- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 27
- 6 min read
The World’s Best Airlines 2025, I Can’t Believe Who Won!
By Mr Plane Guy Plane Travel News & Reviews with Altitude
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The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025 have revealed the world’s best airlines, and I’ll be honest a few of the results nearly made me spit out my Pret latte at Heathrow T5.
More than 900,000 readers voted for their favourite airlines this year, split into short-haul and long-haul categories. Some results were predictable, others genuinely eyebrow-raising.
It’s been a record year for UK travellers too, 95 million trips abroad last year, according to The Times’ Cathy Adams, so these awards really do reflect where we’re actually flying.
🏆 Short-Haul Airline of the Year: British Airways
Winner: British Airways
Runner-up: easyJet
Third place: Jet2
It’s been a turbulent year for BA, what with its loyalty scheme rebrand (“The Club”, still not sure about that name), but clearly passengers are feeling more forgiving.
With a £7 billion upgrade programme underway, BA’s fleet of shiny new A320neos and refreshed Club Europe cabins are making short-haul travel actually feel premium again. And according to The Times, 86 percent of BA flights left Heathrow on time in early 2025 not bad for an airline that once couldn’t get a tea trolley out without a delay.
If you’re flying BA soon, check my Heathrow Lounge Reviews and Gatwick Lounge Guide to see which lounges are actually worth the entry fee.
BA’s Premium Economy baggage allowance remains one of the most generous see how it compares in my Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Review.
easyJet Takes Silver!
Yes, really. easyJet snagged second place and I’m here for it.
The orange airline that built its empire on no-frills fares now offers some unexpected frills: Cape Verde flights, luxury escapes, and even Michelin-starred hotels through easyJet Holidays 2025. Not bad for an airline once mocked for charging extra for air.
If you fly often, don’t miss my full easyJet Plus membership review it explains how the card works, the real easyJet Plus benefits, and whether it’s worth the £215 annual fee for priority boarding, fast-track security and an extra cabin bag.
And before you pack, double-check their latest rules in my EasyJet Cabin Bag Size Guide, because easyJet baggage rules seem to change faster than a boarding gate at Gatwick.
🎶 Jet2’s Still the People’s Favourite (and That Jingle Won’t Die)
Jet2 took third place, proving that sunshine and simplicity still win hearts. With its annoyingly catchy “Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday” jingle and stellar customer service record, it’s easy to see why.
If you’re flying Jet2 from Luton Airport, Manchester or Stansted , check out my Airport Lounge Reviews, to see what to expect from the same lounge group across the UK.
that nicely leads me on to this little beauty of a deal!
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I do feel a little responsible for the Jet2 "nothing beats a Jet2 holiday"
trend, here is a tik tok I made back in 2022! Sorry about that! Don't forget to follow!
Long-Haul Airline of the Year: Emirates (Really?)
Winner: Emirates
Runner-up: British Airways
Third place: Singapore Airlines
Okay, I get it Emirates always wins these things. Readers love the glamour, the A380s, the caviar-for-breakfast crowd.
But honestly? I’m shocked that Qatar Airways and Etihad didn’t even make the top three. Both airlines absolutely deserve a spot.
When I flew Qatar Airways Qsuite Business Class, I called it one of the best flying experiences in the world. It’s genuinely five-star in the sky, private doors, dine-on-demand, and impeccable cabin crew and service.
And Etihad Economy on the A350 really impressed me too, spacious, calm, and sleek, with cabin lighting that actually makes you feel human when you land. It’s proof that you don’t need a flatbed to feel comfortable.
As for Emirates, well having flown Emirates Premium Economy on the A350 myself, I’m not convinced. The seats were solid, yes, but the cabin felt like it had been decorated by my aunt’s Dubai villa designer (too much beige and bling), and the crew, bless them, seemed terrified to deviate an inch from the manual.
It’s polished, efficient, and soulless. Like flying in a showroom.
Still, Emirates has 300+ aircraft on order and keeps expanding, new routes to Shenzhen, Damascus, and Siem Reap this year alone, so clearly someone’s happy. Just maybe not me.
Singapore Airlines Keeps Its Cool
Now this one I can get behind. Singapore Airlines took third place for long-haul, and rightly so.
They fly 40 times a week between the UK and Singapore, including a daily Gatwick service, and their hub Changi Airport, remains the benchmark for world airports (hotel, pool, and waterfall included).
No robotic smiles, no beige carpets, just good, old-fashioned service that makes you feel like a person, not a passenger number.
Plane Tip: How to Fly Smarter in 2025
Whatever airline you pick, a few hacks will make your next trip smoother:
Lounge access saves your sanity, Priority Pass – 30% Off Membership
Compare airport parking deals before you fly
And keep stacking those Avios or Virgin Points via Plane Tips such as the Tesco Clubcard Auto-Exchange because free flights taste better than Pret salads.
Final Boarding Call
So there you have it, The Times readers have spoken, Emirates takes gold again, BA redeems itself, and easyJet gets fancy.
Do I agree with all of it? Absolutely not. But that’s half the fun of these awards they remind us that flying isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some love the glitz, others just want a smooth landing and a hot coffee.
Who gets your vote for best airline of 2025? Drop it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @MrPlaneGuy and let’s argue about it like proper AvGeeks.
Plane Travel News & Reviews with Altitude, MrPlaneGuy.com
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a former airline insider who’s swapped the jump seat for the window seat. I share honest reviews, travel hacks, and a few behind-the-scenes stories.
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