Forbes Travel Guide has unveiled their Verified Air Travel Award winners for 2025.
Voted for by an invitation-only survey of 9,000 expert travellers, the awards celebrate the best of aviation in the US and around the globe.
Emirates won multiple awards, including Best International Airline. The airline was highly commended for its commitment to creating a premium customer experience, from luxurious lounges to a market-leading premium economy offering. The Dubai-based carrier also stood out to Forbes for its accessibility credentials: Emirates is the world’s first autism-certified airline.
Best International First Class and Best International Airline Lounge also went to Emirates in recognition of its unparalleled service for the highest-paying customers.
Delta Air Lines won five awards, more than any other carrier. The airline won Best US Airline thanks to its inflight offering, including free WiFi and an exciting range of food and drink. Delta also added Best US First Class, Best US Business Class, and Best US Airport Lounge to its trophy cabinet.
From an airport perspective, Singapore Changi adds Forbes’s Best International Airport award to its many accolades. As well as its outstanding range of amenities and conscientious design, Singapore’s culinary offering is so varied and high-quality that Forbes honoured it in the Best Airport Dining category.
Honouring innovation
Beyond the best airports and airlines, the Verified Air Travel Awards recognise excellence in other areas. In 2025, Innovation of the Year went to Air New Zealand for their Skycouch, designed to make long-haul flights comfortable even in economy class.
American Airlines AAdvantage was selected as the Best Loyalty Programme. Forbes highlighted American’s 1,200 partner stores that make it easy to earn points, which can be cashed in across 900 destinations through sister airlines in the oneworld alliance.
Delta also won Best Airline App. The Forbes team commended Fly Delta for its personalised notifications, real-time luggage tracking, and upgrade redemptions for its most frequent fliers.
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