As a travel blogger, I’ve become a bit obsessed with comparing airlines. I’ve pulled together my own flights, reader stories, and data from 150+ routes to work out which carriers really deserve a place on a “best airlines in the world” list. Not just who has the flashiest ads, but who actually looks after you at 3am somewhere over the ocean.
In this guide to the best airlines in the world in 2026, I’ll walk through what each airline does well (and where they fall short), from legroom and sleep quality to food, lounges, routes and miles. The goal is simple: help you pick the airline that actually fits the way you like to travel.
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1. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways
- 🏡 Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Qsuite), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club (Avios)
- ☕ Perks: Qsuite “mini suites” with doors, strong economy legroom, excellent DOH lounges, Wi-Fi on most long haul routes
- 🧠 Pro Tip: When you can, pick a Qsuite flight where two middle seats face each other. It’s ideal for couples or friends who want to talk instead of staring at a partition.
Qatar Airways earns its spot at the top of this list of the world’s best airlines. Whenever I fly with them, the whole experience feels calm and well put together, from boarding to landing. The crew are usually friendly without being over the top. Hamad International Airport in Doha makes most connections feel pretty painless for an airport of that size.
The hard product is what keeps people coming back. Qsuite remains my benchmark for business class in 2026. You get proper privacy with closing doors, a comfortable bed for overnight flights, and the option to create a double suite if you’re travelling as a couple. Economy holds up well too. There’s decent legroom, the food is better than you’ll find on many European carriers, and the entertainment system is solid enough to get you through a long-haul.
The softer side of the experience matters just as much. Service feels consistent across routes, meals are thoughtfully put together, and there’s a general sense that the airline takes the details seriously. The only downside I’ve noticed is that tight connections in Doha can involve a longer walk than you’d like.
For regular travellers, Privilege Club has become far more useful since moving to Avios. You can pool points across partner airlines and actually reach meaningful redemptions. If someone asks me which airline makes long-distance travel feel the least stressful, Qatar is still the first name I suggest.
- Read next: Business Class vs. Economy
2. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines
- 🏡 Hub: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class Suites
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer
- ☕ Perks: “Book the Cook” meal preordering, polished service, A380 Suites on select routes, very good premium economy comfort
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re in premium cabins, use Book the Cook a few days before your flight. The special meals feel closer to restaurant dishes.
Every time I fly Singapore Airlines, there’s this immediate sense of calm I don’t get anywhere else. The crew have a way of making you feel looked after without constantly popping up, the cabins always look freshly polished, and the whole experience feels almost effortless. It’s the airline I tend to recommend to people who value hospitality as much as hardware.
Singapore Airlines’ business class seat is a bit of a “love it or not” situation, depending on how you sleep. It’s wide – wider than Qatar or Turkish – but you angle your legs into a side nook at night. Personally, I don’t mind it on long-hauls, but anyone who likes stretching out straight might prefer Qatar’s Qsuite. Where Singapore really wins, though, is meal quality. I still think their long-haul catering is the most consistent in the world, especially the Book-the-Cook options.
Economy is strong too: great entertainment, better cushioning than many European carriers, and those small comfort touches that make a long flight feel less draining. I’ve stepped off 12-hour SIA flights feeling noticeably fresher than after flying Emirates or Turkish on the same routes.
KrisFlyer is worth sticking with if you redeem. Upgrades are achievable, and award space is more predictable than with Avios programs. Just know that miles do expire, so I always tell people to redeem rather than hoard. If you like an airline with polish, warmth, and a relaxing long-haul flow, Singapore is the one I’d suggest.
- Read next: How to Get First Class Tickets Cheap
3. 🇯🇵 ANA All Nippon Airways
- 🏡 Hubs: Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: ANA Mileage Club
- ☕ Perks: “The Room” business class on select 777s, very quiet and tidy cabins, excellent Japanese meal options, strong on-time performance
- 🧠 Pro Tip: When you’re booking business, check the aircraft type and look specifically for flights with “The Room” layout. It’s one of the best seats in the sky if your main goal is proper sleep.
