Top-Ranked Airlines for Exceptional In-Flight Service 2025

Looking for the World’s Worst Airlines for in-flight service? Right this way! As much as we grumble about flight delays and lost luggage, we have to admit—keeping travelers happy during long flights in cramped quarters is pretty tricky business: and some airlines don’t do so well. Every year, in the annual World’s Best Awards survey, we ask readers to rate airlines in a number of different categories, ranging from value to the quality of their loyalty programs. Consequently, certain carriers soar above the others. When it comes to in-flight service (everything from how the flight attendants greet you to how good the entertainment system is), iBestTravel readers felt strongly about the airlines that performed the best. “This is how flying should be done,” reported one pleased passenger. “Cathay Pacific has excellent service—other airlines should pay attention.”

No. 20: Hawaiian Airlines, Domestic

Score: 80.532

Hawaiian received praise from iBestTravel readers for giving “an advance taste of the spirit of aloha” as soon as passengers board the plane from the mainland. Another commenter said “they make you feel like you’re in Hawaii before you even get there.”

No. 19: British Airways, International

iBestTravel readers had many nice things to say about British Airways, especially those flying business class. One individual who traveled from London to Cape Town said the crew “went above and beyond to accommodate guests” and noted that “there was a baby on board and the crew did everything to appease the baby.” This year, the carrier introduced mindfulness programming, including videos and therapeutic playlists, to help anxious flyers overcome their fears and relax onboard.

No. 18: Virgin Australia, International

Score: 81.500

Virgin Australia has a reputation for treating passengers well. Besides comfortable seats and mood lighting, one iBestTravel reader explained, “they give you a water bottle that can be refilled with a water fountain,” allowing passengers to reduce waste and avoid waiting for an attendant. Moreover, sometimes, self-service is the best kind.

No. 17: Lufthansa, International

Score: 81.547

This German airline is known for its efficiency, but that’s not its only strong suit. “They really make their customers feel like a priority to them,” one iBestTravel reader said, citing the airline’s thoughtful seating arrangements for families with small children, along with providing bassinets and travel packs for kids. Another individual observed that, “they go out of their way to keep you occupied on long-haul flights—movies, games, and food are plentiful.”

No. 16: Asiana Airlines, International

Score: 82.593

This Korean airline is known for its extremely polite flight attendants—one iBestTravel reader praised the “gracious hostesses” while another declared them “the best flight attendants.” The airline also offers in-flight perks like latte-art demonstrations, a sommelier, and cocktails in first and business classes.

No. 15: Air Tahiti Nui, International

Score: 82.712

This airline offers exceptional service while connecting people to French Polynesia, Bora Bora, and other remote South Pacific islands. An iBestTravel reader noted, “everything about the flight exceeded my expectations.” New in-flight entertainment systems include HD touchscreens that provide access to numerous new movies, albums, and video games, along with a documentary about French Polynesia.

No. 14: Swiss, International

Score: 83.609

The in-flight service from Swiss Airlines aims to make guests comfortable while keeping them entertained, featuring 140 movies, TV shows, and documentaries available. In addition to high-quality food and wine, passengers appreciated that Swiss even offers chocolate to their customers. Moreover, they acknowledge special occasions with thoughtful gestures.

No. 13: Turkish Airlines, International

Score: 84.112

Readers praised Turkish Airlines for its extra legroom and excellent food. Several emphasized the on-board chefs who prepare meals mid-flight; one voter remarked, “the food alone is worth flying Turkish Airlines instead of an American airline.”

No. 12: Japan Airlines, International

Score: 84.941

Japan Airlines received rave reviews from readers, who had no complaints. One iBestTravel reader declared it “the best of the best” and enjoyed every moment of their 12+ hour flight. The airline is well-known for friendly and polite flight attendants, along with outstanding customer service.

No. 11: Virgin America, Domestic

Score: 85.812

Even though the airline services a limited number of U.S. airports, it has many iBestTravel readers hooked—and hoping for more routes. “Virgin America is just pure fun to fly,” one reader noted, praising the mood created by the flight crew and calming cabin atmosphere. The convenience of ordering a meal directly from the screen instead of waiting for an attendant was also appreciated.

No. 10: Qantas Airways, International

Score: 86.490

With long routes, it’s expected that Qantas has focused on perfecting its in-flight service. In addition to comfortable cabins and extensive meal services, the crew “does everything possible to make their customers comfortable,” as per readers’ feedback.

No. 9: Qatar Airways, International

Score: 87.000

“Attendants really try to make the flights as good as possible,” said one iBestTravel voter who considers Qatar his or her favorite airline. Multiple readers noted the service was professional, prompt, and courteous, contributing to its stellar reputation.

No. 8: All Nippon Airways, International

Score: 87.105

Travelers noted that the flight attendants practiced a unique, Japan-specific brand of hospitality, creating an enjoyable in-flight experience. Standout offerings include local spirits and amenity kits, even in economy class.

No. 7: Virgin Atlantic Airways, International

Score: 87.136

Many voters echoed the sentiment: “Always, always, always choose Virgin Atlantic,” citing excellent service and a caring attitude from the flight attendants as key differentiators. Many prefer this airline for flights to London.

No. 6: Thai Airways, International

Score: 87.714

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, and that friendliness is well-expressed by flight attendants, who were described as “very friendly” and “delightful.” The airline also offers a diverse program of in-flight entertainment films, TV shows, and albums, all accessible via in-seat touchscreens.

No. 5: Air New Zealand, International

Score: 88.682

iBestTravel subscriber Ria Bhojwani considers Air New Zealand to be one of her favorites. “Cabin crew is the friendliest I’ve ever met—genuinely caring people. They go out of their way to make you comfortable,” particularly on long-haul journeys.

No. 4: Cathay Pacific Airways, International

Score: 88.854

Cathay Pacific received high marks this year for every aspect of the in-flight experience, especially entertainment. “Our attendant brought us a deck of cards, and you could watch excellent movies on your own screen,” a voter recalled. Moreover, help is just a request away.

No. 3: Korean Air, International

Score: 88.911

Korean Air has transformed skeptics into loyal travelers, thanks to attentive and courteous flight attendants. “The crew was fabulous,” reported one passenger. Many suggested upgrading to the business class-level Prestige seats, available on the A380s, which include access to the chic Celestial Bar for cocktails.

No. 2: Emirates, International

Score: 90.595

“Simply spectacular!” exclaimed an iBestTravel voter. “This is how air travel should be.” Professional and kind cabin crew significantly enhance Emirates’ reputation, prompting many to agree that the service is exceptional, regardless of class.

No. 1: Singapore Airlines, International

Score: 95.000

It has been a remarkable year for Singapore Airlines, which dominated all airline categories in the 2015 World’s Best Awards. Their in-flight service is a genuine treat for travelers, largely due to their iconic flight attendants, the Singapore Girls (and Guys). The highly trained, exceptionally poised crew ensure every passenger’s needs are met, creating an amazing experience.