Discover the World’s Best International Airlines

Thanks to a strong U.S. dollar and highly discounted airfares, more travelers than ever are going overseas — and discovering the joys of flying on Asia- and Middle East–based airlines. With economy cabins that offer far more amenities and comfort than many of their U.S. counterparts, these airlines score highly with our readers for their roomy seats, high-quality menus, and luxurious premium-cabin amenities. It’s no surprise that eight out of the top 10 international airlines in this year’s World’s Best Awards hail from these regions. Every year for the 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 rate carriers on cabin comfort, service, food, customer service, and value.

In response to the recent travel ban on electronic devices on board U.S.-bound flights originating in the Middle East, both Emirates and Qatar Airways, which ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively (as they have for the past two years), found a workaround to let passengers gate-check laptops and other devices, allowing them to continue working while waiting to board the flight. This is just one example of how they continue to deliver best-in-class customer service. Earlier this year, Qatar announced a completely new business-class cabin with double beds and quad seating, to be rolled out this summer on select routes, with more coming later this year. “If you wish to travel in style, this is the airline to fly with,” said one reader. Another reader of Qatar’s business class remarked: “The service is impeccable, and the choice of wines, champagne, and after-dinner drinks is superb.”

Cathay Pacific Airways, which appears this year at No. 4, continues to expand service to the U.S. with more daily routes from Hong Kong to San Francisco and Boston. One reader found premium economy, which has its own discrete section, to be “a very nice surprise, with good food and excellent service.” Coming in just behind at No. 5, Japan Airlines also features a dedicated premium-economy section, offering seats with reading lights and multiple meal services that cater to both Japanese and Western palates. “We traveled in premium economy and were very comfortable,” wrote K. Firth. “A lovely airline with wonderful flight attendants.”

10. Eva Air

Score: 84.32

9. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Score: 84.54

8. Korean Air

Score: 85.08

7. Air New Zealand

Score: 85.34

6. Virgin Atlantic

Score: 85.42

5. Japan Airlines (JAL)

Score: 85.58

4. Cathay Pacific Airways

Score: 86.11

3. Qatar Airways

Score: 87.22

2. Emirates

Score: 90.24

1. Singapore Airlines

Score: 90.56

Singapore Airlines continues to innovate and perfect the art of flying well. Readers hail its leading premium-economy cabin, calling it akin to flying business-class on lesser carriers. “By far, the most wonderful airline I have ever flown on! It has made me spoiled and unwilling to fly anywhere it doesn’t,” commented one loyal passenger. Newcomers now have more chances to experience this airline: last fall, Singapore relaunched daily nonstop service to the U.S. via an A350 to San Francisco, and it will also begin flying the world’s longest flight — between Singapore and New York — in 2018.