I flew on the airline named the best in the world this year and it puts all other economy to shame

THE world’s best airlines for 2025 have been revealed – and I was lucky enough to fly on the one that took the top spot.

AirlineRatings.com named Korean Airlines as the best in their 2025 World’s Best Airlines Awards.

5

5

5

Citing the airline’s “commitment to excellence, innovation and, above all, passenger comfort,” they also praised the airline’s economy flight.

They said: “This year, the spotlight on economy class space propelled Korean Air from second place last year to the top spot.

“Korean Air’s economy class stands out for its generous seat pitch and width, providing a superior experience for travelers.”

“While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches (down from the previous 32–33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend.

“They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience.”

I flew with the airline last year on a trip to South Korea with Intrepid.

While I also tried out their business class – which I was extremely impressed with when it came to how much space there was – the economy hardly felt like much of a step back.

The seat pitch is the most spacious in the world at 34 inches along with Japan Airlines.

This is compared to the 31-32 inches on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Not only that, but passengers are given slippers, something rarely offered to economy passengers.

They are made to be kept, so you can use them when going back and forth to the bathroom during the flight.

Also provided are a pillow and blanket as well as toothbrush pouches, a bottle of water and headphones (although these need to get handed back at the end).

The airline was also named as having some of the worlds best plane food – something I wholeheartedly agree with.

The popular meal served onboard is bibimbap which is the same in both business class and economy (just in less fancy bowls in economy).

The fresh dish was just as good as one you’d have at a restaurant on the ground, with tasty beef and crunch vegetables of mushrooms, beansprouts and radish on top of rice.

Sadly the airline has stopped serving its instant ramen in economy due to fears of worsening turbulence, but it was another amazing perk once offered.

5

Instead they are now offering snacks such as sandwiches and corn dogs.

Make sure to ask for gochujang too – the spicy sauces comes in a small toothpaste tube-like packet which you can take on your next flight.

Other travellers have raved about the airline too, with one person on Reddit saying: “The flight I had with them was the best flight I have ever experienced. I would book with them again in a heartbeat.”

Another agreed: “I am 6″4 and my 11+ flights with Korean Air from Europe to Incheon were the best ever. Very good leg room for economy, better than any other long distance flight I had.”

It’s not just their economy that was praised as the business and first were lauded for their “exceptional meals, efficient service and comfort”.

Last year, the airline launched a new premium economy cabin as well as their new Prestige Class suites in business.

But the best business class went to Qatar Airways – and we tried out their Qsuite for ourselves.

The best value premium economy went to Vietnam Airlines and the best first class went to Singapore Airlines.

We recently tried out the new Cathay Pacific business class suite – here is what we thought.

5