Economy class usually means your knees are pressed against the seat in front of you as your neighbour silently fights for the armrest. But some airlines have been recognised for making their economy cabins more comfortable, with slightly more legroom, wider seats and better entertainment.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’, name customer favourites across different categories, including cabin crew, cleanliness and family-friendly airlines, based on votes from global travellers. In the most recent awards in 2025, when more than 100 nationalities took part, airlines from Asia and the Middle East dominated the economy rankings. When it came to the best seats, Emirates and Qatar Airways were among the top 10, but Japan Airlines stole the top spot.
Japan Airlines
The airline said it is “proud to provide every customer with the most comfortable economy class experience available”. The JAL Sky Wider seats feature increased pitch and a slimmed seatback, which the airline said gives travellers “significantly more legroom than other economy classes” and “seat angles designed to reduce fatigue”.
The space between the armrests ranges from 45cm to 48cm, providing greater room for guests to spread out than the industry average. There is also a water bottle holder and AC power outlets for all seats on Boeing 787-9/787-8 aircraft.
It also came fifth best economy airline overall, with catering options designed by six finalists from RED U-35 – Japan’s largest culinary competition for young chefs – and 13-inch 4K personal screens deliver dynamic video clips.
Cathay Pacific
Next up is Cathay Pacific Airways. The airlines said “thoughtful details” enhance the experience onboard, like on the Airbus A321neo, where they have removed seats to increase the legroom. This change is gradually being rolled out.
The airline was also named best overall economy class by Skytrax twice in a row in 2024 and 2025, with varied meal options and an award-winning in-flight entertainment system.
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said at the time: “As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being present, quality consistency is clearly well recognised by customers when they vote for these airlines.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