When I book ANA, it’s usually because I want a long-haul flight that feels calm from start to finish. Everything about the airline leans toward a peaceful experience: smooth operations, quiet aircraft, organised boarding, and cabins that never feel chaotic. It’s a very different energy from airlines like Emirates or Qatar, which lean more into luxury and spectacle. ANA is about comfort without the noise.
ANA’s business class seat, “The Room,” is one of the best for sleeping. It’s wide, private, and gives you plenty of space to stretch out without feeling boxed in. If rest is your top priority, I’d pick ANA over Singapore; if you care more about service style and meal options, Singapore edges ahead. Economy is strong too: good cushioning, tidy layouts, and the kind of understated design that just makes the hours feel easier.
Service follows the same rhythm. It’s thoughtful, quiet, and precise. I’ve always felt well taken care of without the feeling of being hovered over. Catering leans toward Japanese dishes, which tend to be lighter and work well on long flights.
Mileage Club doesn’t earn as quickly as some programs, but the value shows up when you redeem for ANA-operated flights. Award seats open up more often than you’d think, especially if you plan early. If your version of the “best airline” is one where you can rest, avoid drama, and step off the plane feeling steady, ANA is one of the most dependable options in the skies.
- Read next: Best Airlines in Japan
4. 🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific Airways
- 🏡 Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Asia Miles
- ☕ Perks: Comfortable and simple long haul business seat, good premium economy, excellent lounges at HKG, strong Asian meal options
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you have a connection in Hong Kong, give yourself time for the Pier or the Wing lounge. A shower, proper meal and a quiet corner here can completely reset a long multi-leg trip.
Cathay Pacific has always felt like the airline for people who want comfort without the performance. It has a very specific rhythm. Everything runs smoothly. The cabins feel calm. The service is friendly but never too much. If Singapore feels formal and Qatar feels luxurious, Cathay feels like the airline you can settle into without thinking.
Cathay Pacific’s business class is one of my favourites for long haul. It’s not trying to impress with a suite or sliding doors. It’s a genuinely comfortable seat with plenty of space to work, eat or sleep. If you hate feeling boxed in on overnight flights, Cathay is the easiest option to choose. Their premium economy is also excellent. It’s wider than many others, the meals are better than you expect and it feels like the right choice when you want comfort without going all the way to business.
Food is one of Cathay’s strengths. The Asian options are almost always the safest bet. The Hong Kong style dishes feel like something you’d happily order on the ground. Service has that familiar Hong Kong hospitality as well, relaxed but very switched on.
Asia Miles is a strong program if you fly oneworld carriers and you can still find decent long haul redemptions when you book early. If you like an airline that feels premium but low key and you care more about quiet comfort than gimmicks, Cathay is a carrier you’ll fly once and then keep coming back to.
5. 🇦🇪 Emirates
- 🏡 Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (Private Suites)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Skywards (Emirates)
- ☕ Perks: Shower spas in A380 First, onboard bar and lounge on the A380, huge ICE entertainment library, generous catering in premium cabins
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re flying long haul in business on the A380, choose a seat a few rows away from the bar. You can still head for a drink, but you’ll have a much quieter spot when it’s time to sleep.
The first time I flew Emirates, I remember thinking that the flight felt closer to a hotel stay than a commute. There’s a lot going on, in the best way. Big screens, proper menus, a lively cabin and crew who seem happy to be there. If Qatar feels calm and private and Singapore feels polished, Emirates is the one that leans into making the journey feel like part of the holiday.
The A380 is the version of Emirates people talk about. Their business class feels spacious and social, and the bar at the back is a genuine highlight on very long flights. It’s not the most private seat compared with Qatar or ANA, but if you like moving around, chatting at the bar and not feeling boxed in, it’s brilliant. The 777 is more cramped in economy and less exciting in business. I always recommend flying on an A380, if you can.
Where Emirates really wins for me is food and entertainment. Meals are consistently strong for a big airline and the drinks list is better than many of its rivals, especially in the premium cabins. The ICE system is still the best in the industry. If you’re someone who gets bored easily or you’re travelling with kids, this alone can make the flight.
