Holding a boarding pass for a long-haul flight to a new and foreign destination can be both exciting and nerve-racking. For most of us, economy class is our cabin of choice, and sometimes it’s worth doing your research to find the best bang for your buck when it comes to international travel. Next time you’re booking a trip abroad, make sure to have the winning combination when it comes to your airline of choice, to ensure you can arrive at your destination well rested and ready to explore.
Many of the world’s major airlines invest heavily in their cabin designs and configurations, with each carrier having different pros and cons that make their economy class stand out. For long-haul travel, it’s essential to find affordable seats that offer more personal space, extra legroom, and entertainment systems that can keep you occupied as you travel across the world. According to Condé Nast, these are the top six international, long-haul economy class cabins that are worth trying for your next far-flung voyage:
6
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380
343 Economy Class Seats
Onboard the Airbus A380, economy class passengers have a six-way headrest for additional neck support, and whether you’re sitting upright or reclined, you’ll feel relaxed as you fly at 30,000 feet. WiFi is available onboard, providing passengers with connectivity to the outside world. A digital in-flight menu is available up to eight days before departure, meaning that you can preview what you’re likely to be served during your flight. You can also request special meals to suit your dietary requirements as you book your flight.
Seatback monitors are installed with the fabulous KrisWorld entertainment system, linked to the SingaporeAir mobile app, which means that passengers can pre-save their preferred movies, television shows, and music as a playlist, ready for their next flight. All you have to do to enable this function is sign in to your KrisFlyer account when onboard. All seats have a power outlet and USB port, ensuring that all your devices remain charged, allowing you to disembark at your final destination with a full battery, ready to explore.
5
Hawaiian Airlines A330
192 Economy Class Seats
You can enjoy the Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 on routes to and from Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), and now even further as a result of the airline’s merger with Alaska Airlines, which now sees the aircraft utilized during the peak Northern Hemisphere summer season between Seattle Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), in Washington State, and Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC), in Anchorage, Alaska.
Onboard, the Airbus A330-200 aircraft, up to 192 passengers are seated in the Main Cabin, which has a pitch of 31 inches (78 cm), and a configuration of 2-4-2. If you’re willing to pay a little more to stretch your legs out, you can opt for Extra Comfort, located at the front of the economy class cabin, with a seat pitch of 36 inches (91 cm). All passengers can enjoy seatback entertainment with a personal LCD touch screen monitor. Every passenger is entitled to free in-flight entertainment, and complimentary meals and drinks on board.
Hawaiian Airlines has been transporting passengers on this aircraft type since its first delivery back in 2010. A unique feature of all Hawaiian Airlines aircraft is that they carry the name of a celestial body, which is of immense importance, acknowledging ancient Polynesian navigators. All ticket types in Main Cabin include a free carry-on bag and personal item, but depending on your ticket type, seat selection, and priority boarding is only available when booking a Main Cabin preferred ticket type.
4
Qantas Boeing 787-9
166 Economy Class Seats
Deep in the South Pacific, Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas, has consistently been named one of the best airlines in Oceania. The airline, which operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing widebody aircraft, has a similar product across all aircraft types, but Conde Nast suggests that its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights are most certainly the most comfortable. All passengers onboard these aircraft enjoy streamlined check-in either via the Qantas App or at the airport. Complementary seat selection is available if purchasing Saver or Flex fares.
A modern amenity kit is offered on select long-haul flights, which includes essential travel products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye masks, and earplugs, which is the icing on the cake as you’re whisked off to the other side of the world. Award-winning onboard menus keep your tummies full throughout the flight, with the oneworld carrier offering menus that reflect local seasonal ingredients. Larger portions and more options are likely why Qantas is known for great service. Seat configuration on a 787-9 as detailed below, as per the airline’s website:
|
Business Class Seats |
42 |
|---|---|
|
Premium Economy Class Seats |
28 |
|
Economy Class Seats |
166 |
|
Total Seats |
236 |
Thousands of hours of movies, television shows, music, and podcasts are on offer from your personal seatback LCD entertainment screen, which also includes moving maps and interactive games to keep passengers of all ages occupied. This entertainment is available from the moment you step on board, including taxi, take-off, and landing. A soft blanket and cotton pillows are offered to all passengers on long-haul services to ensure a more comfortable flight, and assist in your settling in for some zzz’s, especially if traveling overnight.
