Best Airlines in the World: Our Top Picks for 2025

​When choosing an airline, factors like comfort, reliability, seamless connections, and fair pricing play a crucial role. The best carriers  stand out with spacious seats, good food, and a crew that handles delays and disruptions well. 

This is why we’re releasing our 2025 ranking of the best airlines in the world. Our goal with this list is to help travelers make informed decisions and enjoy a smooth, worry-free journey. By analyzing the top airlines based on passenger experience, reliability, network coverage, and customer service, we aim to highlight the carriers that consistently deliver exceptional service.

 

How We Rank the Best Airlines in the World?

At SkyRefund, we’ve analyzed top airlines based on the things that matter most to passengers:

• Passenger experience: Seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, and food & beverage quality.
• Punctuality and reliability: On-time performance and flight cancellations.
• Network and connectivity: Coverage of destinations and airline alliances.
• Pricing and value for money: Ticket costs, transparency of extra fees, and loyalty programs.
• Complaint resolution: How well airlines handle passenger issues and compensation claims.
• Environmental efforts: Carbon footprint reduction initiatives.

We've ranked airlines that offer the best overall travel experience based on information and data from the past year. Whether you're taking a short trip or a long-haul flight, looking for budget-friendly options or top-tier service, these carriers consistently outperform their competitors. 

 

Which are the Best Airlines in the World?

With so many carriers to choose from, finding the best one for your needs can be tricky. Some focus on luxury, while others offer budget-friendly options with great reliability. Below, we break down the top airlines and what makes them stand out.

 

1. Qatar Airways

 

Overall Score: 9.4/10

Qatar Airways ranks as SkyRefund's best airline in the world for its reliability, excellent passenger experience, value for money and an impressive 44% success in complaint resolution.

According to Cirium's latest data, Qatar Airways maintains an impressive 87.24% on-time arrival rate and 88.45% on-time departure rate. With a 99.82% completion factor covering 14,833 flights monthly, the airline shows exceptional operational reliability across its network.

With its luxury amenities onboard and highly-rated frequent flyer programs, Qatar Airways has consistently been the top choice for the best airline in the world by renowned rankings like Skytrax.

The airline is committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and continues to invest in sustainable aviation fuel research. Its fleet maintains an average age of just 9.8 years, featuring the latest fuel-efficient aircraft including A350s and B787s.

 

 

 2. Singapore Airlines

 

Overall Score: 9.3/10

Singapore Airlines remains one of the world’s top airlines, consistently delivering outstanding service and a premium passenger experience. From its award-winning first-class suites to its well-regarded economy service, the airline excels in comfort, reliability, and in-flight offerings. 

With a 82.19% on-time arrival rate and a over 30% success rate in complaint resolution, Singapore Airlines ensures smooth and efficient operations. Its hub at Singapore Changi Airport, frequently ranked the world’s best, allows for seamless global connections.

Beyond service, the airline is a leader in sustainability, having introduced sustainable aviation fuel on regular commercial routes and committed to net-zero emissions by 2050.

 

 

3. Emirates

 

Overall Score: 9.3/10

Emirates is known for its luxury service, spacious cabins, and one of the most extensive global networks. Whether it’s the A380 onboard lounge, regionally inspired dining, or award-winning in-flight entertainment, Emirates offers a premium experience across all cabin classes.

With an 80.76% on-time arrival rate and 99.87% completion rate, the airline ensures smooth operations and effective disruption management. Despite not being part of a major alliance, its 28 strategic partnerships create a global network rivaling the biggest airline groups.

Emirates also maintains a strong record in handling passenger complaints, with a centralized customer service team ensuring most claims are resolved efficiently.

The airline is making strides in sustainability, investing $200 million in research and integrating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into its operations to reduce its environmental impact.

 

 

4. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

 

Overall Score: 9.1/10

Japan’s largest airline, ANA, is known for its efficiency, attention to detail, and signature hospitality. With its award-winning business class, spacious economy seating, and high-quality catering, ANA delivers a smooth and comfortable travel experience.

