The 10 Best Airlines for Long-Haul Flights
3 minute readPublished: Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Asian Airlines Dominate Ranking of Best Long-Haul Carriers
A new study by the British company MoneySuperMarket has revealed the top airlines for long-haul flights, with Asian carriers leading the pack. The ranking, based on passenger satisfaction and performance data, analyzed information from various independent sources, including consumer publications and customer review platforms. The study assessed factors such as timeliness, cancellation rates, value for money, seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, staff service, food and beverages, and the overall economy experience.
Singapore Airlines secured the top position, achieving high scores across multiple key areas, including value for money, reliability, in-flight experience, customer ratings, and food and beverages. The airline stood out for its value proposition, being the only carrier to receive a high score in this category.
Following Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific took second and third place, respectively. The top 10 list also includes TUI, Emirates, Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, and Air France.
At the other end of the spectrum, American Airlines received the lowest overall score among popular airlines. The study highlighted weaknesses in seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, food and beverages, and TripAdvisor ratings. Despite performing reasonably well in terms of timeliness, American Airlines' overall score was negatively impacted by weaker experience-based metrics.
The study's findings emphasize that long-haul satisfaction is driven by consistency, not just punctuality. Airlines that balance reliable operations with strong onboard experiences tend to outperform those that prioritize schedules alone.
BNN's Perspective: This ranking highlights the importance of a holistic approach to air travel. While punctuality is crucial, passengers clearly value the overall experience. Airlines should focus on providing a comfortable and enjoyable journey, from the quality of food and entertainment to the attentiveness of the staff, to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Keywords: long-haul flights, airlines, passenger satisfaction, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, travel, rankings, customer reviews, in-flight experience, value for money, timeliness, seat comfort, food and beverages.