Skywards is most useful when you use miles to upgrade rather than book full reward flights, so it really pays off if you stick with Emirates. If you like the idea of a flight with great food, a bit of buzz, and endless films, and you’d rather have fun on board than hide away in a quiet cabin, this is probably the airline you’ll enjoy most.
6. 🇳🇿 Air New Zealand
- 🏡 Hub: Auckland International Airport (AKL)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Skycouch, Premium Economy, Business Premier
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Airpoints
- ☕ Perks: Skycouch for couples and families, good premium economy, friendly Kiwi service, strong safety record and well run long haul operation
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re booking economy on a long haul, check the price difference for a Skycouch row. For two people, it often costs much less than premium economy but gives you far more space and comfort.
Air New Zealand is one of the most likeable airlines on this list. It’s not the loudest or the most luxurious, and it doesn’t try to be. What it does incredibly well is create a long haul experience that feels relaxed and human. That matters when you’re flying to or from one of the most remote corners of the world. I’ve always found the crew to be some of the warmest in the industry.
Premium economy is where Air New Zealand earns its spot among the world’s best airlines. The seats are wider, the cabin feels calmer, and the food is consistently good. It’s the cabin I recommend to anyone who doesn’t want to pay for business but still wants a noticeably better experience. Business Premier is comfortable too, especially if you prefer an open layout over enclosed suites, though it’s not as private as what you’ll get on Qatar or ANA.
Economy passengers get something clever: the Skycouch. It sounds like a gimmick until you try it. For couples or parents with younger kids, being able to turn a row of seats into a small couch changes the whole tone of the flight. It’s one of the few economy innovations that genuinely improves comfort.
The food and wine options often highlight New Zealand produce, and the whole service style feels very Kiwi in the best way: friendly, calm, and not trying too hard. If you’re someone who values warmth, ease, and comfort you don’t have to figure out, Air New Zealand is one of the best airlines you can choose.
- Read next: Coolest AirBnBs in New Zealand
- You may also like: 10 Best Airlines to Fly to New Zealand
7. 🇹🇼 EVA Air
- 🏡 Hub: Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Royal Laurel)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Infinity MileageLands
- ☕ Perks: Tidy cabins, calm but friendly crews, excellent premium economy, Taiwanese food
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re on the fence between regular economy and premium economy for a long flight, EVA is where I’d upgrade first. The jump in comfort is huge compared to the price gap.
On a list of the world’s best airlines, EVA Air is the one I point to for people who like peace and order more than champagne fountains. If Emirates feels like a party and Air New Zealand feels like a warm hug, EVA is your quiet, organised friend who always has everything under control.
The big story here is premium economy. EVA’s version is very impressive: wide seats, loads of legroom, proper footrests and a cabin that usually stays calm even on busy routes. When friends ask me where their money goes furthest in the middle cabins, this is usually my first suggestion.
Business class (Royal Laurel) has a similar vibe. It’s not trying to be a flashy “suite” like Qatar, but the seat is easy to get comfortable in, the bedding is great and the service style makes it simple to switch straight into sleep mode. I’ve had some of my best-rested long hauls on EVA because nothing feels chaotic.
Food leans toward Taiwanese dishes and lighter flavours, which I love on overnight flights. The entertainment library isn’t as massive as Emirates, but there’s enough to keep you going. If you like your flights clean, calm and quietly comfortable rather than loud and showy, EVA is the airline you’ll probably click with fastest.
8. 🇦🇪 Etihad Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (select routes), Business, First (A380 only)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest
- ☕ Perks: The Residence three-room suite, Spa treatments onboard, private jet-style service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Etihad Guest miles on American Airlines for domestic US flights with generous baggage allowances.
Etihad has always felt like the quieter, more refined sibling to Emirates. Emirates brings the glamour and energy, while Etihad leans into design, comfort and this sense of calm luxury that starts the moment you walk on board. If you like your premium travel to feel elegant rather than loud, Etihad is an airline you’ll instantly click with.
