Thinking of flying to Asia? Haven’t got a scooby which airline to go with? We get ya, you’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes swinging right on the map. But we had a chinwag with our aviation nerds here at Netflights, as well as comparing Skytrax awards (think of it as like the Oscars of the aviation industry), to find you what we reckon are the best airlines for flying to Asia.

Singapore Airlines is synonymous with proper luxury, innovation, and shiny service. It’s particularly famous for its Suite Class, which offers a private cabin experience, and its KrisWorld entertainment system, featuring a massive choice of movies, TV shows, and games.

Their Premium Economy feels like Business Class on some other airlines, while Business and First are so ridiculously luxurious, you may consider selling your couch at home because it just won’t measure up anymore. And that Suite Class? Let’s just say it’s less “airplane” and more “flying five-star hotel room.” But do note it’s exclusive to their A380 fleet.

If you plump for Business or First you’ll get a very well-stocked amenities kit. They’ve just partnered with boutique luxury fragrance brand Le Labo for Business Class – presented in waxed cotton canvas pouches inspired by their iconic lab aprons, it’s a nifty thing you can reuse as a travel document holder. For First Class it’s luxury French brand Lalique – think a special fragrance, skincare products, and more essentials. In Premium Economy you’ll get an amenities kit with all the main stuff you need from eco-friendly brand Out of the Woods.

For food, think lobster thermidor, beef rendang, or a perfectly plated vegetarian curry, and if that’s not enough, you can pre-select your meal with their “Book the Cook” service. The KrisWorld entertainment system, meanwhile, is a digital playground. Thousands of movies, TV shows, games, and music tracks – you’ll be so engrossed in bingeing classics and blockbusters that you’ll wish the flight were longer. Well, maybe.

Network

Singapore Airlines has extensive routes throughout Asia, connecting to major hubs like Singapore’s Changi Airport – often rated the best in the world.

A cherry pick of their destinations includes: Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and the Maldives

Which UK airports does Singapore Airlines fly from?

You’ve got a few options – London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester Airport.

Wanna know something else?

The cabin crew undergo a four-month training programme, one of the longest and most comprehensive in the industry.

This way for cheap flights with Singapore Airlines

Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific offers premium services with a special emphasis on economy and cleanliness. Their cabins are modern, elegant, and somehow always pristine, even after a long-haul flight (they’re known for their cleanliness, after all.) Economy is spacious – generously pitched (around 32 inches) with good recline, adjustable headrests, and ergonomic cushioning, plus USB charging ports and an 11.6-inch HD screen for entertainment.

Premium Economy brings with it wider seats (38 inches of pitch) and greater recline, as well as leg and footrests. Business Class has those fancy lie-flat seats that let you feel like a horizontal human again. In First Class, their Suite seats transform into wide, 81-inch-long fully flat beds. There’s also a personal closet to store your coat and bags. Then chuck in a 4K 18.5-inch entertainment screen, top-notch noise-cancelling headphones, and luxurious bedding. Oh, and pajamas.

In Premium Economy, the amenity kits are filled with Aesop goodies – fancy. Economy passengers don’t get a kit but do get nice touches like blankets that actually feel soft and slippers. In Business Class, you’ll get an amenity kit from British skincare brand Bamford. First Class kits are also from Bamford, but with some extras thrown in for good measure.

Expect menus that lean on Asian delicacies, like dim sum or congee for breakfast, whilst Cathay Pacific’s StudioCX entertainment system is like a Netflix party at 35,000 feet.

Network

Cathay Pacific operates a huge network to destinations across Asia and beyond, with Hong Kong International Airport as its central hub.

Destinations include: Bangkok, Tapei, Seoul, Bali, Singapore, Bangkok, and Delhi.

Which UK airports do Cathay Pacific fly from?

Cathay Pacific currently fly from both London Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

Wanna know something else?

It bags awards all the time for having one of the cleanest airline cabins globally!

This way for cheap flights with Cathay Pacific

Japan’s largest airline, ANA, is celebrated for its blend of traditional Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) and modern amenities. It’s a bit like stepping into a meticulously crafted Japanese art piece – minimalist, precise, and designed to make you feel slightly inferior in your ability to organize anything.

In Economy, the seats are wider than you’d expect, and the legroom is generous enough to avoid a knee-to-back confrontation with the person in front. Plus, there’s a little cup holder for when you’re too lazy to unfold your tray. Thoughtful, right? You’ll get the usual extra legroom in Premium Economy, whilst their business class is highly rated, featuring “The Room” – seats with spacious, semi-private pods.

Even in Economy and Premium Economy, ANA doesn’t skimp. You’ll get a pillow, blanket, and slippers. In Business Class, meanwhile, you’ll get a kit from AVEDA in a pouch whose shape and colour varies depending on the time of year. In First Class, the kit has been developed in collaboration with ETTINGER, a renowned British leather goods manufacturer – ANA are the only airline to offer this brand.

In all classes, they serve up authentic Japanese meals (bento boxes, sushi, and soba noodles) alongside Western options, just in case raw fish isn’t your thing. Business and First Class passengers can pre-order their meals, including seasonal dishes curated by Michelin-starred chefs.

