For the sixth year running, Japan Airlines has secured the prestigious title of offering the world's best economy class seats, according to the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards. The carrier beat out renowned competitors like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, with judges praising the seat's design, recline functionality, and headrest comfort.
The Winning Formula: More Than Just Four Extra Inches
At the heart of passenger comfort in economy is the seat pitch—the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front. While many budget carriers, such as Ryanair, operate with a standard 30-inch (76cm) pitch, Japan Airlines provides a more generous 34 inches (86cm) of space. This four-inch difference, though seemingly modest, translates to significantly improved legroom and comfort on long-haul journeys.
The airline's commitment extends beyond mere measurements. Its economy cabins feature a 2-4-2 seating configuration on wide-body aircraft, deviating from the common nine-across layout. This design grants each passenger an additional 5cm of personal width. Furthermore, the seats are engineered in an almost fixed recline position, a thoughtful feature that prevents the intrusive reclining often experienced on other airlines.
Features That Elevate the Journey
A superior economy experience is defined by amenities as much as space. Japan Airlines has equipped its seats with a host of passenger-centric features. Every seat includes a personal power outlet for device charging and a 10.6-inch touchscreen monitor loaded with entertainment options, from the latest films to audiobooks and games.
Practical storage has also been carefully considered. Alongside the standard seatback pocket, designers have incorporated multiple compartments, including a dedicated water bottle holder—a nod to modern travel habits. On select aircraft within the fleet, passengers can also enjoy 'hammock'-style headrests that provide adjustable neck support.
How to Experience the Award-Winning Seats
Travellers based in the UK can sample this top-rated economy product on Japan Airlines' services from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Tokyo. A search for round-trip flights in the second week of May 2026 shows fares starting from approximately £1,179. As Japan Airlines is a partner of British Airways, customers also have the option to redeem Avios points when booking their tickets.
The SKYTRAX award highlights a growing focus on passenger comfort in the competitive aviation market. While Japan Airlines leads the pack, the list of top ten airlines for economy seats in 2026 also includes Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Emirates, STARLUX Airlines, China Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines.
