Inside the world's best first, business and premium economy class cabins
The very best, most luxurious ways to fly have been revealed.
From the comfiest seats and dreamiest beds to the most indulgent food, and stop-at-nothing service, these are the ultimate, money-no-object ways to travel.
The very best business class, first class, premium economy, and economy offerings have all been ranked as part of the cabin class category at the 2025 AirlineRatings World's Best Airline Awards.
"These awards highlight the airlines that offer the highest levels of comfort, service, and value for travellers within each cabin class," website bosses said.
Read on to find out the winners.
Best Premium Economy- Qantas/Emirates
Aussie airline Qantas shared the accolade of best premium economy with Emirates.
"This year's Premium Economy award was the hardest to decide, with nine airlines offering exceptional products," AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen, said.
"Airlines like Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic all provide features such as leg rests, generous recline, wider seats, increased seat pitch, amenity kits, business-class-style dining, and enhanced in-flight entertainment."
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Best Premium Economy- Qantas/Emirates
"In trying to pick a winner, we started looking at relatively small, seemingly insignificant details like dedicated cabins, toilets, blanket quality, and cabin location," Petersen said. "However, for every advantage one airline had, the other excelled in a different area. It quite simply became impossible to separate the two."
Pictured is the luxurious Emirates cabin.
Best Business Class Runner-Up: Cathay Pacific Aria Suite
Runner-up for business class this year was Cathay Pacific's Aria Suite, the poll said.
It is currently being rolled out across the airline's 777 fleet.
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Best Business Class Runner-Up: Cathay Pacific Aria Suite
"Each suite, also in a 1-2-1 configuration, features a sliding door, a fully flat bed, a luxurious blanket and pillow, and significantly increased storage," survey bosses said.
"Passengers in the middle seats benefit from an electronic privacy divider, while a tablet holder integrated into the tray table adds a unique touch.
"The Aria Suite also boasts cutting-edge technology, including wireless charging, a fixed 24 inch 4K touchscreen for superior clarity, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity for pairing personal earbuds."
Best Business Class: Qatar Airways Qsuite
Qatar Airways scooped the prized accolade of best business class in the world.
"The airline's Qsuite, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, features fully enclosed private suites with sliding doors, offering passengers complete privacy," Airline Rankings said.
"For couples or those travelling together, the Qsuite allows two adjacent suites to convert into a double bed configuration—one of the few Business Class options providing a true "bed for two."
Best Business Class: Qatar Airways Qsuite
"The experience on Qatar Airways Business Class is second to none, AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen said.
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Best Business Class: Qatar Airways Qsuite
"While the Qsuite is already best in class, Qatar will soon elevate it further with the launch of the Qsuite Next Gen, featuring wider seats, longer beds, enhanced privacy, and upgraded technology," Peterson, said.
Best First Class Runner Up: Etihad
The runner up for first class was Etihad Airways.
Each suite comes with closing doors, fully flat beds dressed in premium bedding and mood lighting, to make the flight as perfect as possible.
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Best First Class Runner Up: Etihad
"Dining is a standout feature, with passengers enjoying gourmet à la carte meals served on fine bone china and beverages in premium glassware," judges said.
"On select routes, an onboard chef tailors meals to personal preferences.
"Passengers are also treated to luxury amenity kits, ultra-comfortable pyjamas, and noise-cancelling headphones."
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