The 10 BEST Airlines to Fly to Asia For Your 2025 Vacation

491

Dreaming of an adventure in Asia? From the ancient temples of Kyoto and bustling markets of Bangkok to the stunning beaches of Bali and futuristic cityscapes of Tokyo, Asia is filled with unforgettable destinations. As a travel blogger who’s flown to 66 countries and visited Asia several times—usually every winter—I can confidently say this part of the world is absolutely magical.

For this guide, I’ve curated the 10 best airlines to fly to Asia for your 2025 vacation, analyzing flights from over 150 airports globally, especially from the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia itself. Each airline on this list offers a great balance of affordability, comfort, and reliability, making it easy to reach Asia’s top destinations in style. Plus, I’ll be sharing insider tips to help you save on flights, so you can put more toward adventures like exploring the Great Wall, island-hopping in the Philippines, or experiencing South Korea’s vibrant culture. Here’s how to make your Asian vacation unforgettable, starting with the perfect flight!

Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Asia

Looking for cheap flights to Asia right now? Before diving into all the airlines that fly to Asia, I first want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past three years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $755 roundtrip fare from Boston to Bali.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Now without further ado, here are the best Asia flights in 2024.

1. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First, Suites
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: World-class service, gourmet dining options, spacious premium cabins
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Book the Cook” meal service in advance to access chef-created dishes not available on the regular menu

Singapore Airlines continues to set the standard for Asian travel as they celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2025. The carrier connects major cities worldwide to their spectacular hub at Singapore Changi (SIN), consistently rated the world’s best airport with its butterfly gardens, movie theaters, and swimming pool that transform layovers into highlights rather than hardships.

Their newest Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft feature the game-changing Suites product in First Class. These private cabins include separate bed and seat configurations, allowing you to truly live rather than merely travel. Couples can combine adjacent suites to form a double bed, which is basically a luxury hotel room in the air.

Even in Economy, Singapore Airlines delivers an experience that puts many carriers’ premium cabins to shame. Their thoughtfully designed seats feature adjustable headrests, generous 32-inch pitch, and seat-back screens larger than most competitors. The difference is most noticeable in their meal service, where economy passengers enjoy multi-course meals on real dishware with metal cutlery, alongside an impressive wine selection served in actual glasses.

Their KrisFlyer miles program regularly offers discounted award tickets through monthly promotions, making premium travel to Asia more accessible than you might expect. Perhaps most telling about Singapore Airlines’ quality: their cabin crew undergo twice the industry-standard training time, and it shows in every interaction from boarding to farewell.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Singapore

---

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

---

2. 🇯🇵 ANA (All Nippon Airways)

• 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Mileage Club – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: Impeccable Japanese service, innovative cabin design, exceptional onboard dining
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Try securing a seat on their unique “The Room” Business Class product on the redesigned Boeing 777-300ER for the ultimate premium experience

ANA has quietly evolved into one of Asia’s most impressive carriers, earning a 5-star Skytrax rating for 11 consecutive years. The airline connects North America to Japan with direct flights from 10 cities, offering convenient access to Tokyo’s business-friendly Haneda airport just 30 minutes from downtown rather than the more distant Narita.

Economy class on ANA stands out for its thoughtful design and superior comfort. Their spacious 34-inch seat pitch exceeds most competitors by several inches, while adjustable headrests and footrests help passengers maximize comfort during long transpacific journeys. Their food service reflects authentic Japanese cuisine alongside Western options, with signature touches like real green tea and their famous Japanese curry dishes even in economy.

For premium travelers, their revolutionary “The Room” Business Class represents a dramatic leap forward in cabin design. These semi-enclosed suites are twice the width of conventional business seats, with flexible privacy dividers and multiple seating positions for different activities. Their First Class “The Suite” product takes this privacy concept further with fully-closing doors and 43-inch 4K monitors, the largest in commercial aviation.

Perhaps most impressive about ANA is their consistency across different aircraft and routes. Even their regional flights within Asia feature premium service touches, immaculate cabins, and the extraordinary attention to detail that defines Japanese hospitality. Their perfect on-time record and seamless baggage handling make them the reliability champion of Asian aviation.

• Read next: Best Airlines in Japan
• You may also like: Top Things to Do in Osaka

3. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka (KIX)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank – part of Oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Industry-leading seat comfort, BEDD Sky Wider economy seats, exceptional Japanese hospitality
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their Premium Economy offers the most generous seat width in its class, making it the sweet spot for comfort without the business class price tag

Japan Airlines embodies the concept of omotenashi, the uniquely Japanese approach to hospitality that anticipates needs before they arise. The airline has invested billions in cabin redesigns, focusing not just on premium classes but significantly upgrading their economy experience to stand distinctly apart from competitors.

