Our Take on the Rankings
Many of the airlines appearing near the top of the Skytrax rankings are also long-standing favourites among Flat Beds travellers. Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates consistently offer some of the strongest premium products in the market, combining extensive networks with highly regarded Business Class cabins, lounges and onboard service. Similarly, Turkish Airlines, one of our personal favourites ranked 5th on this years list. The airline offers a fantastic Business Class product that gives travellers the best of both worlds, premium travel at a compelling price point. With an extensive global network and the recent addition of Sydney and Melbourne as Australian departure points, the airline provides greater connectivity for Australian travellers. Those making their way to Europe can connect through Istanbul and access an impressive network of more than 350 destinations across over 130 countries.
Population size and geographic region can also play a significant role in shaping airline rankings. Airlines based in highly populated countries or major aviation hubs may naturally attract a much larger volume of passenger feedback than those operating in smaller markets. With this in mind, we believe the results are best viewed with some perspective, rather than as a definitive measure of which airline deserves the title of the world’s best. A high global ranking does not automatically mean an airline will offer the best option for every itinerary. Likewise, a lower position on the list does not necessarily indicate an inferior Business Class experience.
Some of the airlines we regularly recommend and (sell particularly well) sit much further down the overall rankings. Etihad Airways ranked 22nd, Finnair 33rd and United Airlines 45th, despite each offering products, routings or fare options that can represent excellent value depending on the journey. Oman Air, additionally, ranked low on this years list, is another example that surprised us. Its Business Class product remains highly regarded for its spacious seating and premium onboard experience. With incredibly competitive pricing and as a recent addition to the oneworld Alliance, Oman Air is a great option for value-conscious Australian frequent flyers looking to earn Status Credits and Points while travelling to Europe, demonstrating why an overall airline ranking should not be the only factor considered when booking premium travel.
Another notable movement in the 2026 rankings was the changing position of Qantas and British Airways. In 2025, British Airways ranked 13th while Qantas sat just behind at 14th. This year, Qantas climbed to 12th place, while British Airways dropped considerably to 23rd. For Qantas, the rise comes during continued investment in the passenger experience, including improvements to First Class dining, amenities and service, lounge upgrades and greater onboard connectivity.
