AirlineRatings.com Announces the Best Airlines of 2025

The AirlineRatings.com service has published its list of the best airlines of 2025. Indonesian airline Garuda Indonesia ranks 25th, closing the list of awardees.

AirlineRatings.com is a platform that provides ratings, reviews, and information about airlines worldwide. Its annual report gathers user opinions and considers factors such as passenger comfort, service quality, and product consistency offered by airlines.

This year’s report includes updates reflecting changes in the aviation industry, including a new category—Best Hybrid Airlines—which recognizes carriers that combine elements of full-service and budget models.

To be considered one of the best airlines, a company must have a safety rating of at least seven stars. Notably, none of the airlines evaluated this year have changed their safety rating from last year.

AirlineRatings’ CEO, Sharon Petersen, emphasizes that the list of the safest airlines focuses specifically on safety, whereas the World’s Best Airlines awards focus more on passenger comfort, reviews, and product stability across airline routes.

Korean Air has been recognized as the best airline in the world in 2025.

AirlineRatings highlights its commitment to excellence, innovation, and passenger comfort. In an era where many airlines are trying to fit more seats into economy class, Korean Air takes a different approach, prioritizing passenger comfort over cost-cutting.

“This year, the focus on economy class space propelled Korean Air from last year’s second place to the top spot,” says Petersen. “Korean Air’s economy class stands out for its generous seat pitch and width, providing an exceptional experience for travelers.”

Additionally, economy class passengers are offered extra amenities such as slippers and larger meal portions.

Korean Air has also been named the Best Full-Service Airline, primarily due to its spacious seating and exceptional service.

🥈 Qatar Airways ranks second, after winning last year’s Best Airline award. It continues to provide an excellent passenger experience, although it offers slightly less space per passenger compared to Korean Air.

Qatar Airways also dominates in business class thanks to its signature Qsuite—a private cabin with a sliding door, available for one, two, or four passengers—along with superior premium offerings.

🥉 Air New Zealand ranks third, standing out for its innovative Skycouch—a row of economy seats that can be converted into a couch, ideal for families and couples traveling together.

Air New Zealand also retains the title of the world’s safest airline.

For many years, airlines fell into two distinct categories: budget carriers and full-service airlines. Hybrid airlines combine elements of both models, operating on short- and medium-haul routes. The trick with hybrid airlines is their unpredictability—you may not always know what is included in your fare.

🏆 Winner: JetBlue (USA)

JetBlue almost rivals full-service airlines, with the only major difference being the need to purchase onboard meals. However, JetBlue offers:

✔ Free Wi-Fi

✔ Live TV and in-flight entertainment

✔ Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks

✔ Spacious economy seats (32–33 inches of legroom)

✔ Premium Mint class with lie-flat seats on select routes

🥈 Runner-up: WestJet Airlines (Canada)

WestJet provides:

✔ Free snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and in-flight entertainment

✔ A premium cabin with extra legroom and enhanced dining

However, WestJet falls behind JetBlue due to its narrower seat pitch (30–31 inches) and fewer free services.

🥉 Third place: Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia’s economy ticket includes free in-flight entertainment and non-alcoholic drinks, but does not include free snacks or blankets/pillows. Despite this, its excellent customer reviews and award-winning crew keep it firmly in the rankings.

🏆 Winner: AirAsia

The competition between AirAsia and Jetstar was fierce, with just one point separating them. AirAsia X (AirAsia’s long-haul division) won due to its affordable fares and premium options, including:

✔ Lie-flat beds

✔ Quiet zones with no children

✔ Flexible economy fare options

🥈 Runner-up: Jetstar Airways (Australia)

Jetstar also offers a great balance of affordability and comfort, allowing passengers to fly comfortably while staying within their budget.

🥉 Third place: AirBaltic

A surprising entry in the rankings, AirBaltic secured its spot thanks to:

✔ A modern Airbus A220 fleet

✔ Plans to equip all A220-300 aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi from SpaceX

✔ Outstanding customer reviews

🏆 Winner: VietJet

VietJet takes the top spot for its ability to keep air travel affordable without compromising on safety or operational efficiency.

🥈 Runner-up: Cebu Pacific (Philippines)

Cebu Pacific is known for offering low-cost flights across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

🏆 Best Economy Class: Korean Air – for spacious seating and outstanding comfort.

🏆 Best Premium Economy: Qantas & Emirates.

🏆 Best Business Class: Qatar Airways – for its exclusive Qsuite, a fully enclosed private suite with sliding doors.

🏆 Best First Class: Singapore Airlines – for its ultra-luxurious Skyroom suites with sliding doors, a full-size bed, and premium bedding.

🏆 Best Value in Premium Economy: Vietnam Airlines – for its affordable premium economy with 2-3-2 seating, priority boarding, and USB charging ports.

🏆 Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia.

🏆 Best Airport Lounges: Qantas.

🏆 Best Airport: Singapore’s Changi Airport remains the best airport in the world due to its seamless travel experience, innovative design, and world-class amenities.

Sources: airlineratings.comforbes.com