Their revolutionary Sky Wider economy seats deserve special attention. With an industry-leading width of 18.5 inches and a generous pitch of 33-34 inches, JAL offers economy passengers approximately 20% more personal space than most competitors. The innovative seat design features a “shell” structure that allows for reclining without intruding on the passenger behind, creating harmony in the shared cabin space.

Business Class travelers enjoy their acclaimed “Apex Suite” design, offering every passenger both window views and aisle access through an innovative staggered layout. First Class presents a refined rather than ostentatious luxury, with handcrafted Japanese touches like beautifully presented wooden meal trays and artisanal ceramics. Their inflight dining program partners with acclaimed restaurateurs like celebrated chef Shinobu Namae of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred L’Effervescence.

What truly distinguishes JAL is their remarkable consistency in service delivery. Their cabin crews are selected through a rigorous process that emphasizes emotional intelligence alongside technical skills. The difference becomes apparent in challenging situations, where JAL crews demonstrate a level of calm professionalism and graceful problem-solving that transforms potential travel disruptions into seamless experiences.

• Read next: Best Things to Do in Bangkok at Night
• You may also like: Most Beautiful Places in North America
• For more reading: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe
• Keep reading: Stunning Attractions in Oceania
• Also worth reading: Beautiful Places in the Middle East

4. 🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific

• 🏠 Hub: Hong Kong International (HKG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Marco Polo Club – part of Oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Luxurious lounges, innovative seat designs, refined Hong Kong service style
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for flights operated by their newest Airbus A350s for the latest cabins and reduced jet lag thanks to better cabin pressure and humidity

Cathay Pacific has rebuilt their network to emerge stronger than ever in 2025, with their iconic green-tailed aircraft once again connecting Hong Kong to the world. Their sleek fleet now centers around the ultra-modern Airbus A350(both the -900 and -1000 variants) and Boeing 777-300ER, creating a consistent premium experience across long-haul routes.

The Cathay experience in Economy focuses on thoughtful details that add up to superior comfort. Their ergonomic seats feature a generous 32-inch pitch, adjustable headrests with substantial wing support, and a clever phone holder integrated into the seatback screen. Their catering draws on Hong Kong’s unique position as a crossroads of culinary traditions, serving dishes that showcase both Cantonese techniques and international influences.

For those seeking extra comfort without the business price tag, their Premium Economy cabin delivers with wider seats, expanded legroom, and enhanced dining. The cabin’s intimate size (just 28-40 seats depending on aircraft) creates a boutique feeling rare in modern aviation. Business travelers appreciate their industry-leading Business Class with reverse herringbone seating that maximizes both privacy and efficient use of cabin space.

Beyond the hardware, Cathay’s trump card remains their sophisticated approach to service. Cabin crew receive training in wine appreciation and food pairing to provide informed recommendations, while their attention to small details like remembering beverage preferences throughout a flight demonstrates a level of personalization increasingly rare in air travel. With Hong Kong’s visa-free status for most travelers, their superb lounges make even long connections a pleasure rather than a chore.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Bangkok

5. 🇹🇼 EVA Air

• 🏠 Hub: Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Royal Laurel)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Infinity MileageLands – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: Hello Kitty themed planes, Champagne service in all classes, exceptional cleanliness
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their Premium Economy represents one of the best values in transpacific travel, often priced just $600-800 above Economy roundtrip for substantially enhanced comfort

EVA Air might be the finest airline many Americans haven’t yet discovered. The Taiwanese carrier has quietly built a reputation for excellence, earning consistent 5-star Skytrax ratings while operating one of the youngest fleets in Asia. Their backbone consists of the fuel-efficient Boeing 777-300ER and next-generation Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with many routes benefiting from reduced jet lag thanks to the Dreamliner’s improved cabin pressure and humidity levels.

Economy travelers enjoy amenities typically reserved for premium cabins on other airlines. EVA’s standard Economy service includes noise-canceling headphones, memory foam seat cushions, and surprisingly refined meal presentations. Their famous attention to cabin cleanliness means lavatories are inspected and refreshed throughout flights, addressing a common pain point in long-haul travel.

