pacific as runner-up.
2025 World’s Best Cabin Classes
These are the airlines that deliver the highest levels of comfort, service and value within each cabin class.
Singapore Airlines has once again been named the World’s Best First Class for its flagship Skyroom Suites on A380s that offer up to 4sqm of private space, a separate foldout flatbed with premium bedding and the ability to create double beds between the front suites.
Etihad Airways’ First Suites were the runner-up in this category, offering a luxury experience on its B787, B777 and A380 aircraft with inflight dining a particular standout.
Qatar Airways has again been recognised as the World’s Best Business Class for its Qsuite offering with fully private suites in a 1-2-1 layout that can be arranged together as a bed for two. Qsuite Next Gen is expected to raise the bar even higher when it debuts.
Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite, which is being rolled out across the B777 fleet, was awarded runner-up in this category.
For World’s Best Premium Economy, airline partners Qantas and Emirates tied for first place in a tightly run category, equally excelling across all areas.
Vietnam Airlines was recognised for the second consecutive year as the World’s Best Value Premium Economy with TUI as runner-up.
As noted higher up, Korean Air also won World’s Best Economy Class, setting the benchmark for its spacious seating and comfort plus added touches such as slippers and generous meals.
Air New Zealand was the runner-up in this category, singled out for its innovations such as the Skycouch and upcoming Skynest beds for ultra-long-haul flights such as the Auckland to New York route.
Read the full lists at airlineratings.com