3
Emirates Airbus A380
Between 322-557 Economy Class Seats
Dubai-based 
Part of Emirates’ global success has been its extensive hub and spoke network, which sees thousands of travelers transit through its Dubai International Airport (DXB) hub. To keep passengers entertained onboard, there are more than 6,500 channels of entertainment, with a range of movies, television shows, music, and podcasts available. For Economy class travelers, depending on your fare purchased, you can check in up to 44 pounds (20 kg) of baggage if purchasing a ‘Special’ fare, and up to 77 pounds (35 kg) when booked in ‘Flex Plus’.
When it comes to flight duration, Emirates operates some flights that exceed 15 hours in duration (such as DXB to LAX, SYD, AKL, and MEL – just to name a few). With such lengthy travel times, it’s important to keep well nourished. Emirates offers an extensive in-flight menu that is regionally inspired by the route, and includes seasonal fresh fruits, cheese omelets, vegetable crepes, pizza, salad, grilled chicken, and apple caramel mouse. These are all accompanied by a selection of complementary wines, beers, spirits, juices, soft drinks, plus tea and coffee. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a bottle of Moet & Chandon for $20.
2
Swiss Airbus A350
156 Economy Class Seats
Traveling to Europe will become a treat on board the Swiss Airlines Airbus A350-900. Swiss will welcome its first of ten A350s in October. The first will be named Lausanne, with a special Wanderlust livery. These are set to replace the airline’s aging four-engined Airbus A340-300 fleet. While primed for long-haul flying, it is expected the airline will first deploy these planes on intra-European routes as part of fleet familiarisation, before debuting on the first long-haul service in January between Zurich and Boston.
The latest modern amenities will welcome travelers onboard, including increased legroom and wider-than-standard economy seating. All passengers are treated to a 13.3-inch seatback 4K OLED entertainment screen, which is one of the largest in the sky. You can opt to use the airline’s new in-earphones or use bluetooth connectivity to connect your personal device. All passengers can be sure to enjoy a warm Swiss welcome and carefully selected menus depending on their route of choice.
The Star Alliance carriers’ signature scent ‘Alpine Valley’, has been curated to help passengers stay refreshed and inspired throughout their journey, with the essence taking inspiration from the iconic Swiss Alps. The A350-900 will debut on routes from Zurich Airport (ZRH) later this year.
1
Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000
256 Economy Class Seats
Cathay Pacific travelers can enjoy what has been regarded as one of the world’s best Economy classes (Skytrax winner 2024 and 2025). The economy cabin is designed to ensure greater comfort and be the best in class, with adjustable headrests and enhanced seat cushioning. Maximum support is provided for your head and neck as you might nod off as you fly to and from 
Economy class menus are inspired through a partnership with Michelin-starred restaurants to provide both local and international dishes. A perfect Hong Kong example is the classic egg tart, enjoyed with perfectly paired special blend coffee. All meals are accompanied by a selection of local and international wines, beers, spirits, juices, and sodas, all handpicked to be enjoyed at 35,000 feet, including the very popular Betsy beer.
Seatback entertainment screens include the latest movies, television shows, and music, with original titles from the likes of Disney+, HBO Max, and Paramount+. All screens are 4K resolution, and Cathay Pacific can hold the title of one of the first airlines to bring this feature to economy class. In-flight WiFi is now available on all aircraft in the CX fleet, providing passengers the chance to keep connected to those at home, or browse the Cathay Shop in the skies. All seats have USB and a power outlet to charge personal devices.