The economy class is not the same as a cramped plane, with sore necks and an endless supply of boredom. Rather, some economy class seats have improved to the point that they are actually enjoyable during long-haul international travel.
Currently ranked as the best economy class seat by Skytrax, Japanese Airlines has been ranked as the World’s Best Economy Class Seat in 2025 for the sixth straight year.
Skytrax focused on what really matters to airline passengers while evaluating the best economy class configuration in the world. Skytrax examined the following areas for each economy class seat configuration: (1) seat layout, (2) legroom, (3) neck and head support, and (4) the total flying experience.
It may seem like a small amount of difference on paper, but when you are sitting in an airplane for 10 hours or more, it can feel like a massive difference!
The Layout that Makes Long Flight Easier
Generally, you will find most economy classes with nine seats across in a row. At Japan Airlines, they use a 2-4-2 configuration allowing for additional space for passengers and this configuration gives passengers 5 centimeters of extra space, which is huge when you consider ultra-long-haul flights such as UK to Japan.
If you have ever taken a long-haul flight in economy, Japan Airlines provides a better experience due to this seating configuration; hence the reason for their continued first place finisher.
Other Airlines Doing Economy Right Besides JAL
Other than Japan Airlines providing better economic flying experiences; there are many more airlines listed in the Skytrax 2025 Ranking as the Top 3 International Economy Class Airlines, which includes: Cathay Pacific Airways 2nd and Korean Air 3rd for best economy class seats offered and not to be outdone, Cathay Pacific was also awarded the Best Overall Economy Class Airline in 2025, which was followed by Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Although Japan Airlines may hold the title to the “Best Seat” award, competition is definitely heating up!
Skytrax determined the winners of their flight awards based on passenger feedback from across the globe. Completely independent of outside influences or individuals sitting in executive boardrooms, their only source of input was the flyers themselves who provided them feedback about their experiences while traveling.
Thus, many people refer to the Skytrax Airline Awards as being the “Oscars” of the aviation industry because of the feedback received from passengers.
Award Winners Top 10 Airlines With the Best Economy Class Seats Skytrax 2025
Below is a list of the top ten airlines that are recipients of Skytrax awards for having the best economy class seats on the market, and if you would like to maximum your comfort level when flying economy class, you should put these airlines on your “must” list when looking for your next airline to fly:
- Japan Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- ANA – All Nippon Airways
- Emirates
- STARLUX Airlines
- China Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
Economy class air travel no longer exists in its original form, and this change is for the better. Airlines, such as Japan Airlines, are proving that you need not purchase the most expensive ticket available to experience high levels of comfort. If you place a priority on having sufficient leg-room, a smartly designed cabin, and a more pleasant (i.e., smooth) long-haul flying journey, then you have got to put as much research into choosing your next airline as you do into researching your destination.