The airline maintains an 80.62% on-time arrival rate and an industry-leading 99.99% flight tracking record, ranking as the second most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024. Its dual hubs in Tokyo (Haneda and Narita) provide excellent domestic and international connectivity, especially for transpacific routes.

ANA is also recognized for its exceptional customer service, with dedicated case managers ensuring passenger complaints are resolved quickly and efficiently.

On the sustainability front, ANA is investing in greener aviation, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and working towards replacing at least 10% of its jet fuel with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030.

 

 

5. Delta Air Lines

 

Overall Score: 9.0/10

Delta is North America’s top airline, known for its reliability, strong on-time performance, and continuous service improvements with a 27% success rate. Whether it’s premium Delta One Suites with privacy doors or thoughtfully designed economy seating, the airline focuses on delivering a smooth travel experience.

With an 80.55% on-time arrival rate and a 99.22% flight completion factor across 127,851 only in February, Delta efficiently manages high traffic volumes, even in challenging weather conditions. Its major hubs across the U.S., including Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles, provide seamless domestic and international connectivity.

Delta also stands out for its customer service, quickly addressing issues through its proactive disruption management system, often resolving problems within days of passengers filling complaints.

On the sustainability front, the airline is investing heavily in greener aviation, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and securing over 400 million gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually by 2030.

 

 

6. Turkish Airlines

 

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Turkish Airlines continues to expand its global reach while maintaining high service standards. With award-winning catering, comfortable seating, and a well-regarded business class, the airline provides a quality travel experience across all cabin classes.

Operating one of the world's largest networks, Turkish Airlines flies to 129 countries, making it a top choice for international travelers. Despite the complexity of its route system, the airline maintains an 84.00% on-time arrival rate and a 98.93% completion factor across 30,818 flights per month.

While Turkish Airlines offers great value, particularly in premium cabins, its customer service response times could improve. Some passengers report delays in resolving complaints, though the airline adheres to EU261 compensation regulations.

On the sustainability front, Turkish Airlines is focused on fuel efficiency and fleet modernization, working toward its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

 

 

7. Saudia

 

Overall Score: 8.6/10

Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, has expanded its global presence while maintaining strong service quality and reliability. With modern aircraft, comfortable seating, and unique cultural touches like prayer areas onboard, Saudia delivers a well-rounded passenger experience.

The airline operates with impressive efficiency, achieving an 86.20% on-time arrival rate and a 99.93% completion factor across 15,262 flights in February. Its dual hubs in Jeddah and Riyadh provide strong connectivity across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with Jeddah’s new Terminal 1 improving transfer times.

While Saudia has made strides in customer service, communication during disruptions could be clearer. However, its complaint resolution process aligns with regulatory standards and has improved in recent years.

On the sustainability front, Saudia is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, having operated the world’s longest net-positive flight and setting a goal for carbon neutrality by 2060.

  

 

Methodology

Our airline rankings are based on a detailed analysis of operational data from the 2024 Cirium Annual Review and their latest report for February 2025. This data is further supplemented with passenger experience metrics gathered from global consumer surveys and industry benchmarking studies.

To ensure accuracy, we developed our evaluation criteria based on the most common factors cited in passenger satisfaction surveys and compensation claim data from cases we've helped people claim their flight compensation. Since operational performance directly impacts reliability and the overall travel experience, these metrics carry significant weight in our final rankings.

 

How Can SkyRefund Help You?

If you've experienced a flight delay, cancellation, or overbooking with any airline, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Our team specializes in helping passengers claim what they're legally entitled to receive, with no financial risk—you pay only if we successfully secure your compensation.

The best airlines in the world maintain high standards for both operations and passenger care, but even they experience occasional disruptions. When that happens, we're here to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for any significant inconvenience.

Need help with a claim? Contact us today to check your eligibility for compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation 261/2004 or similar provisions in other jurisdictions.