MoneySuperMarket’s Long-Haul Flight Index places Singapore Airlines first, ahead of Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific, based on passenger reviews, onboard experience, value for money and operational reliability.
Singapore Airlines has been ranked the world’s leading airline for long-haul travel in a study by travel insurance and comparison provider MoneySuperMarket. The carrier secured first place in the company’s Long-Haul Flight Index, with Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific taking second and third positions.
Published in late December 2025 and updated in January 2026, the analysis examined airline performance across several measures relevant to travellers undertaking long-distance journeys. These included punctuality, cancellation risk, value for money, seat comfort, inflight entertainment, food and beverages, staff service and customer satisfaction.
The index drew on information from sources including Which?, Trustpilot, TripAdvisor, AirlineQuality and Skytrax. MoneySuperMarket converted different types of ratings and performance data to a common five-point scale, then assessed airlines across 10 equally weighted categories to calculate an overall score out of 50.
Singapore Airlines leads on passenger experience and value
Singapore Airlines took the top position after achieving ratings of at least four out of five across several key measures, including value for money, reliability, inflight experience, customer ratings and food and beverages. According to MoneySuperMarket, it was the only airline in the study to receive a four-out-of-five rating for value for money.
The result highlights the importance of balancing onboard comfort and service with operational performance when evaluating airlines for journeys that can last more than 10 hours.
Alicia Hempsted, a travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, attributed the airline’s leading position to its established reputation for premium service and passenger experience.
Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific complete the top three
Qatar Airways ranked second, followed by Cathay Pacific in third place. The remainder of the top 10 comprised TUI, Emirates, Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines and Air France.
The results show strong performances by carriers based in Asia and the Middle East, alongside airlines serving major international leisure and business markets.
Top 10 airlines for long-haul flights
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- TUI
- Emirates
- Qantas
- Malaysia Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Delta Air Lines
- Air France
American Airlines ranks last in the study
At the other end of the ranking, American Airlines placed last among the 19 carriers included in the published results. Its weaker scores were particularly evident in areas such as seat comfort, inflight entertainment, food and beverages, and TripAdvisor customer ratings.
However, the airline performed comparatively better on timeliness, illustrating that punctual operations alone may not be enough to deliver a strong overall passenger experience.
Although MoneySuperMarket assessed 26 airlines during its research, its published league table lists 19 carriers. The ranking should therefore be read as the results of this particular index rather than a comprehensive assessment of every airline operating long-haul services.
What the findings mean for travellers
For passengers planning long-distance journeys, the study offers one way to compare airlines beyond ticket prices and schedules. Seating comfort, meal quality, entertainment choices, staff service and reliability can all influence the experience, particularly on overnight flights and routes spanning multiple time zones.
Nevertheless, rankings cannot guarantee an identical experience on every journey. Aircraft type, cabin configuration, route, fare class and individual expectations can all affect a passenger’s experience. Travellers should compare the specific services available on their intended flight before booking.
The findings also underline the value of checking an airline’s cancellation and delay performance alongside its onboard offering. For longer itineraries, where disruptions can affect connecting flights and accommodation plans, reviewing the terms of a travel insurance policy may also help passengers understand what protection is available.
