Long-haul flights can make or break a vacation, so choosing the right airlines for your journey is of utmost importance. To help you, we share the best airlines, per cabin category, in the world right now.
Let’s be honest, holidays really begin once you’ve boarded your flight. It’s the first ‘hotel’ of the journey, where you sleep, eat and get served. What a treat. And since these journeys start and end your vacation, what you fly makes all the difference.
To be useful across the board, we’re showcasing the best airlines per category, so whether you’re an Economy, Business or First-Class flyer, you can still choose the best. The final results come from analysing various sources, from Skytrax’s World Airline Awards lists to public airline reviews…and, of course, our own discerning judgements. So, whilst we still suggest you do your own research, take this list as a benchmark of what you should hope for as you fly off to your chosen destination. Bon voyage!
Economy
Skytrax’s World Airline Awards in 2022, named Emirates the best airline for Economy. Emirates is known to be generous with space and detailed-oriented when it comes to the interior of its economy cabin. Adjustable headrests, and slightly raised edges of the body seat are some examples of little things that help passengers to sit or sleep comfortably. Their award-winning ICE entertainment system comes in a screen that is the same size as a 13-inch Macbook with over 5,000 movies and games options, the most for economy cabins in any airline.
Emirates’ services continue into its catering. For medium to long-haul flights, economy passengers will enjoy full hot meals, complete with appetisers, main courses, slices of bread and condiments, and desserts. They can even access the menu list and choose the options prior to taking the flight. This may seem like a simple service, but not every airline provides this for their economy class with. Passengers can also request free Polaroid photos taken by the cabin crews to commemorate their journey. All these little touches and attention to detail given to the passengers makes Emirates the best choice for economy class.
Business Class
Qatar Airways takes the crown in this category and we’ll dissect exactly why many people have chosen this airline as their go-to option when buying a business-class ticket.
It’s all thanks to the QSuite, with its lavish lounge and extravagant service and in-flight dining. Yes, Qatar Airways has brought its business-class experience up a notch. The QSuite was first introduced in June 2017 and since then it has rocketed the airline’s Business Class Cabin into one of the best in the commercial aviation industry. With sliding doors providing privacy and fully reclining seats that transform into full-sized beds, some even come with a massage feature, QSuite gives passengers the luxurious treatment of a first-class cabin at the price of a business-class ticket.
Personalised service where you will be assigned to a cabin crew that tends to your needs and comfort during a flight, an extensive menu list where passengers can order food and drinks just about anytime. The complimentary toiletries are designed and collaborated with an Italian luxury skincare brand. These details make Qatar Airways the best in the business-class game.
First Class
Singapore Airlines tops Emirates and Swiss International Air Lines as the Best First Class Airline in Skytrax’s World Airline Awards list. Also taking home the Best First Class Airline Seat and On Board Catering, Singapore Airlines takes luxurious air travel to the next level.
Hailed by Travel + Leisure as ‘hotel rooms in the sky’, the first-class suites of Singapore Airlines come not only with a swivelling, reclining leather armchair, but also a separate bed furnished with pillows, blankets, and linens (from French luxury label Lalique) as well. For maximum privacy, the suite is equipped with sliding doors and electronic window blinds adorned with sleek metal finishes and flower motifs. They are also designed to accommodate passengers travelling in pairs. There’s an option to merge suites and combined your cabins into a 50-square-foot room with two beds joining as a big double mattress.
Compact with an en-suite wardrobe to place cabin luggage, and the suite’s features such as The 32-inch HD touchscreen monitor come with an enhanced KrisWorld entertainment system. Passengers will also get Lalique’s pyjamas, slippers and amenities for their flight. Other than the ‘hotel suites’, the one that takes Singapore Airlines’ First Class experience is their service. There, you will receive a designated flight attendant (winner of Skytrax’s Best Cabin Crew of the Year) to cater specifically to your needs; legend has it they know what you need before you even know what you want! Ultimately, impressive suites with exceptional service by the best cabin crew in the world make Singapore Airlines the best for the first-class experience.
