These airlines are the best in the world for economy class travellers

Overseas trips are incredibly exciting but, for Aussie travellers, long-haul flights are a necessary evil we must endure. Choosing the right airline can make a huge difference to how you feel when you arrive at your destination, but how are we to know which is the best?

Today, AirlineRatings.com has released its list of the airlines that truly put their customer’s need first, grouping them in classes.

When it comes to long-haul economy seats, ten airlines stood out above the rest. To make the top ten, they had to offer a seat pitch between 79cm and 86cm, with a 15cm recline, multiple complimentary meals and beverages including a full bar service, in-flight entertainment via seat screens on the back of seats, blankets and pillows. Extra points were awarded for amenity kits and wi-fi as well as on board snack bars.

The top 10 long haul economy class cabins are in alphabetical order:

• Air New Zealand
• Cathay Pacific
• Etihad
• EVA Air
• Japan Airlines
• Korean Air
• Qantas
• Qatar
• Singapore Airlines
• Thai Airways

The editors of Airline Ratings, which describes itself as the world’s best one-stop airline safety and product rating review website, shared their picks from the top ten:

Air New Zealand
“This is one airline that hasn’t forgotten where most of its passengers fly. Who else serves their passengers fruit salad and scones with jam and cream for an afternoon tea snack? They are also the innovators of the popular and unique Skycouch – a section of the cabin in economy where seat groupings of three transform in to a couch giving passengers traveling together more options to lie flat or recline. Read our onboard review here.”

Etihad
“Offering three main course choices and hot desserts, the airline takes economy to the next level. With wi-fi rolled out across almost the entire fleet, the interactive E-box inflight entrainment system, a generous seat pitch of 32- 34 inch and in-flight nannies on select flights to keep children entertained, the airline does all it can to make the flight enjoyable.”

Singapore
“Since the days of economy class travel, Singapore Airlines has always set the benchmark high. From generous sized meals, comprehensive inflight entertainment, self-serve snack bars, generously padded seats with optional lumbar support, footrests and large warm blankets, this airline continues to be one of our favourites. Read our onboard review here.”

Thai
“With a beautiful cabin, generous meals, efficient service, great in flight entertainment and competitive prices this is one airline you can always rely on for a relaxing and comfortable flight. Read our onboard review here.”

Do you have a trip coming up? Which is your favourite economy class airline? Share your experiences here.