Network

ANA have extensive domestic and international flights, connecting you to key cities in Japan and Asia.

Just some of their destinations include: Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Busan (as well as Seoul), Jakarta, Manila, Yangon (Myanmar), Mumbai

Which UK airports do ANA All Nippon Airways fly from?

ANA All Nippon Airways currently only fly from London Heathrow, with direct services to Tokyo for connections across Asia.

Wanna know something else?

If you like being on time, you’ll like ANA – they have high ratings for punctuality. Safety, too.

This way for cheap flights with ANA All Nippon Airways

Which is the best longhaul airline?

Japan Airlines offers a perfect balance of luxury, efficiency, and affordability. In Economy, the seats are roomy, with 34 inches of pitch – practically VIP treatment compared to other airlines. Their Premium Economy class is considered the best in the world, offering wider seats, additional legroom, and priority services. Business class is also top-notch, with lie-flat seats, privacy screens, plush bedding, and storage galore. First Class are suites that come with leather seats, cashmere blankets, and the kind of space that makes you question why you don’t always fly just like this.

While specific amenity kits may not be provided in Premium Economy and Economy Class, you’ll still get things like slippers, pillows, and blankets. Upon request, you can get stuff like a toothbrush set, moisture mask, earplugs, and eye mask – even a green bamboo massage stick to soothe tired feet! JAL’s Business Class amenity kits are with HERALBONY, featuring unique designs by artists with disabilities. Don’t expect loads of stuff you won’t actually end up using though, the kits are designed to be compact and functional, reflecting JAL’s commitment to quality and practicality. In First you’ll get the same kit, as well as pajamas designed in collaboration with “nendo,” a renowned Japanese brand.

The food is where JAL really flexes its Japanese heritage. Economy serves up bento boxes with rice, fish, and seasonal sides, while Business and First Class offer multi-course kaiseki meals prepared by renowned chefs. Don’t like Japanese food? Don’t worry – they have Western options, too, so you’re not stuck pretending to enjoy sashimi.

JAL’s MAGIC in-flight entertainment system is packed with movies, TV shows, games, and even language courses. The selection leans heavily on Japanese content, so if you’re into anime or samurai flicks, you’re in for a treat.

Network

Japan Airlines has strong connections to domestic and international Asian destinations, with smooth transfers at Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports.

Destinations include: Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Delhi, and Dhaka 

Which UK airports does Japan Airlines fly from?

Japan Airlines currently only flies from London Heathrow, with direct services to Tokyo for connections across Asia.

Wanna know something else?

JAL are consistently awarded for their cabin comfort and customer satisfaction.

This way for cheap flights with Japan Airlines

While not an Asian airline, Qatar Airways is a major player in routes to Asia, offering seamless connectivity through its hub in Doha. And if luxury were an airline, it would be this one.

Economy Class is spacious, with a seat pitch that offers generous room to stretch out – so no more feeling like a sardine in a can. The headrests are adjustable, and there’s a built-in footrest too. Plus the  touch-screen entertainment system offers a ton of options, from movies to games. You know the Economy cabin is good because Qatar Airways are one of the few major airlines not to offer Premium Economy.

Business Class? Oh, the Qsuite – aka the cabin that makes your whole life feel like an Instagram filter. These fully lie-flat beds are in private suites, so you can close the door, and just pretend you’re not on a plane. There’s also the “quad” setup where four suites can be connected if you’re flying with your mates. First Class, meanwhile, is a private suite with first-class service. The lie-flat bed transforms into a luxurious sleeping pod, with plush bedding and oodles of space. And if you’re feeling extra, you can opt for the shower on select aircraft. Yes, they do showers. There’s also a premium entertainment system, with Bose noise-cancelling headphones. Yep, only the proper stuff here.

In Economy you’ll get a kit with all the usual suspects, whilst in Business Class you’ll get a high-quality leather kit from BRIC’S, including Acqua di Parma skincare – think body lotion, lip balm, and more. In First Class, though? Yeah, it’s just as fancy as you’re expecting. The kits in the swanky part of the plane come courtesy of Bvlgari, obviously. You’ll find hiiiigh-end skincare essentials like Bvlgari’s Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert body lotion, lip balm, and face mist, as well as Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones. Oh, and they’ve even chucked in a pen. That’s nice.

Menus change frequently, so you’re not stuck eating the same chicken and rice combo on every flight, and are often inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine (hello, hummus and falafel), but you’ll also get a wide variety of global options like pasta, grilled chicken, and even a few special treats based on your route. Plus there’s free bevs throughout the flight. If you upgrade to Business or First Class, then your meals are upgraded massively too (think everything from caviar to Wagyu beef), plus you can dine on demand.

Network

Qatar Airways offer connections to almost every major Asian destination, including Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Osaka, Jakarta, Cebu, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, the Maldives, Karachi, Baku, and more.

Which UK airports does Qatar Airways fly from?

You’re in luck, they currently fly from most UK airports – London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Airport, and Birmingham Airport.

Wanna know something else?

They’re an eight-time winner of Skytrax’s Best Airline award!

This way for cheap flights with Qatar Airways