Each year, the aviation industry group Skytrax holds a vote and publishes the results for its World Airline Awards. One category is Best Economy Class Airline Seats. In 2025, the ranking from fifth to first was Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Japan Airlines. It’s not surprising that the Asia-Pacific airlines dominate these lists. They continue to prioritize passenger comfort and customer service, whereas airlines in other regions are engaged in a race to the bottom to cut costs for their economy class passengers.

Read on for an analysis of what each carrier offers to its passengers in economy class. You can expect fantastic service and a comparatively easy on-the-ground experience. However, this article will primarily focus on the comfort and dimensions of the seats available.

5

Qatar Airways

Strong economy class product built on a great seat with 31 inches of pitch

Alongside its fifth-place placing for economy class in the Skytrax awards, Qatar Airways also took home the world’s best business class, the world’s best business class lounge, and the best airline in the Middle East awards. Passengers can enjoy a 31-inch (78.74 cm) seat pitch and an 18-inch (45.72 cm) width aboard most of the aircraft.

Despite its strong economy class product, like so many great airlines, Qatar is guilty of leaning on the practices of its low-cost rivals. Instead of a single economy-class fare, Qatar economy passengers have to decide which of four differently priced bundles best suits their needs. These are Economy Promo, Economy Classic, Economy Convenience, and Economy Comfort. Qatar also has strict rules about the baggage allowance passengers are afforded, which also varies depending on the bundle they choose, along with the route they are flying. The table below breaks down these rules for Economy Classic passengers, which are relatively generous considering the current economy market:

There is some variation in the space available to passengers, depending on the aircraft they are flying on. The carrier has an additional inch of pitch, but 0.7 inches less pitch for economy class passengers on its Boeing 777s. Meanwhile, some Qatar Boeing 787-8 economy class seats have the standard 31-inch pitch but a much lower 16.9 -inch width.

4

Singapore Airlines

Spacious economy class seats with 32-inch seat pitches are essential, given the long missions Singapore aircraft take on

The standard economy class seat for Singapore Airlines’ jets has 32 inches (81.28 cm) of seat pitch and over 18 inches (45.72 cm) of width. The central exceptions are its Boeing 787-10s, with 31 inches of pitch, and its 737 MAX 8, with 30 inches of pitch, although the latter will not be involved in long-haul flying. That makes the reduced space less of a concern. The seat width is also fairly consistent, and again, the 787 and 737 subfleets let the carrier down with 17.1 inches and 17-inch widths, respectively.

Meanwhile, passengers who want a more spacious economy class seat should look to Singapore’s Airbus A380 routes. The economy class cabin on board has an impressive 18.5-inch seat width, with 343 such seats available. Destinations from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) include London Heathrow (LHR), Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The perks go beyond a large seat, as passengers can make use of substantial stowage space, tablet holders, and great connectivity.

Singapore ensures comfort for its economy class passengers with a six-way headrest and generous recline. You can also access a digital menu from eight days before departure, previewing the meal options that you’ll have on board.

Related

Singapore Airlines’ 9 Unmissable Airbus A380 Routes: Where To Fly In 2026

The airline now plans the most superjumbo routes since 2024.

3

Korean Air

Spacious 33-inch seat pitches for now, but could change with the Asiana merger

Flying on a Korean Air widebody aircraft, economy class passengers can enjoy 33 inches (83.82 cm) of pitch and 18 inches of seat width on most aircraft. Less legroom is available on Dreamliners with 32 inches (81.28 cm) of pitch, along with the carrier’s regional A330s and narrowbody aircraft. The Dreamliner is also the only widebody aircraft in the carrier’s fleet to offer a different width to the standard 18 inches (45.72 cm).

Korean Air passengers have fewer opportunities to book such spacious seats, as the airline is currently merging with Asiana Airlines. It is suspected that Korean will start offering reduced pitch as standard, since Asiana’s economy class standard pitch is 32 inches.