Aviation enthusiasts seek out their whimsical Hello Kitty themed aircraft, where the beloved character appears on everything from boarding passes to meal presentations and even toilet paper. Beyond the novelty, these flights feature special menus and service items that create a uniquely cheerful experience. Their regular service is equally impressive, with real Champagne served in all cabins (including Economy) rather than the sparkling wine most competitors offer.

Perhaps EVA’s strongest offering is their outstanding Royal Laurel business class. Rather than designing their own seat, they selected the highly regarded Cirrus product (similar to Cathay Pacific) but enhanced it with superior bedding, Ferragamo amenity kits, and notably attentive service. The result combines the best hardware in its class with service touches that reflect Taiwan’s reputation for warmth and hospitality, creating a genuinely memorable journey to Asia.

6. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Flagship Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage – part of Oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Extensive domestic network, Flagship lounges, seamless Oneworld connections
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their Dallas-Tokyo Haneda route features their newest Business Class product and superior departure times compared to West Coast options

American Airlines has dramatically revamped their Asian strategy, focusing on quality over quantity with their premium-heavy Boeing 777-300ER and 787-9 Dreamliners now serving key Asian destinations. Their refreshed fleet offers consistent cabin products across Pacific routes, eliminating the aircraft lottery that once plagued their long-haul service.

For travelers in Main Cabin, American’s Asian flights now feature enhanced international service with upgraded meal presentations, complimentary beer and wine, and responsive entertainment systems with expanded Asian content. Their Main Cabin Extra provides a worthy upgrade for tall travelers, offering 4-6 inches of additional legroom and preferred boarding for a reasonable surcharge that often runs just $120-180 on transpacific segments.

Their genuine sweet spot is Premium Economy, configured in an intimate cabin that offers substantially wider seats, extended recline, and leg rests that make sleeping actually possible. The dedicated premium cabin attendants provide noticeably more attentive service than in the main cabin, with enhanced dining that includes proper glassware and multi-course meal service on real dishware.

What truly sets American apart for Asia travel is their unmatched domestic network, allowing single-connection itineraries from hundreds of North American cities. Their partnerships with Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific create seamless connections throughout Asia, with proper interline baggage handling and coordinated schedules. Business travelers particularly appreciate their excellent Flagship Lounges in key gateway cities, featuring restaurant-quality dining and premium bar service before the long Pacific crossing.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Dallas
• You may also like: Best Places to Stay in Chicago
• For more reading: Hidden Gems in Miami

7. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Polaris Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: Most extensive Asian network among U.S. carriers, modern fleet, Polaris lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Excursionist Perk” allows you to add a free one-way segment within Asia when booking award travel, perfect for creating multi-city vacations

United Airlines is not just another American carrier flying to Asia, but it’s also the operator with the most extensive network across the continent. United offers an impressive array of nonstop flights to major Asian destinations from their trans-Pacific gateway in San Francisco (SFO), with additional service from Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX). They fly modern next-generation aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 777-300ER, and the upcoming Airbus A350.

If you’re flying Premium Plus (Premium Economy), expect a real step up: wider seats with generous 38-inch pitch, adjustable leg and footrests, and enhanced dining with proper china and glassware. Their Polaris Business now features suite-style seating on most Asian routes with direct aisle access for all passengers, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and cooling gel pillows that address the common complaint of overheating during long-haul sleep.

United is known for bringing technological innovation to the travel experience. Their industry-leading app provides detailed airport maps, real-time baggage tracking, and even tells you when to leave for your flight based on current traffic conditions. Inflight connectivity ranks among the fastest over the Pacific, with streaming-capable Wi-Fi available across their long-haul fleet.

The airline’s MileagePlus program is especially rewarding for frequent Asia travelers. You can use miles to book Star Alliance partners like ANA, Singapore, and EVA Air, often accessing better award space than through other programs. Booking through their comprehensive app during quarterly mileage sales can unlock major savings, with business class awards to Asia sometimes discounted by 20-30% from standard rates.

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Houston
• You may also like: Cheap Flights from Newark

8. 🇦🇪 Emirates

• 🏠 Hub: Dubai International (DXB)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards
• ☕ Perks: Legendary A380 onboard bar, shower suites in First, chauffeur service
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their fifth freedom routes like Bangkok to Hong Kong for shorter luxury experiences at significantly lower prices

Emirates transformed Asian travel by turning traditional flight paths upside down, connecting the world to Asia through their spectacular Dubai hub. Their distinctive fleet centered around the massive Airbus A380 and Boeing 777creates an instantly recognizable presence at airports across Asia, from major capitals to secondary cities often overlooked by other carriers.

