If you are looking to cover great distances within a short time frame by spending a nominal amount, then an economy-class flight is your answer. Many of us do not associate economy class flight with a luxury flight experience, as many airlines make use of every centimetre, leading to less legroom and less comfortable seating. On the other hand, certain airlines offer a comfortable journey experience on both short- and long-haul flights.
In this blog, we have handpicked some of the best economy-class flights that offer in-flight meals, comfortable seating, and other amenities, helping redefine the standards of economy class. Scroll down below and check out the details of the best economy-class flights you can choose to travel in future.
Insights on Best Economy Class Flights
| Rank | Airline | IATA Code | Hub Airport | Free Meals | Seat Pitch |
| 1 | Cathay Pacific Airways | CX | Hong Kong | Yes | 32 inches |
| 2 | Qatar Airways | QR | Qatar | Yes | 31-33 inches |
| 3 | Singapore Airlines | SQ | Singapore | Yes | 32 inches |
| 4 | All Nippon Airways | NH | Okinawa | No | 34 inches |
| 5 | Japan Airlines | JL | Tokyo | No | 31-33 inches |
| 6 | EVA Air | BR | Taipei | Yes | 31-32 inches |
| 7 | Emirates | EK | Dubai | Yes | 32-34 inches |
| 8 | STARLUX Airlines | JX | Taoyuan | Yes | 31 inches |
| 9 | Hainan Airlines | HU | Haikou | No | 31-32 inches |
| 10 | Turkish Airlines | TK | Istanbul | Yes | 29-32 inches |
Top 10 Economy Class Flights
Here are the top ten economy class flights that have been listed in the global ratings, based on their high-end services to passengers travelling in economy class.
Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways was founded by two airmen, Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow, on September 24th, 1946. Initially based in Shanghai, the airline’s main hub is located at Hong Kong International Airport. It is a 5-star-ranked airline that is renowned globally.
The company currently has 176 flights, including Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, Boeing 777 and many more. The airlines cover around 80 global destinations from Africa, the Middle East, North America, Europe, the Pacific and Asia.
This airline has also been voted as the World’s Best Economy Class Airlines by Skytrax. Long-haul travellers find economy-class flights compelling for their ample legroom, USB ports, comfortable seats, and, most importantly, their stellar in-flight catering and their own brand of beer.
Qatar Airways
The airline operates its service to over 170 destinations around the world, covering five continents. The fleet size of this airline is about 255 aircraft, comprising Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, A350, A380 and many more.
It is said to be one of the best economy class airlines because of its comfortable and slim seating with adjustable headrests and smooth recline settings, ideal for both short-haul and long-haul flights. Passengers get an on-demand in-flight entertainment system, quality meals and snacks, as well as amenity kits.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is a renowned airline company in Singapore, incorporated on 28 January 1972, following the separation of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) into Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airlines System. The main hub for Singapore Airlines is Changi Airport.
The airline has around 163 aircraft, including Boeing 777, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-8, and many more. Their huge fleet operates over 120 destinations across different parts of the globe.
It has set a benchmark of a minimum 32-inch seat pitch and is recognised for quality, innovation, and exceptional service, bringing it to the list of offering the best economy seats for long-haul flights. The airline also offers complimentary Singapore sling cocktails and hot meals on most of its flights.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a 5-star airline based in Tokyo, known for offering the best economy flight seats in Japan. The airline was earlier a helicopter company, and on 3rd March 1986, it started its first international flight. ANA has its hubs located at Narita, Haneda and Kansai Osaka airports.
It is renowned for its high-end service and large fleet of over 240 aircraft, which covers destinations in over 139 countries. At present, the airline owns flights like Airbus A380, Boeing 787-10, Boeing 787-9 and many more.
You get comfortable seating with plush cushions and sufficient legroom, making it suitable even for a long-haul flight. Cleanliness and functional cabins also helped maintain its positive impression, and it is praised for its complimentary hot meals and snack services.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines is another popular Japanese airline that offers the best economy class for both long-haul and short-haul flights. The company was founded on August 1, 1951, and started its flight operation on domestic routes. In the later years, it entered the international flight list. The airline has its hub airports located at Narita and Haneda.
The airlines own a large fleet comprising 279 aircraft and connecting 220 destinations across the globe. Some of the aeroplanes owned by the company are Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER, A321CEO, Boeing 787-8 and many more.
You get comfortable legroom along with a number of paid amenities and services that elevate your economy flight experience. The “Sky Wider” seats offer sufficient legroom with more width, along with adjustable headrests. Moreover, the warm hospitality of the crew also elevates the economy flight experience.
