Top 5 Best Airlines for Long-Haul Travel and Luxury Cabins

For travelers who value comfort, luxury, and top-tier service in the skies, the latest rankings of the world’s best long-haul airlines offer exciting insights. Whether it’s an ultra-luxurious business class suite, a premium economy experience with extra perks, or an innovative economy-class design, these airlines are setting new benchmarks for passenger satisfaction.

Based on a recent Which? Travel survey, these top-rated airlines have been recognized for their outstanding onboard experiences across multiple categories.

Top 5 Airlines for Long-Haul Travel

1. Singapore Airlines – The Gold Standard

With an impressive 81% customer score, Singapore Airlines remains the industry leader. The airline excels with five-star ratings in customer service, boarding, cleanliness, and cabin environment. Passengers appreciate its exceptional service and attention to detail, gourmet cuisine, and premium beverages.

Its comfortable seating across all classes and high-quality in-flight entertainment make it a favorite for long-haul travelers. While seat comfort, food, and value for money receive four-star ratings, Singapore Airlines continues to set the industry benchmark.

2. Etihad Airways – The Pinnacle of Luxury

Scoring 78% overall, Etihad Airways is known for its ultra-premium experience, including The Residence, a private suite featuring a separate bedroom with a double bed, an ensuite shower for maximum comfort, and a private lounge for exclusivity.

The airline receives five stars for its seamless booking process and four stars for customer service, food, and boarding. Although its cleanliness and value-for-money ratings are slightly lower, Etihad remains a preferred choice for high-end travelers.

3. Emirates – Elegance in the Sky

As a symbol of grandeur, Emirates secures third place with five-star ratings for its booking process and cabin environment. The airline also earns four stars for customer service and boarding efficiency, seat comfort with lie-flat business class seats, and its premium economy upgrades, which include extra space and luxury finishes.

Emirates recently introduced its first Airbus A350, featuring a next-generation business class in a 1-2-1 configuration and a refined premium economy section, elevating its appeal to discerning travelers.

4. Qantas – Pioneering Ultra-Long-Haul Flights

Australia’s flagship carrier secures fourth place, earning four stars for customer service, booking, and boarding. However, seat comfort, food, cleanliness, and cabin environment receive three stars, while value for money scores just two stars.

A major game-changer for Qantas is Project Sunrise, set to launch in late 2025/2026, which will introduce record-breaking 20-hour non-stop flights from Sydney to New York and London on the Airbus A350-1000. These flights promise the most advanced cabin design in Qantas’ history.

5. Virgin Atlantic – A Standout Premium Economy

Rounding out the top five, Virgin Atlantic receives four stars for customer service, booking, and boarding. However, its Premium Economy class shines, earning five stars for spacious seating with extra recline, top-tier in-flight entertainment, and gourmet meal service.

Other aspects, such as seat comfort, food, and cabin environment, receive three stars, but its dedication to a superior Premium Economy experience makes it a strong contender.

Best Premium Economy Airlines

1. Vietnam Airlines – Best Value Premium Economy

For two consecutive years, Vietnam Airlines has led the premium economy category, thanks to its 2-3-2 seating configuration for extra space, priority check-in for a seamless experience, and generous legroom on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

2. TUI – A Rising Star

New to the rankings, TUI secures second place with impressive features such as 38-inch seat pitch for maximum comfort, adjustable headrests and leg rests, noise-canceling headphones for an enhanced experience, and blankets and pillows for added comfort.