This Airline Ranked No. 1 for Economy Class Comfort, Dining, and Entertainment

Cathay Pacific Airways has been named the world’s best airline for economy class by the Skytrax World Airline Awards, earning top recognition for its comfort, food, and entertainment. The Hong Kong-based carrier also placed third overall among all global airlines and secured the top spot for best inflight entertainment.

The airline’s economy seats, particularly on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, feature advanced comfort and technology, including adjustable headrests, a personal device shelf for hands-free viewing, and a personal entertainment screen that allows headphone pairing and real-time lavatory occupancy updates.

Dining in economy class is another standout feature. Cathay Pacific collaborates with Michelin-starred chefs to create inflight menus inspired by Hong Kong’s culinary heritage, offering dishes such as the city’s signature egg tarts.

Following Cathay Pacific in the top five for best economy class were Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, ANA All Nippon Airways, and Japan Airlines. Delta Air Lines ranked highest among U.S. carriers, taking the 13th spot.

Qatar Airways, which came in second for economy class, was once again recognized as the world’s best airline overall—its ninth time receiving the honor.

The focus on upgrading the economy experience reflects a growing trend across the industry. Many airlines are investing in new seating designs, better meal options, and enhanced connectivity to appeal to modern travelers. Air New Zealand has introduced redesigned Dreamliners with its Skycouch feature, Japan Airlines offers branded instant noodles, and JetBlue continues to provide free Wi-Fi for all passengers.

Meanwhile, premium economy offerings are expanding rapidly. Emirates recently extended its premium economy service to more U.S. routes, featuring wider seats, larger screens, and a curated wine selection, signaling a broader effort by global airlines to elevate comfort across all cabin classes.