Their renowned Economy cabin proves that mass transportation can still deliver comfort and style. The thoughtfully designed seats offer generous pitch, substantial padding, and the industry’s largest economy seatback screens at 13.3 inches. The international crew speaking over 60 languages delivers genuinely warm service alongside multi-course meals reflecting both Middle Eastern influences and destination-specific cuisines.

For premium travelers, the A380 experience borders on legendary. The upper deck houses their signature onboard lounge where Business and First passengers enjoy cocktails and canapés at 40,000 feet in a social space more reminiscent of an upscale bar than an aircraft. First Class passengers access the ultimate aviation indulgence: private shower suites allowing a refreshing rinse before landing after long-haul journeys.

Their global presence creates unique Asia travel opportunities through the Emirates Skywards program. Fifth freedom routes within Asia like Bangkok to Hong Kong allow travelers to experience Emirates luxury on shorter segments at remarkably reasonable prices. Their partnership with Jetstar Asia extends connectivity throughout Southeast Asia, while complimentary chauffeur service in most Asian destinations eliminates the typical stress of airport transfers.

• Read next: Beautiful Places in Dubai
• You may also like: Must-See Places in Istanbul

9. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways

• 🏠 Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Qsuite), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club – part of Oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Qsuite business class, award-winning catering, exceptional Doha lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Stopover Program” offers heavily discounted luxury hotel packages in Doha, essentially adding another destination to your Asian vacation for minimal cost

Qatar Airways has elevated connecting travel into an art form with their award-winning service to Asia via Doha. Their meticulously planned schedule creates smooth connections from North America to over 30 Asian destinations through their architectural marvel of a hub at Hamad International Airport, complete with indoor tropical garden and swimming pool.

The airline’s economy experience stands apart through thoughtful details that accumulate into superior comfort. Their innovative seating includes adjustable hammock-style headrests that actually support your head during sleep, generous 32-33 inch pitch, and wider seats than most competitors. Their commitment to culinary excellence brings restaurant-quality presentation to all cabins, with regional specialties and customizable dining options even in economy.

Business travelers worldwide seek out their revolutionary Qsuite product, featuring fully-enclosed private suites with doors and seats that can be configured into a double bed for couples or a four-person family dining area. The customizable privacy panels transform between social and solitary configurations, while the dine-on-demand service allows passengers to eat according to their own schedule rather than the crew’s convenience.

The Privilege Club program creates exceptional value through regular transfer bonuses from major credit card programs and their generous stopover program that adds a Doha mini-vacation to your Asian journey. Their powerful Oneworld partnerships with Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Malaysia Airlines extend coverage throughout Asia with seamless connections and consistent baggage allowances across carriers.

• Read Next: 7 Affordable Places to Fly to in Asia

10. 🇦🇪 Etihad Airways

• 🏠 Hub: Abu Dhabi International (AUH)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Space, Business, First, The Residence
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest
• ☕ Perks: The Residence three-room suite, “Flying Nannies” for families, elegant Arabian styling
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Neighbor-Free” seating option lets economy passengers guarantee adjacent empty seats for as little as $75-200, creating a pseudo-premium experience at a fraction of business class prices

Etihad Airways brings understated Arabian luxury to Asian travel through their growing network connecting Abu Dhabi to key destinations across the continent. Their distinctive approach focuses on personalized service rather than opulence, creating a refined travel experience aboard their fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A380s.

Families particularly appreciate Etihad’s thoughtful approach to younger travelers. Their “Flying Nanny” program provides specially trained crew members to assist parents with everything from meal timing to entertainment suggestions based on child development stages. Their dedication to family travel continues with priority boarding, kids’ activity packs tailored to different age groups, and extensive children’s entertainment options.

The airline’s signature innovation is their flexible Economy Space seating with 4-6 inches of additional legroom at a modest premium over standard economy. This creates a genuine middle option between cramped regular seating and substantially more expensive premium cabins. For truly unique luxury, their A380 aircraft feature “The Residence,” a three-room suite with separate living room, bedroom, and private bathroom complete with shower, attended by a dedicated butler.

Their Etihad Guest program distinguishes itself through unique redemption options beyond just flights. Members can use points for experiences like desert safaris in Abu Dhabi during stopovers or access to exclusive restaurants throughout Asia. Their generous stopover program turns connections into bonus mini-vacations with heavily discounted luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi, allowing travelers to experience two distinct cultures during a single Asian journey.

• Read next: Magical Places to Visit in the UAE