A long-haul flight can mean twelve hours in the air, a night spent crossing time zones, and the slow arc of sunrise through the cabin windows. It’s travel at its most demanding, where comfort, food, and service matter just as much as the destination itself.
Like us, you probably like to choose your airlines carefully, weighing entertainment, seating, and small touches that help the hours pass more gently. After all, the right airline can turn that stretch of time into something close to restful.
The best carriers earn their reputation not only through awards, but through the steady praise of passengers who arrive well-fed, refreshed, and ready to step into a new world. Together, let’s take a closer look at seven airlines that have proven to be among the best choices for long-haul flights.
Turkish Airlines | Europe
Crowned the Best Airline in Europe by Skytrax in 2025, Turkish Airlines is the flagship carrier that stretches its wings across all six populated continents. Its hub in Istanbul makes it a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, and people often praise its global reach and steady reliability.
Whether you’re connecting to Africa, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia, Turkish Airlines remains one of the most versatile choices.
On board, the airline is known for its hearty meals that lean into Turkish flavors, paired with hospitality that feels grounded and warm. If you’re flying in business class, you can look forward to lie-flat seats and carefully curated amenity kits. But, even in economy, people often mention the generous entertainment options and comfortable service that carry them through even the longest routes.
Air France | Europe
Air France has long been synonymous with style, and it continues to stand tall as one of Europe’s premier long-haul choices. Recognized in awards for its first-class comfort and lounge dining, Air France knows how to make the journey feel like part of a Parisian experience.
From the moment you step on board, touches of French elegance, from the menus to the wine list, create a sense of occasion.
The La Première service has spacious suites, private transfers, and refined meals that are served with the same attention to detail as a fine restaurant. But, Air France doesn’t forget its economy passengers, either. People often praise the attentive service and thoughtful details. Whether you’re traveling across the Atlantic or farther afield, this airline will add a note of sophistication to the long haul.
Delta Air Lines | North America
While North America doesn’t have a single dominant long-haul winner, Delta has earned recognition for having the best airline staff service in the region at the Skytrax Awards. To no surprise, people often say kindness and attentiveness make a real difference on long flights.
Delta’s wide network also makes it one of the easiest carriers for U.S. travelers to connect globally.
The Delta One cabins are offered on many long-haul routes, and they include spacious suites with direct aisle access and thoughtful touches like curated wine lists and plush bedding. If you’re flying economy, you can expect updated in-flight entertainment and reliable connectivity.
It may not top every list, but Delta has quietly built a reputation as one of the more pleasant experiences for long hauls out of North America.
Korean Air | East Asia
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Based in Seoul, Korean Air is a good choice for transpacific travel, particularly if you’re traveling between North America and Asia. The airline balances efficiency with a distinctly Korean hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re flying in business class, you’ll enjoy wide seats and nice meal options inspired by Korean cuisine. In economy, you’ll notice the clean, comfortable cabins and attentive service. Korean Air has become a favorite for people who value both modern amenities and a sense of warmth, making even long-haul flights feel less daunting.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) | Japan
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From Tokyo to the world, ANA has consistently ranked near the top of global airline awards. Known for its meticulous service and spotless reliability, ANA makes long-haul flying feel measured and calm. If you’re heading to Japan, this is a nice first taste of the country’s famous hospitality.
In premium cabins, ANA’s suites have enough room for you to stretch out and fully rest. People often note that the service feels quietly attentive rather than intrusive. Even in economy, people often mention the thoughtful approach to meals and entertainment, alongside the airline’s strong on-time performance. For a long-haul flight to Japan, you couldn’t do better than ANA.
Singapore Airlines | Asia-Pacific
Ranked second in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Singapore Airlines is continuing its decades-long tradition of excellence. Based in the city-state that connects the East and the West, it has long-haul routes that link nearly every corner of the globe. What sets Singapore Airlines apart, though, is its reputation for cabin service. It’s often described as graceful, polished, and genuinely warm.
On long flights, every detail will help you settle in further: unique dining menus, sleek in-flight entertainment systems, and quiet cabins that allow you to rest.
Its business and first-class products have set global standards, but even economy passengers feel respected. If you’re heading across a couple of continents, Singapore Airlines will make that journey a lot more seamless.
Qatar Airways | Middle East
Named the World’s Best Airline in 2025 by Skytrax, Qatar Airways is a long-haul titan. Its Doha hub connects Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most convenient choices if you have to hop across multiple regions. The airline’s reputation for excellence lies not only in its fleet, but also in its consistent service across every cabin.
The Qsuite business class is an industry benchmark for privacy and comfort, while premium passengers enjoy lounge access and refined dining. Economy travelers often praise the legroom and attentive crew, as well. It’s pretty undeniable that Qatar Airways is the definition of long-haul luxury, transforming hours in the air into something surprisingly pleasant.
Crossing Oceans in Comfort
Long-haul flights may test our patience, but the right airline can turn things into a quiet journey of ease. Whether you choose Turkish Airlines for its reach, Singapore for its polish, or Qatar for its luxury, these carriers might make the opening lines of your next travel diary entry quite optimistic.
Come on over and continue the journey in our library of travel tips. From choosing the best airlines and airports, to learning how to pack lightly for a smooth transition, we’ll help you get where you’re going with a minimum of stress. Wherever your journey takes you next, may the skies be kind and the landings soft.
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