Best Airlines for Long-Haul Flights to Asia

Asia’s vast landscapes, rich cultures, and bustling cities are magnets for travelers worldwide — but getting there often means a long-haul flight. Choosing the right airline can make the difference between arriving exhausted or feeling refreshed and ready to explore. From seat comfort and in-flight service to food quality and entertainment, here are the best airlines for long-haul flights to Asia that consistently deliver an exceptional travel experience.

8/15/20253 min read

1. Singapore Airlines – The Gold Standard of Service

Why It’s Great:
Singapore Airlines has built a reputation for unmatched hospitality. Flight attendants are famously attentive, the cabins are spotless, and the in-flight entertainment is top-notch.

Highlights:

Cabin Comfort: Spacious seats in all classes, with extra legroom in Premium Economy.
Dining: Menus curated by an International Culinary Panel, with a “Book the Cook” service in premium cabins.
Entertainment: KrisWorld system with 1,800+ movies, TV shows, and music.

Best Routes:
From the U.S., Europe, and Australia to major Asian hubs like Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

2. Qatar Airways – Business Class Perfection

Why It’s Great:
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite Business Class is widely considered the best in the world, featuring private sliding-door suites, lie-flat beds, and dine-on-demand service.

Highlights:

Cabin Comfort: Qsuite in Business Class, spacious Economy with good recline.
Dining: Restaurant-style meals with flexible timing.
Entertainment: Oryx One system with 4,000+ entertainment options.

Best Routes:
Long-haul connections to Asia via Doha, with easy access to Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, and Bali.

3. Emirates – Luxury Meets Comfort

Why It’s Great:
Famous for its glamour and the largest in-flight entertainment library in the sky, Emirates offers excellent long-haul comfort, especially on the A380.

Highlights:

Cabin Comfort: Fully flat beds in Business Class, private First Class suites, and comfortable Economy seats.
Dining: Multi-course meals with international flavors and top-shelf wines.
Entertainment: ICE system with 5,000+ channels.

Best Routes:
Flights to Asia via Dubai, including Bangkok, Manila, and Jakarta.

4. Cathay Pacific – Refined Hong Kong Hospitality

Why It’s Great:
Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific blends understated luxury with efficient service, making long-haul travel relaxing and smooth.

Highlights:

Cabin Comfort: Quiet cabins with wide seats and good recline.
Dining: Asian and Western menu options with fresh ingredients.
Entertainment: StudioCX entertainment system.

Best Routes:
Direct connections to Hong Kong with easy transfers to mainland China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

5. ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Japanese Precision in the Sky

Why It’s Great:
ANA offers a calm, polished travel experience with meticulous attention to detail — perfect for those heading to Japan or beyond.

Highlights:

Cabin Comfort: “The Room” Business Class suites on select aircraft rival Qsuite.
Dining: Authentic Japanese meals and premium sake.
Entertainment: A wide range of Asian and international movies.

Best Routes:
Long-haul flights to Tokyo, with onward connections across Asia.

6. Japan Airlines (JAL) – Home-Style Comfort

Why It’s Great:
Japan Airlines focuses on passenger well-being, with comfortable seating and a warm, homely service style.

Highlights:

Cabin Comfort: Sky Suite Business Class and Premium Economy with extra-wide seats.
Dining: Japanese-inspired menus featuring seasonal ingredients.
Entertainment: Magic-VI system with solid entertainment choices.

Best Routes:
Direct flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese hubs with connections to Asia-Pacific.

7. EVA Air – Taiwanese Hospitality with a Touch of Fun

Why It’s Great:
Known for its Hello Kitty-themed flights and excellent safety record, EVA Air offers a pleasant mix of fun and professionalism.

Highlights:

Cabin Comfort: Spacious Royal Laurel Business Class with flat beds.
Dining: Western and Asian dishes with quality presentation.
Entertainment: Variety of Asian films and dramas.

Best Routes:
Flights to Taipei with convenient connections to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Tips for Booking Long-Haul Flights to Asia

Book Early: Premium seats often sell out months in advance.
Check for Sales: Airlines like Qatar, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific regularly offer discounted business fares.
Consider Stopovers: Carriers like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar offer free or discounted stopover packages to explore their hub cities.

Final Verdict

For ultimate Business Class luxury, choose Qatar Airways or ANA.
For exceptional service and reliability, go with Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific.
For extra entertainment and a touch of glamour, Emirates is hard to beat.

Whichever you choose, these airlines turn the often-dreaded long-haul into a journey you’ll remember fondly.