Matador Network Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Best Airline

When it comes to comparing airlines, much is often said of the airline’s top-tier products. But the average traveler isn’t shelling out for a lay-flat bed – and quality across all classes is one the areas Emirates really shines. On its international flights to or from the US, economy-class flyers get 32 inches of pitch on most flights and 34 inches on some newer flights. That’s more than United, Lufthansa, Turkish, Delta, and many more airlines. When it comes to entertainment, the Emirates system has more than 6,500 movies and TV shows and some of the most reliable WiFi in the sky (for which it’s won multiple awards).

Emirates is also one of a handful of airlines to give Economy passengers an amenity kit on long-haul flights (currently, the airline is partnered with United for Wildlife to create the kits), and even economy class passengers get multicourse meals. In fact, it won “best airline for food and drink” from Food & Wine in 2024. The baggage allowance isn’t too bad, either – customers on the cheapest possible international fares to or from the US get a checked bag up to 50 lbs for free, and most get two.

However, for travelers who can afford an upgraded class, the difference between Emirates and other airlines really becomes evident. Premium economy on Emirates is akin to a high-end first class on domestic US airlines, with luxurious seats, high-end dining, footrests, and a noticeable amount of recline (even if it’s not lie-flat). It’s no wonder the airline’s premium economy has won awards from respected global organizations like Skytrax World Airline Awards and the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, for which it won “best premium economy” in 2024.

If you can fly Emirates business class, just know it’s probably going to be the highlight of your trip no matter where you’re headed, with lay-flat seats, plenty of room to socialize around a central bar, and luxury amenity kits that feel like the gift bag of your dreams from luxury designer Bulgari.

A series of new planes to be introduced in 2025 will have arguably the most comfortable first-class seats in the sky because they’re not just seats: First-class flyers will get completely private cabins, with floor-to-ceiling doors and turn-down service, among other swoon-worthy features and amenities. In case you’re wondering how fancy it is, it includes a chauffeur to drive you to the airport in Dubai and private boarding directly from the airport lounge.

Photo: Emirates

But it wouldn’t be the world’s best airline if it wasn’t affordable, and if you’re comparing economy rates, you’ll likely be surprised at the level of service and comfort you’ll get for a price comparable to lower-rated US airlines. Round-trip direct flights from NYC to Dubai in February 2025 are as low as $842 per person, including all taxes, fees, carry-on and checked luggage, and seat selection. Safety-wise, it also shines, as it hasn’t had a single incident that resulted in a passenger fatality, even though it’ll be celebrating 40 years of service in 2025.

While Emirates hasn’t announced any new flight routes for 2025, it has announced that it’s upgrading many of its planes, which will allow for more premium economy seats and bluetooth compatibility in Economy class. Interestingly, it also announced that the planes will have six-way adjustable headrests for economy passengers, “eliminat[ing] the need for neck pillows.” It may represent a decline from the “Golden Age of Flying” to say that not having to carry an airplane pillow is considered an upgrade, but if it means being a little more likely to sleep onboard and saving space in our carry-on bag, we’ll take it.

In the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.