Leg room proves the difference as Korean Air named World’s Best Airline
Qatar Airways’ reign as the World’s Best Airline has ended after Korean Air claimed the title in the 2025 rankings.
Australian-based aviation safety and product rating agency, AirlineRatings.com, cited the South Korean flag carrier’s commitment to economy passengers as one of the main reasons for its elevation to leading the top 25 this year.
Qatar dropped to second place, with Air New Zealand in third, followed by Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Japan Airlines.
Qantas rose one spot from ninth in 2024 to eighth this year, with Etihad and Turkish Airlines rounding out the top 10.
World’s Best Airline Awards are based on feedback from travellers, editor reviews, overall product choice and consistency for passengers, innovation, and forward fleet orders.
AirlineRatings.com commended Korean Air for maintaining its original seat configuration and prioritising the needs of economy travellers.
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“These awards are not a popularity contest or a people’s choice award,” AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen said.
“As airline experts, we conduct a meticulous assessment of each category to help travellers identify the best airlines for quality, value, and safety,” she said.
Peterson said Korean Air had placed particular emphasis on economy class “as it is where most passengers travel”.
“While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31-32 inches (82-84 centimetres), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend,” she explained.
An airline’s seat’s pitch refers to the space between a a row of seats and those in front and behind.
Bigger seat pitch means more leg room. Photo: airlinequality.com
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Petersen said maintaining its original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch offered passengers a more comfortable experience.
“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,” she said.
Peterson said passengers on medium-to long-haul flights were treated to “thoughtful touches”, including slippers, larger meal portions compared to many other airlines and an improved selection of in-flight entertainment.
Top 25 World’s Best Airlines
- Korean Air
- Qatar
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA
- Aero Mexico
- Air Caraibes
- Thai Airways
- STARLUX Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air France
- KLM
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
While Qatar Airways was knocked off the top spot, it was again awarded Best Business Class.
Qantas-owned budget carrier Jetstar came second in the Best Low Cost Airlines behind Air Asia, with AirBaltic, HK Express and Easyjet rounding out the top 5.
AirlineRatings.com this year for the first time ranked the Best Hybrid Airlines, recognising “their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative offerings”.
This category was topped by Jetblue and Westjet, with Virgin Australia coming third.
