The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual award showcasing the most exceptional names in the travel industry throughout the world, whether it is a hotel/island, city, or top 10 best airlines. Over 757,000 readers of the magazine in over 38 countries worldwide voted in its 38th edition, recognizing the excellence in all aspects of the travel experience. The results do not just highlight the top destinations, but they also shed light on the airlines that are still redefining comfort, reliability, and innovations in contemporary air travel.
The 2025 survey features the way travelers consider that speed and convenience are not the only values, but also consider thoughtful service, new-generation aircraft, and meaningful touches that can make long journeys pleasant. The winners of this year are all over the globe led by Asian carriers and the legacy airlines of Europe, and even the smaller boutique airlines that have their unique in-flight experiences.
The most notable thing in the best airlines in the world 2025 lists is that Asia-Pacific airlines have continued to dominate the rankings since they are characterized by a combination of technology, efficiency, and hospitality. However, a number of European and boutique carriers have also earned top ratings, indicating that passengers have come to appreciate personalization above size.
Top 10 Best Airlines in 2025
Below are the Top 10 airlines of 2025 based on travelers’ reviews, followed by five more global favorites that complete the top 15 list.
1. Singapore Airlines
For another consecutive year, Singapore Airlines leads the ranking of the best airlines in the world 2025 with an impressive rating of 88.33. Its steadfast consistency, innovative wellness programs, and attention to passenger comfort in some of the longest flights in the world were some of the positive remarks endorsed by the readers.
Singapore Airlines operates the worlds longest flight, with 19 hours of flights connecting New York and Singapore on its all-premium Airbus A350-900ULR. One of the features that passengers especially like is the farm-to-plane dining approach at the airline and its collaboration with Golden Door Spa that introduces stretching, meditation, and rest sessions into the in-flight experience.
Moreover, the Changi-based carriers attitude towards continuous product enhancement across all cabins also contribute to the fact that the carrier is a long-standing favorite among both readers and frequent flyers.
2. Qatar Airways
Securing the second position in the best airlines in the world 2025 ranking, Qatar Airways scored 87.57, thanks to its modern fleet and exceptional service quality. The airline headquartered in Doha boasts of having one of the youngest wide-body fleets in the world, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s.
One of its outstanding highlights is its QSuite Business Class, which can be converted into double-bed or private family suites for up to four passengers. Travelers appreciated the attention to detail, whether it was the ambient lighting or the checked menu, or the warm and personalized service over long flights. Together with the award-winning airline lounges and punctual flight operations, Qatar Airways is still the epitome of premium travel in the Middle East and beyond.
3. Emirates
In third place with a score of 87.27, Emirates remains a symbol of luxury and reliability in the global airline industry. The Dubai-based carrier operates the largest fleet of Airbus A380s in the world, featuring in-flight showers, cocktail lounges, and probably one of the largest entertainment systems in the world, with more than 5,000 channels.
Nevertheless, Emirates also has its bright sides in more accessible cabins. Its Premium Economy class, which has been launched in a number of long-haul flights, has leather seats, high-quality linens, and fine dining tableware. According to the critics of the new cabin, the new cabin is the perfect fit between business and economy, and it will provide the audience with better comfort without the entire business-class price tag.
As a whole, together with its extensive international connectivity via Dubai, Emirates is an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers.
4. Turkish Airlines
Ranking at number four is Turkish Airlines, with an average score of 86.76. Based at the expansive new Istanbul Airport, the carrier also positions itself as a central gateway between continents.
Travelers who have flown with Turkish Airlines have highlighted its stopover program, which offers four or five-star hotels to passengers who are passing through Istanbul as a gift. The culinary program of the airline also received a compliment regarding the presentation of Turkish cuisine, and readers also mentioned the consistently attentive service.
Over the last few years, Turkish Airlines has expanded to key destinations in the U.S, such as Seattle, Newark, and Dallas/Fort Worth, enhancing its long-haul destinations and international presence.
5. La Compagnie
The 85.61 score of the boutique French airline La Compagnie proves that size is not all in the aviation industry. Known for its all-business-class model, it offers daily flights between Newark and Paris, as well as service to Milan and seasonal routes to Nice.
La Compagnie has a small fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft featuring 76 lie-flat seats, which offer the experience of a luxury business flight at nearly half the price of major airlines’ business class. Passengers also enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi, Michelin-starred meals, and in-flight events like book signings or champagne tastings. Its customized service, small cabin design, and low cost are some of the reasons mentioned by the travelers why it was rated highly this year compared to earlier years.
6. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic, with a score of 85.28 ranked as the sixth best airline in the world in 2025. The airline, which was founded by Richard Branson, is the one that blends style and practicalityin a way few others can. Its Upper Class product offers fully flat beds, stylish bar areas, and premium entertainment.
