Korean Air Soars to the Top: 2025’s Best Airlines Announced
Move over, Qatar Airways - there’s a new champion in the skies! Korean Air has officially been named Airline of the Year for 2025, stealing the title from last year’s winner on AirlineRatings.com’s prestigious list of the top full-service airlines.
So, what gave Korean Air the edge? Simple: comfort, space, and a commitment to treating passengers like actual humans rather than packing them in like sardines.
More Legroom, Less Cramming
Ever felt like an origami swan in an economy seat? Korean Air refused to follow the industry trend of squeezing in extra seats and cutting legroom. While many airlines have crammed a 10th seat into their Boeing 777s and shrunk legroom to a tight 31 inches, Korean Air stuck to its spacious original setup. Because, let’s face it—nobody enjoys a long-haul flight when their knees are in their ears.
The Biggest Airline Merger in Asian History
Another reason Korean Air soared to the top? Its game-changing merger with Asiana Airlines, forming one of the most powerful airline alliances in Asia. This historic move has reinforced Korean Air’s global dominance, giving travellers even more routes, better connectivity, and an overall top-tier experience.
Experience Award-Winning Comfort!
Want to experience their award-winning comfort for yourself? South Korea is rapidly becoming one of the hottest destinations on the planet and Korean Air offers direct flights from Heathrow to the South Korean capital Seoul or the vibrant coastal city of Busan.
Budget Airlines That Punch Above Their Weight
Looking for something a little cheaper? No problem! Budget airlines have come a long way, and some of them offer surprisingly great experiences for the price. This year, AirAsia once again claimed the title of the best low-cost airline, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to get from A to B. Jetstar and AirBaltic rounded out the top three, with EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air also making the cut.
Hybrid Airlines: The Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide between budget and full-service? Hybrid airlines are changing the game in 2025, offering budget-friendly fares with some premium perks like free snacks, extra legroom, and checked baggage options.
JetBlue took the top spot in this new category, with WestJet and Virgin Australia not far behind. These airlines are perfect for travellers who want a balance between affordability and comfort without feeling like they’re missing out.
The Top 25 Full-Service Airlines for 2025
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- AeroMexico
- Air Caraibes
- Thai Airways
- Starlux Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- Air France
- KLM (trialing a hybrid model on some routes)
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
Top 20 Low-Cost Airlines for 2025
- AirAsia
- Jetstar
- AirBaltic
- HK Express
- EasyJet
- FlyDubai
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Breeze Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- SKY Airline
- FlyNas
- TUI
- Norwegian
- IndiGo
- Air Arabia
- Volaris
- Jet2
- Wizz Air
- Vueling
Top 20 Hybrid Airlines for 2025
- JetBlue
- WestJet
- Virgin Australia
- Delta Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Canada
- LOT Polish Airlines (transitioning to full-service)
- TAP Air Portugal
- Alaska Airlines
- SWISS
- Avianca
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Austrian Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- ITA Airways
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Scenic South Korea
With its complex history, soaring skyscrapers and centuries-old temples, this tour has something for everyone. From bustling cities to stunning countryside and UNESCO world heritage-listed national forests. It is a tour full of contrasts.
Plan your South Korean Adventure!
