The 2025 AirlineRatings World’s Best Airline Cabin Class Awards have recognized the top performers across Business Class, First Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. These awards highlight the airlines that offer the highest levels of comfort, service, and value for travellers within each cabin class.

World’s Best Business Class: Qatar Airways - Qsuite
Runner-Up: Cathay Pacific - Aria Suite

Qatar Airways has once again been awarded 'Best Business Class' at the 2025 AirlineRatings World’s Best Airline Awards.

The airline’s Qsuite, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, features fully enclosed private suites with sliding doors, offering passengers complete privacy. 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."

AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen remarked, “The experience on Qatar Airways Business Class is second to none. 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.”

Runner-up this year was Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite, which is currently being rolled out across the airline’s 777 fleet. 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. 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″ 4K touchscreen for superior clarity, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity for pairing personal earbuds.

World’s Best Premium Economy: Emirates and Qantas Tie for First Place

Both Emirates and Qantas have been awarded 'Best Premium Economy' at the 2025 AirlineRatings World’s Best Airline Awards.

“This year’s Premium Economy award was the hardest to decide, with nine airlines offering exceptional products,” explained Petersen. “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.”

Ultimately, Emirates and Qantas tied for the top spot, equally excelling across all areas.

“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.”

 READ: World’s Best Full Service, Hybrid and Low Cost Carriers for 2025

“Both airlines serve business class meals on fine china and glassware with dedicated cabin staff,” Petersen continued. “After analysing all the details, the scores were identical. Both airlines deliver an exceptional and, most importantly, consistent product, making it impossible to choose just one winner this year.

World’s Best Value Premium Economy: Vietnam Airlines

Runner Up: TUI

Vietnam Airlines has been recognised for the second consecutive year as the winner of AirlineRatings Best Value Premium Economy Award.

Premium Economy has expanded across many airlines, but not all offerings are equal. Some stand out for their premium features like Emirates and Qantas, while others focus on providing exceptional value for money. Vietnam Airlines exemplifies the latter.

Meals served in Premium Economy are the same as those in Economy, with drinks presented in either glassware or plastic, depending on the route but passengers still get priority check-in, boarding, and baggage services, spacious 2-3-2 seats, and generous legroom with a pitch of up to 107cm on the 787. Passengers also benefit from USB charging ports, and thoughtful amenities like travel kits and a cosmetics pack all without the premium price tag.

READ: Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy Review

TUI made its debut in the awards this year, offering passengers an attractive value proposition for Premium Economy. Passengers will enjoy priority check-in and boarding, a generous 38-inch seat pitch, adjustable headrests and footrests, and an amenity kit complete with noise-cancelling headphones, blankets, and pillows. Before takeoff, they’ll be treated to a glass of Prosecco, with complimentary premium drinks available throughout the flight. The dining experience includes a four-course meal followed by a lighter second meal before landing. However, similar to Vietnam Airlines, TUI’s meal service aligns more closely with Economy Class offerings and may feature plastic instead of glassware.

“Travellers enjoy extra comfort, space, and priority services, without the premium price tag or premium meals,” said AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen.

World’s Best Economy Class: Korean Air
Runner-Up: Air New Zealand

“Korean Air has set the benchmark in Economy Class with its spacious seating and exceptional comfort,” said Petersen. “They offer the most spacious economy seating in the world, and passenger feedback consistently highlights legroom and space as top priorities. In addition to this, passengers are given extra comforts such as slippers and larger meal portions which just add to the economy experience.’

Air New Zealand, the runner-up, earned praise for its innovation, particularly the Skycouch and the upcoming Skynest beds. “The Skynest has captured the imagination of travellers globally,” Petersen added. “It’s a game-changing concept, allowing economy passengers to lie flat on ultra-long-haul flights for a set period of time.”

The Skynest, debuting on the Auckland–New York route, features six pods equipped with bedding, reading lights, USB ports, and ventilation. Meanwhile, the Skycouch remains a popular option, and passengers can also purchase the seat next to them for additional comfort.

“While Korean Air took the top spot, once the Skynest debuts, Air New Zealand will be hard to beat,” Petersen concluded.

 READ: World’s Best Full Service, Hybrid and Low Cost Carriers for 2025

World’s Best First Class: Singapore Airlines
Runner-Up: Etihad Airways

Singapore Airlines has once again been named 'Best First Class' at the 2025 AirlineRatings World’s Best Airline Awards.

The airline’s flagship "Skyroom" Suites aboard the A380 have redefined luxury. Each suite offers between 3.23 and 4 square metres of space, with sliding doors providing privacy.

The highlight is the separate foldout flatbed, measuring 76” by 27” (1.93m x 0.68m), complete with premium bedding, a duvet, and plush pillows. The bedhead is equipped with a gas spring, allowing passengers to comfortably watch movies while reclining. For couples, the partitions between suites can be lowered to create double beds in the forward suites.

Etihad Airways’ First Suites, featured on their 787, 777, and A350 aircraft, provide an equally luxurious experience designed for privacy and comfort. Each suite comes with closing doors, fully flat beds dressed in premium bedding, and mood lighting. Dining is a standout feature, with passengers enjoying gourmet à la carte meals served on fine bone china and beverages in premium glassware. 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.

Petersen said, "Etihad and Singapore Airlines’ Suites deliver a perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and exceptional service, making them world-class products. From the exquisite dining to the branded amenities, both airlines ensure every detail contributes to an unforgettable experience."