Forbes Travel Guide reveals the World’s best airlines and airports for 2025, highlighting the best performers in terms of service, luxury, and passenger experience.
For the second time in a row, Singapore’s Changi Airport was honored as the Best International Airport by Forbes Travel Guide, (established in 1958 as the Mobil Travel Guide and is one of the oldest travel rating services in the U.S.).
This award is a testament to the airport’s constant dedication to revolutionizing travel by providing amenities that go beyond the basic and setting the bar for excellence in airports.
Highlights from the Verified Air Travel Awards
The Verified Air Travel Awards, which are now in their second year, honor the whole range of air travel, from luxurious cabins to awe-inspiring airport lounges.
These 18 distinguished awards recognize those who excel at every touchpoint on the traveler’s journey, from curbside check-in to in-flight service.
Notable winners include Emirates as the best International Airline and Delta Air Lines as the Best U.S. Airline. In New York, LaGuardia Airport was named Best U.S. Airport, while Air New Zealand earned Innovation of the Year thanks to its unique Skycouch seats.
How Winners Were Selected
A committee of the executive at Forbes Travel Guide shortlisted nominees across various categories. The winners were chosen through an exclusive survey of more than 9000 hospitality professionals, luxury travel experts as well as Forbes its own undercover inspectors.
The process guarantees that the awards reflect professional insights and genuine quality, which is confirmed by Forbes its long-running Star Ratings system. Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-winning travel journalist, demonstrates the acclaim of these awards:
“The Verified Air Travel Awards provide a trusted benchmark—an annual check validated by Forbes Travel Guide to separate substance from spin.”
Greenberg further says:
“The real difference here is that these Verified Air Travel Awards aren’t driven by a transient popularity contest but are based on the expertise of the most discerning voices in travel and hospitality.”
Singapore Changi Crowned Best International Airport
Singapore Changi Airport earned the famous distinction of being the best international airport in the world. It is the 13th time that Changi Airport has won during the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards, an achievement that is unmatched.
Changi provides unique facilities like a butterfly garden rooftop pool, a butterfly garden, and hedge maze. It creates a an inviting environment that goes beyond typical airport amenities.
One of the most distinctive characteristics The Rain Vortex, is celebrated as the world’s largest indoor waterfall that cascades from 40 metres high. Changi also took home the prize best airport dining on Forbes their most recent list, highlighting its broad popularity with travelers.
U.S. Travel and Airline Highlights
Within the United States, Delta Air Lines has been named the best U.S. airline, while JSX was named the best small airline. Forbes also ranked LaGuardia Airport in New York as the top Airport in the U.S., emphasizing local airports that provide an excellent passenger experience.
Emirates did not stop with the recognition of airlines. The First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER won the top international first class. In addition, the Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai was awarded the prize for the best lounge in an international airline that demonstrates the brand’s constant dedication to premium travel.
Key Airline and Airport Winners
Best International Airline: Emirates continues to invent and recently unveiled the lounge-like check-in areas for first-class travelers and Skywards Platinum members. This is the only airline that is autism-certified with extensive training for its staff to help people with autism.
Best U.S. Airlines: Delta Air Lines claimed five awards in 2025. They are renowned for their in-flight dining experience that is elevated by offering popular dishes like Shake Shack and Champagne Taittinger, exceptional customer service, and complimentary Wi-Fi available to all passengers.
Best Small Airline: The JSX offers a private-flying feeling with its 30-seat cabins, without middle seats, easy check-in procedures, with private terminals.
Best International Airport: Singapore Changi dazzles with things to do like 7 stories of Rain Vortex, a 24-hour cinema, a butterfly or bamboo-filled gardens as well as the rooftop pool and jacuzzi with views of runways.
Best U.S. Airport: LaGuardia Airport’s $8 billion upgrade has earned it the top U.S. airport honors for large gates, modern design, and outstanding culinary selections that include H&H Bagels and Junior’s.
Premium Cabin and Lounge Excellence
Best First Class International: Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER suites have floor-to-ceiling doors and seats that are zero-gravity. Bulgari scents and gourmet meals on demand. There’s also shuttle service and access to the lounge.
Best U.S. First Class: The A321neo from Delta features memory foam recliners, with space for personalization and privacy screens, as well as ambiance lighting, and plenty of storage.
Best Business Class International: Qatar Airways’ Qsuites provide flexible configurations as well as extravagant amenities like Diptyque as well as pajamas by The White Company.
Best U.S. Business Class: Delta One cabins feature lying-flat beds, Missoni bedding, and skincare products from Grown Alchemist. They also have access to the only Delta One Lounge.
Best independent Lounge: Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alleno located at Hamad International Airport offers a French menu that features Qatari style, a chic design and a tranquil setting.
Best international Airline Lounge: Emirates Lounge located in Dubai impresses with its elegant lounge, the lounge’s cigar bar, massage treatments, and boarder privileges.
Best U.S. Airline Lounge: Its Delta One Lounge, located at JFK, is 39,000 square feet and features three-course meals, showers with steaming valet massage chairs, and spa services.
Other Standout Awards
Best Airport Dining: Singapore Changi’s over 200 dining options draw tourists and residents, offering local favorites such as Chili crab from Jumbo Seafood as well as new additions to 2025 like Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles.
Best In-Flight Culinary Collaboration: Air France teamed with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud to create authentic French meals for its top cabins.
Innovative of the Year: The Economy Skycouch of Air New Zealand transforms three seats into couch beds, dramatically increasing comfort on long-haul flights.
Most Loyal Programs: American Airlines AAdvantage provides an easy path to elite status through a wide range of partner stores as well as global network benefits via Oneworld Alliance.
Best Private Airport Experience: PS LAX offers an unbeatable private terminal experience for passengers in Los Angeles with its own TSA and customs suites, luxurious vehicle escorts, and domestic departure services, PS Direct.
Best Airline App: The Fly Delta app is updated with real-time baggage tracking, personal notifications, and the latest upgrade certificate options.
Upcoming Recognition Event
The winners will be honored during The Summit, Forbes Travel Guide’s annual event for luxury travel in Monaco from February 24 through 27, 2026.
The complete list of winners is available on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
