Collection
The top-rated airlines of the year
In 2025, Traveller’s writers flew with all types of airlines around the world, whether it was long-hauls to the US or Europe or short hops to South-East Asia and the Pacific. Here are the flights we rated the best, with a particular shout-out to Emirates, who managed to achieve near-perfect scores across first, premium and economy class reviews this year (business class also received a high score late last year).
- ★★★★★
This superjumbo’s premium economy gets a perfect score
It’s clearly more comfortable than economy, and even has a hint of business class in its food offering and stylish cabin.
- Tim Richards
- ★★★★★
This business class seat is a perfect ‘hotel in the sky’
This is one snug designer cubbyhole even if the unusual backwards-facing aspect of the seat takes a little getting used to.
- Anthony Dennis
- ★★★★★
This airline’s ‘next level’ premium economy is more like business-lite
While all eyes are on Cathay Pacific’s business-class Aria Suites, my money is on premium economy for the design details and value.
- Flip Byrnes
- ★★★★★
This is the best way to fly between Australia and the US
With its private check-in, stunning new lounge and business suites with closing doors, this US airline outdoes the competition.
- Craig Tansley
- ★★★★½
On this 16-hour Qantas flight, is the upgrade worth it?
The Qantas 787-9 Dreamliner has been flying between Perth and Paris for a year now. But at the start I am sceptical.
- Michael Bachelard
- ★★★★½
This first-class seat is $7500 for a single leg, but I paid under $600
Emirates’ first class offers private suites, French champagne, caviar and even a shower. And you can book it with Qantas points, if you have enough.
- Jenny Hewett
- ★★★★½
Economy class doesn’t get much better than on this refurbished A380
If you have to fly long-haul and can’t afford the pointy end, this airline will at least leave you feeling human upon arrival.
- Carrie Hutchinson
- ★★★★½
Qantas beware: Virgin now offers a best-in-world business class
Virgin Australia’s new partnership means that Qantas now has serious local competition for long-haul flights to Europe.
- Trudi Jenkins
- ★★★★½
A ridiculously easy international flight, even in economy
Fiji Airways partners with local hotels for a “resort check-in” program, so I only have to arrive at the airport an hour before my flight.
- Shaney Hudson
- ★★★★½
Could this be the new world’s best business class? A resounding yes
Standing ovation, gold medal – this cloud-like flat bed with quilted topper and fluffy 400-thread-count duvet is a sky cocoon.
- Flip Byrnes
- ★★★★½
This economy class feels unusually spacious
I’m a poor sleeper in the air but on this overnight flight I manage hours, not mere minutes, of sleep.
- Andrew Bain
- ★★★★½
Qantas’ new route to Pacific paradise a winner (but Jetstar pulls out)
Despite the four-hour time lag, with a restful sleep on this overnight flight you can hit the beach running.
- Kate Armstrong
- ★★★★½
With minor tweaks, this business class could be one of the world’s best
The food and entertainment options could be better but this Chinese carrier, which is about to expand its Australian presence, is not far off the world’s best.
- Christine Retschlag
More collections
New global bucket list 2026, continent by continent
Our expert writers go continent by continent, showcasing what’s new, exciting and essential for your next journey.
- 7 stories
My happy place
Traveller’s writers reflect on the holiday destinations in Australia and around the world that they cherish the most.
- 13 stories