Once Again, No US Airlines Win in the Global ‘Oscars of Flying’

The top airline awards in the world have been announced for 2025, and for anyone who has followed the awards over the years, the winners won’t be a surprise. What also won’t be surprising, at least for anyone who regularly flies in the US, is that no US-based carriers won any global awards.

Qatar Airways once again took home aviation’s top award on June 17, claiming the title of World’s Best Airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. It was the ninth time Qatar has won the top spot. It won for “achiev[ing] excellent results across many award categories,” and winning both the “Best Business Class” award and the best “Business Class Airport Lounge” award for its signature “Al Mourjan Garden Lounge” in Doha.

Singapore Airlines secured the runner-up position and also won the title of “World’s Best First Class,” as well as the “World’s Best Cabin Crew.” Organizers pointed to Singapore Airlines’ bespoke (and extremely luxurious) first-class suites, which earned top ranking in first-class comfort and inflight seat quality.

In third place was Cathay Pacific, which also won the award for “World’s Best Inflight Entertainment.” In addition to a long list of seat-back entertainment options, the airline also has technology like touch-free lavatories and mood lighting throughout the cabins.

While no US-based airlines won any awards on a global level, there were some North American- and US-specific awards. Delta Air Lines took home the awards for “Best Economy Class,” “Best Onboard Catering,” “Best Business Class,” and “Best Premium Economy Class” in North America, among others. United, American, and Southwest didn’t receive any awards, though Air Canada did win “Best Airline in North America.” Star Alliance, of which United is a founding member, won the “Best Airline Alliance” award.

The World Airline Awards doesn’t have judges, but instead, relies on survey information from thousands of global flyers. Skytrax covers all costs, airlines can’t pay to participate or submit themselves. The survey is done in more than 100 countries, with 325 airlines included in the global rankings.