Not all economy classes are created equal on long-haul flights from Australia. Here’s which airlines offer the most comfortable economy experience, from legroom to service.
What is the airline with the best economy seats?
There’s no single answer, as the “best” economy class depends on what matters most to you — whether that’s legroom, seat comfort or inflight extras. To help you choose with confidence, Skyscanner Australia has compared the most popular airlines flying from Australia to see which offer the best economy class seats.
Which airlines offer the best economy class from Australia?
When you’re flying long haul from Australia, economy class comfort matters. With flights regularly clocking 10–15 hours, details like seat pitch, inflight entertainment, meals and service can make a noticeable difference. While all economy cabins aim to get you from A to B affordably, some airlines consistently deliver a more comfortable experience than others.
These are the airlines offering some of the best economy classes on routes to and from Australia.
Qantas
In 2025, SkyTrax World Airline Award awarded Qantas Airways as having the best economy class of the Australia and South Pacific airlines. Qantas delivers a solid and reliable economy product, particularly on its long-haul routes from Australia to the US, Asia and Europe. Expect comfortable seating, Australian-inspired meals (it took the onboard catering award as well), and a strong inflight entertainment library. While seat pitch varies by aircraft, Qantas’ consistency and familiarity make it a trusted option for many Australians.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific took the top spot for SkyTrax World Airline Awards in 2025 for best economy class. offers one of the strongest economy-class experiences for Australian travellers, combining comfortable seating with thoughtful design and polished service. Its long-haul economy cabins feature supportive seats with good legroom, large high-definition entertainment screens and an extensive inflight library, while meal quality and presentation consistently rank above average. Add to that Hong Kong’s efficiency as a transit hub and Cathay’s calm, professional cabin service, and it’s an easy pick for a smooth and comfortable economy flight to Asia, Europe or North America.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is often considered the gold standard for economy class. Seats are well-padded with generous pitch, inflight entertainment is extensive, and meal quality is consistently high. Service is another standout, with attentive cabin crew and thoughtful extras that make long flights feel easier. It’s a popular choice for Australians heading to Europe or Asia via Singapore.
Emirates
Emirates’ economy class is known for comfort and entertainment. Seats are supportive, the ICE entertainment system is one of the best in the sky, and meal portions are generous, making it one of the top economy class airlines. Australian travellers on ultra-long routes to Europe benefit from frequent meal services, complimentary drinks, and a smooth onboard experience on the airline’s modern A380 and Boeing 777 fleets.
Etihad Airways
Etihad’s economy class strikes a good balance between comfort and value. Seats are well designed, inflight entertainment is modern, and meals are thoughtfully presented. On routes from Australia via Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s cabin service and quieter aircraft cabins help make long journeys feel less tiring.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand stands out for its relaxed, friendly service and innovative economy features. Seat comfort is competitive, entertainment is strong, and the airline’s Kiwi-style hospitality adds personality to the journey. It’s a particularly popular option for Australians flying across the Pacific or via Auckland to North America.
United Airlines
United’s economy class has improved significantly in recent years, especially on long-haul international routes from Australia. Newer aircraft feature updated seats, larger entertainment screens and better onboard connectivity. While service can be more functional than luxurious, United offers good route coverage and improving comfort for transpacific travellers.
Major airlines and their economy class seating arrangements
If you're wondering the best airlines for economy seats, these are the average seat pitch and widths for airlines flying from Australia.
Airline | Seat Pitch (Typical) | Seat Width (Approx) |
Qantas | ~31–32″ | ~17–18″ |
Emirates | ~32–34″ | ~17.5–18.5″ |
Singapore Airlines | ~32″ | ~17.3–18.5″ |
Etihad Airways | ~31–32″ | ~17–18″ |
Air New Zealand | ~31–32″ | ~17–18″ |
United Airlines | ~31–33″ | ~17–18″ |
Japan Airlines | ~33-34" | ~18-19" |
Which airline has the most comfortable seats in economy?
While several airlines excel, Japan Airlines often tops the list for seat comfort, with its economy cabins recognised for excellent seat pitch and ergonomic design — even ranking #1 in best economy seats in global awards listings for 2025. However, among carriers often flown by Australians, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are frequently highlighted for a solid balance of legroom and cushioning.
Which airline has the best entertainment in economy?
According to the 2025 World Airline Awards, Cathay Pacific Airways leads the world in inflight entertainment, making it a standout choice for long-haul flights from Australia where movies, TV and audio options help pass the time. Emirates and Qatar Airways also rate highly in this category, offering expansive libraries and quality screens. These airlines have premium economy features without actually being premium economy.
Which airlines give the most cabin luggage in economy?
Most major full-service airlines flying from Australia, such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Cathay Pacific, allow one standard cabin bag plus a personal item in economy, usually around 7 kg total. Some carriers outside this group don’t specify a strict carry-on weight limit at all and may be only limited by size, effectively making their policy more generous for some travellers. Keep in mind that allowance details can vary by aircraft and fare type, so always check your specific ticket. Read more about how to pack your carry on for your next economy flight.
