5 Best Airlines For Long Flights in 2025

The best airlines for long flights are recognized for comfort, reliability, and award-winning services. Carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways fulfil such requirements. Additionally, they rank high in global ratings on different platforms. Apart from carrying long-distance routes safely, they offer maximum comfort through different travel classes, such as economy, business, and first-class.

Top 5 Airlines for Long-Haul Travel

Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, All Nippon Airways, and Turkish Airlines are among the top carriers for long-haul flights. These are recognized for their excellence in offering comfort, safety, and efficiency. These air operators stand out through award-winning services, advanced fleets, and innovative in-flight features.

1. Singapore Airlines

Globally, Singapore Airlines is recognized for its comfort and services. Additionally, it has garnered multiple awards for its achievements. In the year 2023, it was awarded with Skytrax World’s Best Airlines and Best Cabin Crew. Also, through some reputable sources, this carrier has been awarded as the “Airline of the Year 2023”. To gain these praises, it has multiple features.

  • Operates the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight on the route SIN to JFK.
  • This route covers 9,537 miles in approximately 19 hours.
  • It has a fleet of over 150 aircraft.
  • These include Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.
  • These aircraft are efficient for long-haul flights.

2. Qatar Airways

The airline that combines high service standards with operating youngest fleet is Qatar Airways. It has earned the Skytrax World’s Best Airline title in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Also, it continues to win the awards for the Best Business Class and Best Business Class Seat. It is known for offering the best experiences for long-haul flights.

  • Qatar Airways has the best Business Class with Qsuites.
  • These suites have sliding doors for privacy with the option of a double bed.
  • It operates a fleet of over 250+ aircraft for long-haul flights.
  • These include:
    • Airbus A350-1000
    • Boeing 787-9 
  • The hub of this airline is Hamad International Airport (DOH).
  • Qatar Airways’ headquarters are also located at Doha Airport.
  • It is also awarded as the Best Airport in the World (2021, 2022).

3. Emirates

Emirates has held the Skytrax award for Best In-flight Entertainment for 17 years in a row. Also, it is listed among Airlineratings.com’s Top 20 Safest Airlines 2024. Besides, it is worldwide famous for offering the most luxurious in-flight experiences. Some of its unique points are described below.

  • As of now, the longest route of Emirates is from Dubai to Auckland.
  • The largest operator of the Emirates is the Airbus A380.
  • As of now, there are 100+ aircraft.
  • These planes have the facility of an onboard bar and spa.
  • In its Business Class, there are lie-flat seats with direct aisle access.
  • These facilities are on the A380 and B777 planes.
  • In terms of in-flight entertainment, there is an ICE system with 5000+ movies, TV, and music channels.

4. ANA (All Nippon Airways)

ANA has maintained a Skytrax 5-star rating since 2013. Additionally, it was named Airline of the Year three times by Air Transport World (2007, 2013, and 2018). Hence, All Nippon Airways is one of the most consistently awarded airlines for long-haul services.

  • Operates some of the world’s longest routes. I.e., from Tokyo (NRT/HND) to New York (JFK).
  • Launched luxury cabins in 2019
    • THE Suite (First Class)
    • THE Room (Business Class)
  • First Class features:
    • World’s first 43-inch 4K monitor 
    • Private suites with sliding doors
  • Business Class has one of the largest seating spaces globally.
  • It is designed like a wide sofa.
  • Premium Economy and Economy cabins are updated with Japanese patterns.
  • Also, they have adjustable headrests.
  • Offers:
    • Self-service bar areas
    • Modern mood lighting
    • Improved bedding for long-haul comfort

5. Turkish Airlines

Presently, Turkish Airlines is operating the world’s largest network, along with offering comfort and safety. It was named Best Airline in Europe 2022 by Skytrax. Also, Turkish Airlines has won the Best Business Class Catering multiple times. This is because it offers world-class in-flight dining.

A few more points describing its uniqueness are mentioned below:

  • Turkish Airlines flies to 340+ destinations in 129 countries.
  • This number is more than any other airline.
    • Business Class features:
    • Fully flat beds
    • Do&Co gourmet catering
    • Onboard chefs
  • For its Istanbul hub’s catering facilities, it was awarded Best Business Class Lounge Dining.
  • Also, it has consistently ranked among the world’s safest airlines.
  • It has high operational standards.
  • For these, it uses Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350.
  • These planes are ideal for long-haul flights.

Conclusion

From the longest long-haul flights to the largest global network, these airlines highlight what makes long-haul travel more comfortable and reliable. Their awards, modern fleets, and passenger-focused innovations demonstrate why they remain leading choices for international journeys.

FAQs

Which airline is considered the best for long-haul flights?

Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and a few more carriers are considered the best for long-haul flights.

Which airline has the most comfortable economy seats for long-haul flights?

Emirates and Singapore Airlines are often praised for wider seats, more legroom, and better meal service in Economy Class.

What airlines offer the best business class for long-haul travel?

Qatar Airways (Qsuite), Singapore Airlines, and ANA are leading choices for business class. This is because of the spacious seating, privacy, and fine dining.

Which airline operates the longest non-stop flight in the world?

Presently, Singapore Airlines operates the longest non-stop flight in the world from Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK).

Which airlines have the best in-flight entertainment for long-haul flights?

Emirates’ ICE system, Qatar Airways’ Oryx One, and Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld are rated among the top for movies, shows, music, and live TV.

THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Eiland