When it comes to international economy class, comfort and service are key. Here are the airlines that offer top-notch products for the most reasonable prices.
All Nippon Airways (JAL) regularly makes the list of best international economy airlines, offering up to 34 inches of legroom and exceptional cuisine. You can fly JAL on domestic and long-haul routes using American or Alaska miles.
1. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is a 5-star airline that offers excellent service at the airport and onboard. They fly to many destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe and are a founding member of the Oneworld alliance.
Their fleet is relatively young and includes both Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Long-haul flights are operated on the newer Boeing 777 or Airbus A350.
The carrier has a good in-flight entertainment system that provides a wide range of movies and TV shows. It also has easy to use touch screens that are large and clear.
The airline recently revamped its loyalty program to combine Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles. However, the loyalty rewards changes also resulted in major devaluations of premium economy and business class award tickets. However, Asia Miles still waives fuel surcharges for most Oneworld partners. This is a great benefit to frequent travelers.
2. Lufthansa
Lufthansa has a robust global network that spans across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The airline flies to 310 destinations and carries more than 106 million passengers annually. The carrier has an extensive fleet of narrowbody aircraft and a mix of widebodies, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-8i.
The airline’s first flight took off in 1926, and it grew quickly in the decades that followed. By the end of World War II, it was one of the largest airlines in the world.
Lufthansa offers a variety of economy fare options, including Econo Light, which works similarly to ultra-low-fare ticket types offered by United, Delta, and American Airlines. The airline also has Economy Classic and Business Class Green fares that offer extra benefits, such as flexible rebooking options and 20% status and award miles on European flights.
3. LATAM
The LATAM World Elite Mastercard* is a good option for people who travel frequently and want to earn miles that can be redeemed for award flights. The card offers lounge perks, annual flight upgrades and a free checked bag. However, the limited transfer partners and lack of a welcome bonus make this card less attractive than other airline credit cards.
ANA regularly appears on best economy airlines lists and is known for its spacious, comfortable seats, excellent in-flight entertainment system and attentive service. It also offers a range of comfort amenities, including an adjustable headrest and a pillow. The airline recently partnered with Delta to offer more flight connections between the US and South America, and fliers can earn and redeem points on both sides of the partnership. As a result, it's easy to find cheap fares on ANA.
4. Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has a lot to offer its passengers, including competitive prices and frequent sales. It also has a generous baggage allowance, and its loyalty program, Etihad Guest, lets you earn and redeem miles on many partners.
The airline’s seats are wide and comfortable, especially on long haul flights. They recline six inches and have adjustable headrests. On longer flights, you can upgrade to Economy Space or Economy Neighbor-Free to get extra legroom.
For those traveling light, Etihad offers a Saver Deal fare that includes only a carry-on bag up to 15 pounds. Check out our guide to Etihad Airways luggage rules and restrictions for more information. In addition, the airline offers priority boarding for Gold and Platinum members.
5. ANA
The airline’s new uniforms are designed by renowned New York fashion designer Prabal Gurung, who also created the clothing for Duchess Kate and first lady Michelle Obama. The design reflects the modern and clean brand aesthetic of ANA. ANA also started flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is better suited for long-haul international routes and domestic short-haul flights than older aircraft models.
ANA is part of the Star Alliance, and its miles are very valuable, especially when you redeem them for business or first class flights on partner airlines. NerdWallet estimates that ANA miles are worth 2.8 cents each, compared to the average of 2.5 cents for other travel loyalty points. The airline offers a single co-branded credit card through First National Bank of Omaha, but we don’t recommend it since it doesn’t offer a high sign-up bonus or good earning rates on spending.
6. Turkish Airlines
The official airline of Turkey—a country that spans Europe and Asia in a cultural collision unlike any other—Turkish Airlines has earned high marks from passengers for its service. It offers a good number of benefits in its economy class, including seats that give ample legroom and entertainment systems with personal monitors.
During long-haul overnight flights, economy class passengers get both dinner and breakfast. They also receive an amenity kit containing earplugs, a sleep mask, socks and toothbrushes. Business class features fully lie-flat seats with a massage function.
Turkish Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, which means you can redeem miles for free flights with the airline through its partner program. However, the airline’s website is deeply flawed, and it can be difficult to use the system. You’ll likely find it easier to book a flight with Turkish Airlines through an authorized travel agency.
7. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is a 5-star airline that consistently wins top accolades in the annual Skytrax awards. It offers a wide range of flight routes around the globe and is part of the Oneworld alliance. The airline’s Privilege Club loyalty program gives members Avios they can redeem for flights on Qatar Airways or other Oneworld airlines and a number of partner airlines worldwide.
The airline’s fleet is varied, so it can adapt to changes in the market quickly. Its newest planes are the Airbus A350, which provides more room in economy class and features touch-screen IFE monitors.
For those looking for an upgrade, the airline’s Qsuites business cabin offers luxury and comfort. The airline also flies to major cities in the United States including New York, Boston and Los Angeles. Its cargo division serves 150 key business and leisure destinations through a passenger aircraft and dedicated freighter fleet.
8. Emirates
Emirates has world class facilities and in-flight services. It's also one of the few airlines to offer first-class passengers a spa-like shower experience 30,000 feet in the air, making it the ultimate airline for those seeking luxury on long-haul flights. Its fleet of wide-bodied aircraft (Boeing 777, Dreamliner, and the iconic Airbus A380) also helps to separate Emirates from its competitors.
The airline's cabin crew is known for its hospitality, and the seats are extremely comfortable. In business and first class, passengers enjoy a suite with doors that close, a private TV and bed, a full-size flatbed, and a spa-like shower. Emirates' ICE media center offers a variety of movies, TV shows, and sports. It also offers complimentary alcoholic drinks and meals on most flights. Emirates is a member of the Skywards frequent flyer program and offers award tickets on routes to destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
9. Asiana Airlines
Not one airline list goes by without at least a mention of Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based carrier that has won the best economy class award more times than any other airline on the planet. This year, they also ranked highly for their roomy coach seats and exceptional cabin crew—though Asquith notes that the airline could stand to do better on pricing for long haul flights.
Known for its spacious cabins and excellent in-flight entertainment options, Qatar Airways offers a luxury flight experience that is well worth the high cost of airfare. Passengers can enjoy USB ports and UK power sockets in each seat, as well as a variety of on-demand movies and games. The airline is also renowned for its impeccable hospitality. If you’re planning to fly with Qatar, be sure to check the size and weight restrictions for your baggage before booking.
10. AeroMexico
Aeromexico may have slipped to 10th place, but it’s still one of the best economy airlines in the world. Its newest Boeing 777-300ERs boast a massive 32-inch pitch on all seats, individual footrests, and private power outlets in all rows.
The Mexican flag carrier flies to every major destination in Mexico and beyond, including the United States, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Asia. Plus, it’s a founding member of the SkyTeam Alliance, which means Delta Air Lines Medallion members can earn and redeem miles on AeroMexico flights.
While business and first class get the most attention, it’s economy that matters to the most flyers. The best economy airlines offer a comfortable seat, excellent food, and friendly cabin crews, says Asquith. Click through for his picks.