Readers especially appreciated Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy cabin, which features comfortable seating, dedicated service, and thoughtful touches such as welcome drinks and hot towels. The carrier has added new routes to the U.S. in recent years, such as London-Austin and the joint venture with Delta, allowing passengers to have access to the entire domestic network in the U.S. with ease.
7. Korean Air
The South Korean flag carrier scored 84.76, ranking at number seven. Known for its hospitality and creative flair, Korean Air even collaborated with pop group BTS on a memorable in-flight safety video that resonated with passengers worldwide.
Passengers have highly rated the in-flight food, especially authentic bibimbap, and the cleanliness levels were high all the time. Korean Air is one of the most respected airlines in Asia because of the culture of hospitality practiced in the country, as shown by the friendly and professional crew and focus on detail.
8. Cathay Pacific
With a score of 84.70, Cathay Pacific is a strong signal of Hong Kong bouncing back to the world travel limelight. The readers have noted the high-end cabin products of the airline, especially the first-class suites with organic linens and wide, fully flat beds.
Cathay is also doing well in the area of economy with increased dining and consideration in menus, which are Hong Kong-friendly. Another innovation that is unique, a detail-oriented approach, is the airline’s signature craft beer, Betsy Pale Ale, which is meant to taste better with altitude.
9. Japan Airlines (JAL)
At number nine, Japan Airlines (JAL) scored 83.90 for its polished service and passenger comfort. The carrier has recently upgraded its fleet with new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s, offering passengers cleaner air, quieter cabins, and modern interiors.
A special mention of high legroom and superior quality food is paid to the JAL Premium Economy product. The airline is also valued by families who have children, as they can have a child-friendly bento box, with animal-themed meals, or even child-friendly facilities such as branded bibs and baby food.
Travelers noted that JAL balances tradition with innovation, maintaining Japanese hospitality while modernizing its fleet and service.
10. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Just behind JAL, All Nippon Airways (ANA) earned a score of 83.89, rounding out the top 10 in the best airlines in the world 2025 list. As a member of Star Alliance, ANA is famous for its professionalism, quiet efficiency, and advanced cabin layout featuring staggered business-class seats for privacy.
Moreover, the airline has also been praised by the passengers in terms of its premium economy and long-haul services, such as well-furnished lounges and sleep rooms in Tokyo at Haneda and Narita airports. Its hospitality and operational excellence make ANA one of the most reliable carriers in Asia.
Notable Best Airlines
Even as the top 10 took the center stage, the other five carriers were right behind them with impressive scores, showing how global the airline excellence in 2025 is.
Air New Zealand – 83.75
The Kiwi flag carrier remains a standout for innovation. Its unique Skycouch allows economy passengers to convert seats into beds, making ultra-long-haul flights, such as Auckland–New York—more comfortable. Passengers praised its service quality, local wine selections, and strong sustainability efforts.
EVA Air – 83.40
Tied with China Airlines as Taiwan’s largest carrier, EVA Air is popular for impeccable service and strong value in premium economy. Travelers commended its attentive cabin crew and spacious business class, often noting that service quality exceeds even some first-class offerings on other carriers.
Qantas – 83.28
Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas, continues to prepare for its ground-breaking Project Sunrise flights, connecting Sydney and New York in just 20 hours. Readers praised its culinary partnerships with chef Neil Perry and the upcoming A321XLR aircraft designed for improved comfort and in-flight Wi-Fi.
SWISS – 83.01
Swiss International Air Lines impressed voters with its SWISS Senses cabin concept debuting on new Airbus A350-900s. Featuring first-class suites with sliding doors, personalized lighting, and heated or cooled seats, it marks the airline’s largest product investment ever.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – 82.87
Closing the list, KLM, the world’s oldest operating airline maintains strong appeal with its new Airbus A321neo fleet and revamped World Business Class cabins. Its joint venture with Air France, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic enhances seamless booking and connectivity across continents, while its Flying Blue loyalty program remains among the industry’s best.
Editor’s Take – Top 10 Best Airlines
The best airlines in the world 2025 results tell a story about how travelers define excellence today. Comfort, innovation, and reliability continue to dominate priorities, but the rise of smaller boutique carriers like La Compagnie shows that personalization and value matter just as much.
Asian carriers once again lead the field, largely due to their modern fleets and service culture that combines precision with hospitality. Yet, European and Pacific airlines are making remarkable progress through cabin upgrades and sustainability investments.
Moreover, passengers are the biggest beneficiaries of competition between airlines, as they seek to develop their products more, such as the increase of premium economy to the next-generation aircraft, such as the A321XLR and A350. These rankings also show that excellence now extends beyond luxury; it’s about thoughtful details, consistent service, and an experience that makes every flight memorable.
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