You may be tempted to book a trip overseas once you hear about this world-class airline
This Airline Was Just Named the No. 1 Airline in the World
Updated on Feb. 12, 2025
When it comes to air travel, quality runs the gamut. Some airlines offer plenty of bells and whistles to make your time in the sky feel like a vacation unto itself while others … well, you get where you’re going, right? While flight prices and scheduling certainly play key roles in selecting which airline to fly, sometimes it’s worth paying a little extra or shifting your plans around for a better all-around in-flight experience.
But how do you know which are truly the best? You can start with the recent ranking from AirlineRatings, which pored over details on dozens of airlines to determine a global winner. Keep reading to find out which airline reigns supreme and what makes it No. 1 in the world.
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How were the best airlines determined?
With so many airlines around the world, ranking the best was no small task. AirlineRatings divided the contenders into three categories: best full-service airlines, best hybrid airlines and best low-cost airlines.
Full-service airlines
To determine the best full-service airlines, the company focused on passenger comfort, customer satisfaction and consistency across the airline’s route network.
To land in this category, an airline had to offer passengers meals, snacks and beverages—even on shorter flights. Economy seats had to be among the most spacious in the skies, with a minimum pitch (the distance between seats) of 31 inches, and business class seats had to feature lie-flat beds. Another qualifier: The airline had to have a seven-star safety rating.
Most airlines in the full-service category have any combination of Wi-Fi availability, in-seat power, premium economy offerings and kids’ packs.
Hybrid airlines
To make it into this category, an airline had to have a minimum seat pitch of 30 inches and offer complimentary nonalcoholic beverages. Airlines that offered in-flight entertainment and reclining seats in business class were ranked higher.
Low-cost airlines
Airlines with a mix of affordable in-flight services (like meals, snacks and beverages) and paid Wi-Fi and other in-flight entertainment were considered low-cost airlines. But don’t assume safety took a backseat to budget-friendliness. Qualifying for this category, like the others, required that an airline meet high safety standards, including a seven-star safety rating.
What airline was named the best in the world?
Though AirlineRatings named a winner in each of the three categories, it also announced an Airline of the Year—a crowning of the best of the best. Out of dozens of airlines, Korean Air landed at No. 1 among full-service airlines and earned the title of the 2025 Airline of the Year.
Korean Air flies to five continents and offers passenger service within the United States from several airports, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Seattle.
Why was Korean Air named the best in the world?
One of the biggest reasons Korean Air earned the title of the best airline in the world is its exceptional economy class. With economy seats that have an impressive 33- to 34-inch pitch, the airline prioritizes comfort over increased capacity.
“While the airline’s business and first-class products are highly regarded for their exceptional meals, efficient service and comfort, it was Korean Air’s outstanding economy class offering that truly secured their win,” AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen said in a statement. “We consistently receive feedback about the lack of space in economy class, so it was only fitting to make this a major factor in selecting this year’s award winner.”
On longer flights, Korean Air offers slippers and larger meals, making your trip that much more relaxed and cozy. It’s proof that you don’t have to pay for premium-class service to get a top-tier air-travel experience.
Equally important is the fact that Korean Air has made a lot of investments in creating a fuel-efficient fleet. Plus, the planes have an average age of just under 11 years—that’s relatively young—and the aircraft are all very modern.
What are the best full-service airlines?
Korean Air may have earned the titles of best full-service airline and Airline of the Year (along with bragging rights), but it wasn’t without some stiff competition. Other full-service airlines from around the world were hot on its heels.
The top 10 best full-service airlines are:
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Turkish Airlines
What are the best hybrid airlines?
If you’ve ever flown domestically within the United States, you’ve likely flown on a hybrid airline. But you might be surprised to learn which took the top spot.
The top 10 best hybrid airlines are:
- JetBlue Airways
- WestJet Airlines
- Virgin Australia
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Canada
- LOT Polish Airlines
- TAP Air Portugal
What are the best budget airlines?
The budget airlines that earned the highest rankings have the lowest base fares and the best routing options. And they’re a testament to the fact that flying well doesn’t have to be over-the-top expensive.
The top 10 best budget airlines include:
- AirAsia
- Jetstar Airways
- AirBaltic
- HK Express
- Easyjet
- FlyDubai
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Breeze Airways
- Southwest Airlines
With the lowdown on the best airlines in three categories, you can make a smarter decision next time you book a flight. No vacation on the books? Now is as good a time as any to dream up your ideal getaway.
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Sources:
- AirlineRatings: “World’s Best Airlines for 2025”
- AirlineRatings: “Korean Air Crowned AirlineRatings Airline of the Year for 2025”
- Monroe Aerospace: “Airplane Seats: What Is Seat Pitch?”
