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How crucial is extra legroom when flying? Incredibly so, at least according to the latest rankings from AirlineRatings.com, which highlight the world’s best airlines.

Korean Air has secured the title of Airline of the Year for 2025, dethroning last year’s winner, Qatar Airways, in the esteemed annual rankings by the Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency.

The South Korean carrier’s dedication to “passenger comfort” played a key role in its top placement—Korean Air, along with Japan Airlines, offers some of the most spacious economy class seating in the world.

The airline was praised for maintaining its original seat layout and keeping economy travelers’ comfort a priority.

“While many airlines have opted to fit a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and have reduced seat pitch in economy to 31 or 32 inches—down from the standard 32 to 33 inches—Korean Air has resisted this shift,” said AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen in a statement.

Related article: The world’s best airports for 2024, according to Skytrax

Prioritizing Comfort

Korean Air’s recent merger with Asiana Airlines—the largest airline consolidation in Asia’s history—was also cited as a key factor in its success.

Air New Zealand secured third place on the carefully curated list, while Cathay Pacific followed in fourth.

Each of the top 25 airlines met strict criteria, including offering a full-service experience and providing an economy seat pitch of at least 31 inches.

“These rankings are not based on popularity contests or public voting,” Petersen emphasized.

“As industry specialists, we conduct a thorough evaluation of each airline to help travelers make informed choices based on quality, value, and safety.”

Meanwhile, AirAsia topped the list of the best low-cost airlines for 2025, surpassing Jetstar and AirBaltic, which placed second and third, respectively.

A new category was introduced this year: Best Hybrid Airlines. This addition aims to recognize hybrid carriers that have made a substantial positive impact on the industry.

JetBlue claimed the top position in this new category, while WestJet and Virgin Australia followed in second and third places.

“These airlines stand out for their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative services,” Petersen noted.

AirlineRatings.com’s Top 25 Full-Service Airlines for 2025

• Korean Air

• Qatar Airways

• Air New Zealand

• Cathay Pacific

• Singapore Airlines

• Emirates

• Japan Airlines

• Qantas

• Etihad Airways

• Turkish Airlines

• EVA Air

• Fiji Airways

• Virgin Atlantic

• ANA (All Nippon Airways)

• Aeromexico

• Air Caraïbes

• Thai Airways

• STARLUX Airlines

• Vietnam Airlines

• SriLankan Airlines

• Air France

• KLM (trialling a hybrid model on select routes)

• Aircalin

• Air Mauritius

• Garuda Indonesia

AirlineRatings.com’s Top 20 Low-Cost Airlines for 2025

• AirAsia

• Jetstar

• AirBaltic

• HK Express

• easyJet

• FlyDubai

• Ryanair

• Scoot

• Breeze Airways

• Southwest Airlines

• SKY Airline

• Flynas

• TUI Airways

• Norwegian

• IndiGo

• Air Arabia

• Volaris

• Jet2

• Wizz Air

• Vueling

AirlineRatings.com’s Top 20 Hybrid Airlines for 2025

• JetBlue

• WestJet

• Virgin Australia

• Delta Air Lines

• United Airlines

• American Airlines

• Lufthansa

• Air Canada

• LOT Polish Airlines (transitioning towards full-service operations)

• TAP Air Portugal

• Alaska Airlines

• SWISS

• Avianca

• Iberia

• British Airways

• Finnair

• Austrian Airlines

• Hawaiian Airlines

• ITA Airways

• SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)