EVA Air
Eva Air is the very own Taiwanese airline, which was founded back on 1st July 1991. It is the sister company of Evergreen Marine Corporation. The airline’s main hub is located in Taipei at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Presently operates in 64 destinations across four continents, with a fleet of 88 aircraft. Despite such a small fleet, the airline has prioritised its customer satisfaction, which has placed it among the best economy-class international flights.
In the year 2016, the airline was recognised as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and can be seen striving to deliver high-end customer service. The cushion material of the seat and ergonomic design help the passengers with comfortable seating and natural reclining, along with sufficient space.
Emirates Airlines
Emirates Airlines is one of the most popular airlines of the Middle East, carrying a symbol of innovation and excellence. On October 25 1985, Emirates operated its first flight to Karachi and Mumbai. The airline operates its flights from Dubai International Airport, which is its hub airport.
Currently, the airline’s fleet size is 269 aircraft, with the largest number of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft globally. The airline travels around 158 destinations, covering 85 countries worldwide.
STARLUX Airlines is a Taiwanese airline that started its flight service on 23rd January 2020 and is now renowned as the best economy airline for long-haul flights. The airline’s hub airport is located at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
STARLUX Airlines
STARLUX Airlines is a Taiwanese airline that started its flight service on 23rd January 2020 and is now renowned as the best economy airline for long-haul flights. The airline offers its customers RECARO seating, 6-inch headrest height adjustment, 6-way bendable headrest, in-flight meals, beverages, cup holders, tablet holders, and more. At present, the airline has a fleet of 28 aircraft, comprising A321neo, A330neo and A350-900, which covers 29 international destinations and 32 domestic destinations around 11 countries globally. The airline’s hub airport is located at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
At present, the airline has a fleet of 28 aircraft, comprising A321neo, A330neo and A350-900, which covers 29 international destinations and 32 domestic destinations around 11 countries globally.
Being one of the best economy class airlines, it offers its customers RECARO seating, 6-inch headrest height adjustment, 6-way bendable headrests, in-flight meals, beverages, cup holders, tablet holders, and more. Passengers also get personal entertainment screens with sufficient legroom and seat-back storage.
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines is a Chinese airline company that was established in 1989. It is considered to be one of the best airlines for economy class flights due to its comfortable legroom between seats, comfortable and friendly services. The airline has a fleet of 224 aircraft comprising Airbus A321neo, A330, A320neo and many more. The airline provides flight services to 77 domestic and 43 international destinations in 30 different countries on four different continents. The airline’s hub airport is located at Haikou Hainan Meilan International Airport.
The airline has a fleet of 224 aircraft comprising Airbus A321neo, A330, A320neo and many more. The airline provides flight services to over 170 regional and international routes across 46 overseas cities on five continents.
It is considered one of the best airlines for economy class flights due to its comfortable legroom between seats and friendly, attentive service. You also get a choice of various Western and Chinese food and other amenities to make your journey relaxed and memorable.
Turkish Airlines
The airline has a total fleet of 383 aircraft, comprising Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A330-300 and many more, covering 271 international and 52 domestic airlines in over 131 countries.
It is also one of the best economy airlines for long-haul flights, for it offers its customers headphones and travel sets that include socks, earplugs, sleeping masks and many more. You also get free meals and complimentary beverages during your flight.
Best Economy Flights from the UK
Some of the best economy flights from the UK that you can travel to in economy class to gain a great flight experience are Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and many more. The economy class flights offer you standard amenities and services at a price significantly lower than that of a business class. The above-stated airlines provide high-end services to their customers travelling to and from the UK with the best economy flights.
Conclusion
Travellers are well aware of the variable standards in airlines’ business and economy classes. The amenities and services offered in the economy classes attract more tourists to the airlines. Travellers seeking economy class flights must check out the flights mentioned above to travel to domestic and international destinations. The option for free meals, complimentary beverages, legroom spacing and comfortable seats is seen to attract the customers most.
Check out our flight deals to travel to your favourite destination on your favourite airline. Select your favourite destination to travel with your favourite airline.
FAQs
Which is the best airline to fly in economy class?
Cathay Pacific Airways is considered to be the best airline to fly in economy class.
Which is the trustworthy economy class airline to fly from the UK?
Some of the trustworthy economy class airlines to fly from the UK are Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and many more.
Which airline offers the best flight seats in economy class?
Cathay Pacific Airways offers you the best flight seats in economy class.
Which is the best seat on an economy plane?
The best seats are the aisle seats in the middle of the plane, which offer more space, and the window seats, which offer views.
