Japan Airlines has been named the airline with the best economy seats in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, beating Emirates and Qatar Airways for the top spot. The award recognises carriers that offer more comfort in economy class, including extra legroom, wider seats, and better entertainment.
What makes the winning seats special
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.
Japan Airlines 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.
Other airlines in the top 10
Cathay Pacific Airways came second for seats and first overall for economy class. The airline 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."
Full ranking of best economy seats
The top 10 airlines for economy seats are: Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, ANA All Nippon Airways, Emirates, STARLUX Airlines, China Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines.
