Forbes Travel Guide has revealed its 18 winners for 2025, honoring excellence at every stage of the journey—from luxury cabins in the sky to gourmet dining and lounges on the ground.
Best International Airline – Emirates: Continually refines every detail of the passenger experience and is the first autism-certified airline.
Best U.S. Airline – Delta Air Lines: Wins five awards for premium service, complimentary Wi-Fi for all passengers and branded onboard food and drinks.
Best Small Airline – JSX: Semi-private public charter airline with just 30 seats per aircraft and 20-minute check-in from private terminals.
Best International Airport – Singapore Changi: Features wellness-enhancing spaces including gardens, a rooftop pool, 24-hour cinema and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Best U.S. Airport – LaGuardia Airport: Major $8 billion renovation elevates comfort with spacious gates, modern architecture and strong dining.
Best International First Class – Emirates First Class (Boeing 777-300ER): Fully enclosed suites with floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity seats, Bulgari amenities and caviar service.
Best U.S. First Class – Delta Air Lines A321neo First Class: 20 recliner seats with memory foam cushions, winged headrests and extra storage.
Best International Business Class – Qatar Airways Qsuite: Private suites with doors, lie-flat seats, group seating configurations and Diptyque amenities.
Best U.S. Business Class – Delta One: Flat-bed seats with Missoni bedding, Grown Alchemist amenity kits and access to the Delta One Lounge.
Best Independent Airport Lounge – Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno (Doha): French dining, calming atmosphere, luxury design and all-day service.
Best International Airline Lounge – Emirates First Class Lounge (Dubai): Fine dining, Moët & Chandon bar, cigar lounge, shower spa and complimentary massages.
Best U.S. Airline Lounge – Delta One Lounge (JFK): 39,000 sq ft space with three-course dining, shower suites, spa treatments and relaxation pods.
Best Airport Dining – Singapore Changi Airport: 200+ dining options including iconic Singapore brands and new 2025 openings like Tsuta Ramen and Gwangjang Gaon.
Best In-Flight Culinary Collaboration – Air France × Daniel Boulud: New seasonal French menus in La Première and Business cabins.
Innovation of the Year – Air New Zealand Economy Skycouch: Three economy seats convert into a lie-flat couch with bedding for couples or families.
Best Loyalty Program – American Airlines AAdvantage: Accessible elite status via Loyalty Points earned through travel, shopping, dining and cards.
Best Private Airport Experience – PS (Los Angeles): Private airport terminal with TSA and customs, suites, and direct luxury car transfer to aircraft.
Best Airline App – Fly Delta App: Live flight updates, luggage tracking and easier upgrade certificate use for elite members.
