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Over the many years of the commercial aviation industry, airlines have introduced countless innovations that are aimed at making long-haul flights more comfortable for travelers. As aircraft have gotten more fuel-efficient and cabins have become more sophisticated, airlines have upgraded the seating options across all classes. More efficient aircraft have allowed airlines to upgrade cheaper seats while still maintaining their margins across overall routes and operations. Because of this, all classes of aircraft, ranging from economy class to first class, have seen significant upgrades to allow for improved passenger comfort. For many passengers, economy class travel has long been recognized as a way to travel with compromise. The tickets are significantly cheaper than upgraded seats, but also include less legroom, tighter seats, and minimal amenities. However, in recent years, many airlines have begun to challenge this notion. Instead, several airlines have introduced improved long-haul economy experiences, which accompany a smarter design of seats and better service, alongside an overall commitment to passenger comfort. Let's take a closer look at some of the airlines that are revolutionizing economy class. Singapore Airlines Passengers enjoy SIA's entertainment options in economy class. Flying economy class on a long-haul flight is no longer considered to be incredibly uncomfortable. One of the airlines that has helped to change this perception is Singapore Airlines. Specifically, on the airline's newer aircraft, these economy seats and experiences are further advanced. Some of the airline's widebody aircraft feature these upgraded economy classes. According to ch-aviation, the airline operates an extensive widebody fleet, including the following aircraft: Newer widebody aircraft in the Singapore Airlines fleet feature upgraded economy class seats with additional amenities. For example, newer Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787-10s feature economy class seats with 32 inches of pitch. Additionally, these aircraft, which seat nine passengers abreast, include seats just under 19 inches wide. Some of these aircraft also include seats with six-way adjustable headrests to improve the passenger's comfort. Additionally, Singapore Airlines includes a technologically advanced seat-back entertainment system called KrisWorld. Many long-haul flights include a touchscreen monitor alongside a USB or power socket. This seat-back screen includes a large selection of movies, television shows, music, and games, which helps to entertain passengers on long-haul flights. Singapore Airlines also places an emphasis on service, even in the economy class. Passengers can take advantage of a menu that offers complimentary meals and beverages with dietary accommodations available. Furthermore, the boarding process and cabin maintenance also contribute to the positive economy class experience, as the crew and cleanliness of the cabin help reinforce the airline's reputation as one of the better economy class offerings in long-haul travel. Qatar Airways This airline's seats are slim but also have an above-average pitch. Qatar Airways is another global airline that has revolutionized economy class travel over recent years. The airline has outfitted the majority of its widebody fleet with seats that have a pitch of 31–32 inches and a width of around 18.5 inches. These seats may be slimmer than other airlines, but also have more padding than other options. Newer cabins, which can be found on many of the airline's widebody fleet, also feature mood-lighting and other subtle design touches to improve the economy experience. This includes cabins on the airline's Airbus A380s, Airbus A350s, and select Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s. Additionally, on many aircraft, Qatar Airways offers unique in-flight entertainment options. This includes a seat-back entertainment screen with an array of movie and television show options. These entertainment options are found in the airline's OryxOne in-flight entertainment option. Most seats include USB or power charging ports. However, these upgraded cabins are not found on all the airline's widebody aircraft. Like other airlines, Qatar Airways also places an emphasis on the passenger experience. Meals on long-haul flights are also well regarded, and often include multiple courses and beverage service, depending on the route. Additional amenities include blankets, pillows, and sometimes even a basic kit for overnight flights. Japan Airlines This airline offers SkyWider economy seats for improved comfort. Japan Airlines is another airline that stands out as a carrier that does the economy class exceptionally well. In 2023, Japan Airlines was awarded the title of World's Best Economy Class and World's Best Economy Class Seat at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards. This year, Skytrax awarded Japan Airlines the award for the World's Best Economy Class Seat. This popular economy class is led by the airline's SkyWider economy seat. These seats offer a width of 18.5 to 19 inches and a pitch of 33 inches, both of which are larger than many other airlines' options. The SkyWider seat also includes additional padding for passenger comfort alongside adjustable headrests. The seats also feature a well-designed armrest layout with a tray that helps to optimize the passenger's space. Japan Airlines economy class seats also feature personal entertainment screens and USB or power outlets at each seat, although this is typically found in upgraded cabins on newer aircraft in the airline's fleet. These entertainment screens are larger than competitors' and feature a broad movie and television show library. Japan Airlines also places an emphasis on the passenger experience, even in the economy class. This includes meals with dishes curated by Japanese chefs. Much of the in-flight menu has been developed in partnerships with culinary competitions and restaurants to improve the meal offerings. The airline also provides amenity items such as slippers and eye masks for economy class passengers. All Nippon Airways (ANA) This airline has a well-regarded economy class with improved legroom. Economy class travelers also find that All Nippon Airways has one of the premier offerings in the industry. The airline has upgraded many of its widebody aircraft's interior cabins, especially on its long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These upgraded cabins include seats that have a pitch of 33 to 34 inches and a width of 17 to 18 inches. Although the cabin layout remains in the standard 3-3-3 configuration, many economy class seats may have improved legroom in comparison to other widebody airliners. Many economy class seats on ANA flights include personal touchscreen entertainment monitors. These provide passengers with entertainment on exceptionally long-haul flights, including Narita International Airport (NRT) to Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Haneda Airport (HND) to Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Haneda Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). These seats also include USB and power ports on each seat, alongside adjustable headrests. ANA also has a well-regarded meal service in the economy class, including complimentary hot meals and a snack and refreshment service. Many customers choose to fly ANA due to its tidy cabin and timely meal service. Furthermore, ANA is even planning a refreshed economy seat for its long-haul fleet. This upgrade, which will be implemented in 2026, will feature a seat pitch of 33 to 34 inches and improved ergonomics. Cathay Pacific Airways This airline won several awards for the best economy class seats in 2025. Perhaps the most well-regarded economy class in the world is offered by Cathay Pacific Airways. This year, at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Cathay Pacific won the award for the World's Best Economy Class Airline. The carrier also came in second for the Best Economy Class Airline Seat and second for the Best Economy Class Airline Catering. The airline's seats are designed with ergonomics in mind, and also feature a 32-inch pitch and a width of around 18 inches. These well-designed seats provide passengers with enough legroom to fit taller passengers and also feature adjustable headrests for improved comfort. Economy class seats on Cathay Pacific flights are fitted with USB charging ports and power outlets. These seats also feature large 11.6-inch touchscreen monitors with entertainment options that include a broad library of movie and television content. Additional features include shelving for tablets and devices, which helps to improve passenger comfort. This overall passenger experience, which includes lighting, storage, and seat ergonomics, is typically found on newer aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 or refurbished Boeing 777-300ERs. These improvements are not noticed on aircraft with older configurations. Cathay Pacific’s economy class experience is strengthened by its service and amenities. Meals in economy on long-haul flights are typically multi-course and offer a selection of cuisine styles. The airline is also known for its relatively generous baggage allowance on international routes, even for economy-class travelers. Overall, Cathay Pacific's economy class offering is one of the more compelling choices for long-haul economy travel. The passenger experience may not rival premium or business-class luxuries, but it remains at the top of the economy-class offerings in terms of global travel. Because of this unique experience, it is no wonder that Cathay Pacific has found itself winning another Best Economy Class award at this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards.