The table below shows the current state of Korean Air’s widebody fleet, on which you can fly long-haul in its excellent economy class. It utilizes data from planespotters.net:

Yet Korean’s product isn’t only strong because of its comfortable, spacious seats. Passengers can enjoy entertainment on unusually large IFE screens and keep their own devices charged with the plentiful power ports. The screens will get even larger and the seats more modern once the carrier completes its refurbishment of its Boeing 777s. Korean is also renowned for its excellent standard of customer service and top-quality catering. Passengers can enjoy traditional Korean dishes, with examples including bibimbap, ssambap, acorn jelly and rice, and stir-fried octopus over rice.

2

Cathay Pacific Airways

A slightly smaller seat with 32 inches of pitch, saved by its high-quality and superb entertainment, service, and food available

Cathay Pacific‘s economy class has refreshed slimline seats. When using the seats, passengers can enjoy adjustable headrests, ergonomic support, and fantastic cushioning. These seats are also spacious with 32 inches (81.28 cm) of seat pitch and 18.5 inches (47 cm) of width, above many competitors but also below many examples on this list.

Away from the comfortable seats, Cathay Pacific offers catering developed in partnership with notable Michelin-starred restaurants. The emphasis is on traditional Cantonese cuisine with fresh ingredients. The food is far healthier than what you usually get when flying in economy class. A great example is the egg tart. All meals can be paired with a selection of wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks. For entertainment, passengers can use 4K HDR IFE screens packed with Disney+ favorites and the best of Asian cinema. WiFi is also available to economy passengers across the fleet, should you not find anything to your taste. The final element of Cathay Pacific’s brilliant economy class is the professionalism and attentiveness of its cabin crew.

The best aircraft to enjoy Cathay Pacific’s economy class could be its Airbus A350-1000. The carrier uses a 3-3-3 configuration for its economy class aboard this jet. Passengers have 256 seats to choose from. A great feature is the enhanced storage, which includes a dedicated shelf. That means you can keep your tablet or mobile phone at eye level, perfect if you are trying to watch a movie you can’t find on the IFE system.

1

Japan Airlines

Skytrax award winner redefines the economy class experience with 34 inches of legroom

Far in front of the economy class pack is Japan Airlines. Its seats for international widebody aircraft have an industry-leading 34 inches (86.36 centimeters) of legroom. The seatback IFE screens are also impressive aboard all its Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787s, although not on its older Boeing 767s. The seat width also sets Japan Airlines apart. On its Boeing 777-300ERs, using a nine-abreast configuration, passengers can relax in the comfort of 18.5-inch (46.99-centimeter) seats. The Boeing 787-8 subfleet uses eight-abreast seating in economy. These seats are also 18.5 inches wide, making them the world’s widest Boeing 787 Dreamliner economy class seats.

Japan Airlines is keen to shout about the quality of its economy class and its victory in the Skytrax awards. “As we’ve carefully reviewed the finest details of our cabin to provide guests with the best possible flight, everything from the entertainment system to the cuisine has been thoughtfully prepared for your trip. Flying economy class doesn’t have to be a pain. Travel with Japan Airlines to discover just how hassle-free your journey can be,” it writes.

As with many of these Asia Pacific carriers, the food available on board is particularly impressive. The menu has been curated by the finalists of Red U-35, Japan’s largest cooking competition for young chefs. The dishes available combine Japan’s unique food culture with the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Specific routes and hubs give economy class passengers access to alternative special menus. Travelers flying from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) to Honolulu and Kona can enjoy a menu designed by Namae Shinobu, head chef of L’Effervescence. Chef Namae is known for his French restaurant, which earned three Michelin stars in the 2022 Michelin Guide. This is your opportunity to enjoy premium dining at economy prices.

Related

5 Of The World’s Widest Premium Economy Seats You Can Book Today

This list details the five top-ranking carriers according to their premium economy seats: Delta, Singapore, Virgin Atlantic, Japan and Emirates