Top 10 International Airlines Preferred by Readers in 2025 |

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.

The best international airlines in the world seem to pull off the nearly impossible: they not only connect travelers with some of the coolest destinations on the planet but also do it with the grace and panache that guests find at some of the world’s best hotels. While iBestTravel readers loved the premium cabins that these airlines offer on ultra-long-haul flights, they also had praise for the service and even the economy-class seats, of these winners.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In the airlines category, readers rated carriers on cabin comfort, service, food, customer service, and value.

Coming in at No. 2, Qatar Airways has “the most comfortable business class in the world,” said one voter. Others agreed that the Qsuites, Qatar’s innovative business-class product, was among the best. Nevertheless, those at the back of the plane needn’t miss out on Qatar’s excellence: “Economy-class seats with a first-class feel,” said one reader. With the broad route network and the exceptional lounges at the Doha hub, it’s little surprise that one voter raved, “I cannot wait to fly with Qatar again.”

Interior of a premium cabin on Singapore Airlines plane — Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Other top-ranked carriers were similarly beloved by readers. Emirates, which ranked No. 2 last year, came in third in this year’s voting. “Fabulous service, excellent and friendly attendants, good choices on the menu,” wrote one fan. “They provide many nice little extras, and the seats are very comfortable.” Many others took note of the superior service that Emirates offers, as well as the Dubai-based carrier’s extensive selection of destinations.

Also highly ranked this year was Eva Air, the Taipei-based company that has flights to six U.S. cities. The No. 4 airline moved up one spot from last year, as readers praised Eva’s service, food, and premium economy seats. One had even better things to say about sitting up front: “My business class trip from Chicago to Taipei was the best airline experience I’ve ever had. Steak cooked to order, hot food options between mealtimes, plush down comforters, and tons of legroom. Some business-class seats have a very narrow spot for your feet when the seat is laying flat, but Eva’s seats had enough space for rolling over and getting a great night of sleep.”

Still, no carrier impressed quite like category heavyweight Singapore Airlines, which is the sole winner to top its category for all 25 years of the World’s Best Awards. Below, a few reasons why — plus the full list of the best international airlines, as voted by iBestTravel readers.

1. Singapore Airlines

Detail of tail of a Singapore Airlines plane — Getty Images

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.84

The top international carrier is once again Singapore Airlines, which has won the No. 1 spot in each of the past 25 years. “The best airline I’ve ever traveled with,” said one voter. “Sets the standard for a premium travel experience,” agreed another reader. Among the many aspects of Singapore Airlines flights that readers specifically praised was the food. It makes sense: the carrier has not just one chef setting menus but an International Culinary Panel of seven luminaries who help devise the dishes served on board. Over and over readers mentioned the flight crews and the quality of business-class and premium-economy seats. “There’s a reason this airline is always at the top of the list,” said one reader. “They just do it right.”

2. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways seats — Courtesy of Qatar Airways

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 89.88

3. Emirates

Emirates plane on the tarmac at sunrise — Courtesy of Emirates

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 87.43

4. Eva Air

EVA AIR plane in flight — Courtesy of EVA Air

Score: 85.67

5. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Overhead shot of All Nippon Airways redesigned seats — Courtesy of ANA

Score: 84.98

6. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand "Skynest" prototype seats — Courtesy of Air New Zealand

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 84.95

7. Japan Airlines (JAL)

Seats on board a Japan Airlines aircraft — Courtesy of Japan Airlines

Score: 84.56

8. La Compagnie

La Compagnie plane on the tarmac — Courtesy of La Compagnie

Score: 84.39

9. Cathay Pacific Airways

Meal on board a Cathay Pacific flight — Courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 84.30

10. Virgin Atlantic Airways

Overhead photo of economy seats on board a Virgin Atlantic plane — Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic

Score: 84.28