The A380 coming back into service brought one of aviation’s unicorn products with it: The Residence. Is it realistic for most people? No. Is it the most outrageous way to fly commercially? Absolutely. Even if you’re nowhere near that cabin, it says a lot about the ambition of the airline. First Apartments are a treat too: huge, indulgent spaces that make a regular first class seat feel tiny.
Where Etihad really wins for me is business class. The Business Studio feels carefully thought out. Plenty of space, proper privacy, good storage and a layout that just works whether you’re trying to sleep, eat or get some work done. I find it calmer than Emirates business and more stylish than Qatar’s older non-Qsuite aircraft.
Economy is excellent and tends to feel roomier than you expect, especially if you book the “Space” seats. Service has a warm, polished feel to it, and the food is consistently good, especially on routes to Europe and Asia. Abu Dhabi’s new terminal also makes connecting much easier than it used to be.
Etihad deserves its place on this list because it offers comfort, style and a sense of quiet luxury. Trust me, that’s something only few airlines manage. If you want something premium without the noise, this is the UAE airline you’ll probably fall for.
- For more reading: 12 Magical Places to Visit in the UAE (2026)
9. 🇰🇷 Korean Air
- 🏡 Hub: Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Prestige (Business), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SKYPASS
- ☕ Perks: Spacious seating across cabins, excellent service culture, consistently comfortable long haul flights
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re flying Prestige (business), try to choose a route operated by the newer 787 or A330 layouts. The seating feels much more open and comfortable for sleeping.
Korean Air is one of the airlines that always surprises people when they’re looking at “world’s best” lists, usually because they haven’t flown it yet. The moment you step onboard, though, it clicks. The cabins feel open, the crew have an easy warmth to them and there’s a sense of space you don’t get on many long-haul carriers. That alone pushes Korean Air ahead of a lot of bigger airlines.
What I love most is the comfort across the board. Economy feels kinder, especially on longer routes, because the seats aren’t squeezed to the limit. Prestige Class is where Korean Air really shows up. The seats are wide, comfortable and simple to use, which I prefer on overnight flights when I don’t want to spend five minutes figuring out buttons. It’s not trying to compete with Qatar’s “suites,” but if sleep and space matter more than bells and whistles, Korean Air is a very strong choice.
The service style is thoughtful and consistent. It’s that mix of polite and quietly attentive you get in good Korean hospitality. And the food is one of the airline’s biggest highlights. The Korean dishes feel like something someone cared about, and it’s one of the few airlines where I’ll always choose the local option.
Korean Air earns its place on a list of the world’s best airlines because it does something simple but surprisingly rare: it makes long flights feel easier. If you value space, warm service and an experience that doesn’t fight for your attention, this is an airline you’ll be glad to have discovered.
- Read next: Cheap International Airlines
10. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines
- 🏡 Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles
- ☕ Perks: Huge global network, excellent catering, great Istanbul lounges, lots of “hard to reach” destinations
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’ve got a long connection in Istanbul, lean into it. The main lounge is one of the few where I don’t mind spending a few extra hours.
If you like the idea of using one airline to hop between Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Turkish Airlines is the one that does it better than almost anyone else. They currently fly to more countries than any other airline in the world, and I’ve lost count of the slightly obscure cities I’ve managed to reach smoothly just by going through Istanbul.
The thing everyone talks about, for good reason, is the catering. Turkish meals feel like actual food, not just fuel. Even in economy I’ve had dishes that wouldn’t be out of place in a decent restaurant. In business, the combination of mezze, hot mains and proper bread service makes the flight feel much more generous than most European carriers.
Turkish Airlines’ business class is comfortable and works especially well for people who like to sit, eat and then sleep. It’s not as private as Qatar or ANA, but the seat, bedding and service all pull in the same direction. Economy is very flyable too, just be aware that some of the older 777s feel a bit more snug.
Istanbul Airport can be busy, but once you’re in the lounge, life improves fast. Good food, showers, quiet corners and plenty of space to reset between long legs. If your idea of a great airline is one that feeds you well and can get you almost anywhere on the map with one connection, Turkish is a very easy one to get behind.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe
