The Korean Airline That Just Took The Crown As The World's Best For 2025

Korean Air claimed the top spot as the World's Best Airline in the most recent annual ranking of airlines worldwide from AirlineRatings.com, which used a comprehensive survey to rank major airlines across the globe. Judging criteria is multifold, comprising boots-on-the-ground feedback from passengers with real-world experience flying each carrier up for consideration. Additionally, the website's editorial team weighs in with their expertise, reviewing and analyzing passenger feedback to ensure an airline is offering a consistent service. Other considerations include fleet age, orders for new aircraft, and innovative initiatives on the part of the airline to improve the flight experience. Judges also consider each carrier's safety record over the two years immediately preceding the survey as well as the company's financial stability.

"In reviewing this year's awards, we placed particular emphasis on economy class," Sharon Petersen, AirlineRatings.com CEO, said in a statement, noting that the majority of air travelers worldwide fly in the economy-class cabin and giving kudos to Korean Air for bucking the rampant trend of reducing pitch (the distance between the edge of your seat and the seatback in front of you) and squeezing more seats into limited space. "They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33–34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience."

The recognition is on point. In recent years, Korean Air has made a concerted effort to up its game in a number of key areas, including customer service, strategic growth, and economy-class service. In stark contrast to airlines that go to extremes to court premium-class travelers, Korean Air's commitment to economy-class passengers goes beyond seating to include comfort amenities like providing travelers with a personal-sized dental kit.

Korean Air also continues to provide each passenger with slippers, disposable headphones, and a blanket and pillow — so you can leave your travel pillow at home. Clearly, the airline's efforts and investments are paying dividends.

"While the airline's business- and first-class products are highly regarded for their exceptional meals, efficient service, and comfort, it was Korean Air's outstanding economy-class offering that truly secured their win," Petersen said. "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." In addition to maintaining a generous pitch in the economy-class cabin, standard economy-class comforts on long-haul flights serviced by its fleet of Boeing 787-10 aircraft include seats that recline to 120 degrees and feature 13.3-inch, high-resolution video displays. Korean Air's strategy is in direct contrast to a growing aviation industry trend toward cutting economy-class space allowances to squeeze more passengers into the cabin.

In addition, Korean Air earned high marks for its in-flight meal service, with a special call-out to its generous portions. Complimentary offerings include selections from a varied menu, featuring traditional Korean foods like bibimbap and bibim noodles, along with a selection of international dishes, hearty snacks and sandwiches, alcoholic beverages, and curated wine. Another achievement of note, Korean Air scored points for its business operations, earning a nod for its ongoing commitment to fleet modernization. The average aircraft age for Korean Air is 10.7 years and the airline has ordered 50 wide-body Boeing 777X and 787s, 33 Airbus A350s, and 26 Airbus A321neos, in addition to its 2024 acquisition of Asiana Airlines.

Rounding out the top five carriers in AirlineRatings.com's 2025 list of the world's best airlines, Qatar Airways claims the second spot, followed in order by Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. AirlineRatings.com's annual rankings are based on a comprehensive survey of more than 350 airlines worldwide. Judging is based on survey results that include data encompassing safety, product ratings, passenger reviews, fleet age, and environmental commitment. In addition to earning the title "Airline of the Year" for 2025, Korean Air took first place in the category for Best Economy Class and placed eighth in AirlineRatings.com's ranking of Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines.

The Australia-based aviation industry watchdog's rankings for best airlines also include two sub-categories: best low-cost airlines and, new this year, best hybrid airlines. This year's top five low-cost carriers included, in order, AirAsia, Jetstar, AirBaltic, HK Express, and EasyJet. While no U.S.-based airlines made it into the top five low-cost carriers, three placed among the top five hybrid airlines. JetBlue, and its expanding route network, earned the top spot. Delta Air Lines placed fourth and United Airlines came in fifth.