Recently, we covered AirlineRatings.com’s comprehensive roundup of the world’s safest airlines for 2025, but the platform has cast the net wide and evaluated passenger comfort, feedback and consistency across each operators’ network to decipher which are best overall, too.
Topping the list of best full-service airlines for 2025 was Korean Air, about which AirlineRatings.com said: ‘[The airline won] for its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in Economy Class, where it maintains industry-leading seat pitches of 33–34 inches on wide-body aircraft.
‘Beyond passenger experience, the airline’s financial stability, groundbreaking merger with Asiana Airlines, and significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft showcased its commitment to innovation and future readiness, solidifying its win.’
Qatar Airlines came in second place, and Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines round out the top five full-service airlines for the year ahead.
For 2025, the platform has included a category for hybrid airlines (those airlines that are a cross between low-cost carrier and high-quality, full-service carrier). To be in for a chance of recognition, airlines had to offer a seat pitch of 30 inches in economy class and provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. The category was topped by JetBlue.
In the low-cost category, airlines that offer low-base fares and maintain an excellent network were spotlighted, and AirAsia claimed the top spot, followed by Jetstar and AirBaltic.
These are the best full-service airlines for 2025
- Korean Air
- Qatar
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
These are the top hybrid airlines for 2025
- Jetblue
- Westjet
- Virgin Australia
- Delta Airlines
- United
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Canada
- LOT Polish Airlines
- TAP Portugal
These are the best low-cost airlines for 2025
- AirAsia
- Jetstar
- AirBaltic
- HK Express
- Easyjet
- FlyDubai
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Breeze
- Southwest
Read more about all of these categories on the AirlineRatings.com website.
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