Air travel has changed a lot in recent years — and not always for the better. Between shrinking legroom, unpredictable delays, and confusing fees, it’s easy to feel like comfort and quality service have taken a back seat. But at The RetailUndercut Team, we’ve taken to the skies to find which airlines are still putting passengers first.
Whether you’re flying cross-country or hopping continents, these are the airlines that truly stood out in 2025 for their passenger comfort, seat quality, onboard experience, and customer service. After analyzing hundreds of flyers’ experiences (and yes, logging plenty of our own miles), here’s what we found.
Singapore Airlines
Flying with Singapore Airlines feels like what flying used to be — polished, courteous, and genuinely relaxing.
What Stood Out
- Generous seat pitch in economy (up to 32 inches)
- Plush, adjustable headrests and ergonomically contoured seats
- KrisWorld entertainment system with one of the largest selections of movies and shows
- Polite, detail-oriented crew trained in “soft-touch” hospitality
Best For
- Long-haul travelers seeking a luxurious feel, even in economy
- Families and older passengers who appreciate thoughtful touches
- Anyone who values top-tier cabin cleanliness
Pros
- Spacious, thoughtfully designed cabins
- Consistently top-rated inflight meals
- Excellent lounge access for premium passengers
Cons
- Slightly pricier fares (though many say it’s worth the difference)
- Limited availability from U.S. cities without major hubs
Editor’s Take
This one stood out to The RetailUndercut Team for its consistency across all cabins. Even on packed flights, passengers reported a sense of calm and comfort rarely found elsewhere.
Japan Airlines (JAL)
Japan Airlines blends minimalist design with maximum hospitality, giving travelers one of the most peaceful flying experiences available today.
Features We Loved
- Economy seats recline without encroaching on the person behind you
- Spacious 2-4-2 seating on many long-haul flights
- Warm towel service before meals (yes, even in economy!)
- Courteous flight attendants who go above and beyond
Best For
- Travelers seeking quiet, efficient flights
- Business-class flyers who want luxury without flash
- Those connecting through Tokyo or Osaka
Pros
- Excellent legroom and seat padding
- High marks for punctuality and baggage handling
- Japanese meals crafted by regional chefs
Cons
- Wi-Fi can be spotty on some older aircraft
- Limited routes from U.S. cities compared to other major carriers
Real-World Tip
We’ve found that JAL’s premium economy often feels more like business-lite — ideal for travelers who want more space without doubling the fare.
Qatar Airways
This one’s known for its jaw-dropping business class, but even economy gets a taste of luxury on Qatar Airways.
Why It’s Different
- Award-winning Qsuite for business passengers (fully enclosed mini-suites)
- Ergonomically sculpted seats in economy with extra recline
- Lavish meals served even in coach, with full-size trays and generous portions
- Smooth connections through Doha’s Hamad International Airport
Best For
- International travelers crossing time zones
- Couples looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime business-class experience
- Flyers who appreciate aesthetics (the cabins are gorgeous)
Pros
- One of the best inflight entertainment systems in 2025
- Attentive service without feeling robotic
- Amenity kits in all long-haul cabins
Cons
- Can be pricey outside of sale windows
- Some aircraft still transitioning to the newest seat models
Editor’s Choice: Best for Luxury on a Budget
When booked early or during a promo, Qatar’s economy pricing punches way above its weight. Our team snagged seats to Europe with full meals and mood lighting — for less than most domestic round-trips.
Delta Air Lines
Among U.S. carriers, Delta continues to rise above the rest when it comes to balancing service, comfort, and dependability.
What We Noticed
- Premium feel across the board, even on short-haul flights
- High seat quality in Comfort+ and Economy, with decent recline
- Sky Club lounges offering solid amenities pre-flight
- Flight attendants empowered to solve problems on the spot
Best For
- Domestic U.S. travelers who want consistency
- Loyalty program enthusiasts (Delta SkyMiles has real value for frequent flyers)
- Business travelers who value punctuality
Pros
- Fewer cancellations and delays than competitors
- Smart gate communication via mobile app
- Seatback screens on most aircraft
Cons
- Limited legroom in standard economy compared to international airlines
- Upgrade pricing can be steep without elite status
Tip from Our Team
We’ve found that Delta’s Comfort+ is often worth the small fare bump — especially for flights over 3 hours. More legroom, priority boarding, and extra snacks? Yes, please.
Emirates
Emirates has built a brand around wow factor — and it delivers, especially if you’re flying international.
Key Comfort Features
- In-seat mini-bar (business class)
- ICE entertainment system: over 5,000 channels of entertainment
- Mood lighting that reduces jet lag symptoms
- Complimentary cocktails and gourmet meals in all cabins
Best For
- Luxury-seekers flying to the Middle East, Asia, or Africa
- Travelers who want the “Instagrammable” airline experience
- Anyone who wants to turn a long flight into part of the vacation
Pros
- Beautiful cabin interiors and stylish uniforms
- Hot towels, socks, and eye masks — in economy
- Spacious seats with adjustable lumbar support
Cons
- Some flights (especially U.S.-bound) can feel packed
- Limited customer service flexibility post-booking
Editor’s Take
This one stood out for families and honeymooners — the service feels celebratory. If you’re flying a milestone trip, Emirates turns it into something memorable.
Final Thoughts: Which Airline Should You Choose?
At The RetailUndercut Team, we’ve logged thousands of miles chasing points, testing airline cabins, and decoding loyalty programs — and comfort still reigns supreme. These airlines don’t just look good in ads — they actually deliver better seats, better food, and better people.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what stood out for each:
| Airline | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines | Long-haul relaxation | Seat design + meal quality |
| Japan Airlines | Peaceful travel + soft service | Non-intrusive recline system |
| Qatar Airways | Luxury international travel | Business-class Qsuite + generous economy |
| Delta Air Lines | Domestic consistency | App functionality + service reliability |
| Emirates | Flying as part of the experience | ICE system + onboard ambiance |
No matter where you’re headed, choosing the right airline can make or break your trip. Whether you’re chasing elite status or just looking for a smooth ride, the airlines above are worth booking — and worth remembering.
