Which Airline Offers Best Economy Class?

AirlineRatings.com has announced Korean Air (KA) as its 2025 Airline of the Year, with Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) in the tailwinds at 7th and 14th, respectively.

According to the world’s only safety and product rating website, particular emphasis was placed on Economy Class, as it is where most passengers travel. Japan Airlines, winner of the Skytrax Best Economy Class Airline Seat in 2024, scored high with KA “for providing the most spacious economy class seating of any airline in the world,” with a seat pitch of 33–34 inches on all wide-body aircraft. 

If you don’t see your favourite US or European airline in the Top 25 below, it may be because AirlineRatings does not consider most legacy airlines as full-service; many are hybrids with “stripped-back service on short-haul routes, but full meals, drinks, and seat-back screens in international economy class, along with lie-flat beds and enhanced amenities in business class.”

“Results are determined based on feedback from travelers, expert editor reviews, overall product choice and consistency for passengers, innovation and forward fleet orders. Safety is a key consideration, with only seven-star safety-rated airlines eligible, and financial stability is also factored in—airlines undergoing restructuring, mergers or bankruptcy are not considered.”

AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen said: “These awards are not a popularity contest or a people’s choice award. As airline experts, we conduct a meticulous assessment of each category to help travelers identify the best airlines for quality, value and safety. While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches (down from the previous 32–33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend. They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience.”

On narrow-body 737 aircraft, KA offers a 32–34 inch seat pitch, which is rare in today’s industry. Passengers on medium- to long-haul flights are also treated to slippers, larger meal portions compared to most other airlines and an improved selection of in-flight entertainment over recent years.

“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. 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.”

The award statement continued, “With a competitive average fleet age of 10.7 years, Korean Air has demonstrated strong commitment to operating modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This is reinforced by significant aircraft commitments, including orders for 50 Boeing Widebodies (777X and 787s), 33 Airbus A350s and 26 Airbus A321neos. These investments were viewed as clear indicators of the airline’s long-term commitment to maintaining a competitive product offering.” 

The judges also noted KA’s historic merger with Asiana Airlines—the continent’s largest such deal—in a press release, and stressed KA’s exceptional passenger experiences through comfort, service and innovation. A further example of this will be the launch of their Premium Economy Product. “As other carriers continue to prioritize capacity over passenger experience, Korean Air demonstrates how airlines can balance efficiency with an exceptional passenger experience and strong business fundamentals.”  

Top 25 Full-Service Airlines