Highlights of Forbes Travel Guide’s Best Airlines and Airports for 2025

Global Leaders in Airline and Airport Excellence for 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of air travel, the passenger experience is shaped by countless details from check-in through touchdown. The latest awards from Forbes Travel Guide celebrate the airlines and airports that have mastered this complex dance, offering outstanding service, comfort, and innovation in 2025.

Top Honors in Airlines

Best International Airline: Emirates

Emirates continues to set the gold standard by perfectly refining every facet of the flying experience. From a lavish, lounge-like check-in space dedicated to their most valued customers to pioneering efforts as the first autism-certified airline with extensive staff training, Emirates elevates travel comfort and inclusivity. This Dubai-based carrier makes sure passengers are treated like royalty at every stage of their journey.

Best U.S. Airline: Delta Air Lines

Celebrating its centennial, Delta Air Lines proudly dishes out a mix of beloved food and drink brands onboard, such as Shake Shack and Champagne Taittinger, paired with seamless service and complimentary Wi-Fi for all passengers. Its commitment earned five Verified Air Travel Awards, more than any other American airline, highlighting a dedication to excellence that keeps customers loyal mile after mile.

Best Small Airline: JSX

For travelers seeking a private flying vibe without the private jet price, JSX’s public charter service is an appealing alternative. Boasting just 30 seats and no middle seats, spacious legroom, and the ability to check in mere minutes before departure from private terminals, JSX redefines convenience and comfort for short-haul flights.

Leading Airports Recognized for Innovation and Experience

Best International Airport: Singapore Changi Airport

This airport remains an icon of passenger delight, seamlessly blending efficiency with enchanting amenities. Its attractions include the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a 24/7 movie theater, lush butterfly and bamboo gardens, plus a rooftop pool to unwind while watching planes soar into the sky—a true destination in itself.

Best U.S. Airport: LaGuardia Airport

After a major $8 billion renovation completed in 2024, LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, has blossomed into a spacious and modern travel hub. Featuring state-of-the-art design and local culinary delights from iconic New York eateries like H&H Bagels and Junior’s, it secured the top spot as the best U.S. airport for a second consecutive year.

Cabin Comfort and Class: A Closer Look

Lounges and In-Air Culinary Excellence

Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai delights travelers with exquisite dishes such as braised beef short ribs, a cigar bar, top-shelf champagne, spa treatments, and even direct boarding from the lounge. Meanwhile, the Delta One Lounge at JFK impresses with three-course meals, shower suites complete with valet pressing service, massage chairs, and spa treatments — a sanctuary for jet-setters.

On the culinary front, Air France’s collaboration with chef Daniel Boulud has brought authentic French flavors onboard its La Première and Business cabins, featuring seasonal dishes designed to captivate passengers’ palates with the essence of regional France.

Innovations and Loyalty Programs Shaping the Future

Innovation of the Year honors go to Air New Zealand for its Skycouch seats, transforming economy class rows into spacious flat sofas with bedding—allowing travelers to stretch out on long-haul flights like never before.

American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program stands out by offering accessible elite status through miles accrued from shopping, dining, credit cards, and extensive travel across a global network of over 900 destinations.

Exclusive Private Airport and Easy-to-Use Apps

The PS terminal in Los Angeles caters to travelers seeking privacy and efficiency, with TSA and customs screening onsite and luxury car transfers to the aircraft. The terminal also recently introduced a domestic arrival service that minimizes passenger hassle by escorting them directly home or to hotels.

Delta’s Fly Delta app streamlines the travel experience with real-time updates, notifications, luggage tracking, and upgrade certificate redemptions, enhancing passenger convenience.

The Impact on Passenger Transfers and Travel Comfort

Airports and airlines committed to service quality and innovation directly influence the demand and expectation for seamless and reliable ground transport options. Whether arriving at elaborate international hubs like Singapore Changi or modernized terminals such as LaGuardia, passengers increasingly look for transfer services that match the high standards set in the air and terminal experience.

Choosing a taxi or private transfer that mirrors this level of excellence can elevate the total journey from start to finish. Platforms like GetTransfer.com allow travelers to select vehicles tailored to their preferences—whether a private sedan or a spacious seater—while also providing detailed driver profiles, transparent pricing, and real-time booking options, shining a light on convenience and control for the modern traveler.

Experiencing Travel Excellence Firsthand

While awards and expert reviews highlight exceptional airlines and airports, nothing quite compares to experiencing these services firsthand. Everyone’s journey is unique, shaped by personal preferences and moments on the road or runway. With GetTransfer, users can confidently book cars with verified drivers from trusted providers worldwide, avoiding unnecessary costs and making informed choices grounded in transparency.

With affordable fares, a vast range of vehicles, and additional amenities at your fingertips, travelers benefit from the same level of care and precision honored in the skies as soon as they step onto the tarmac. Book your ride with GetTransfer.com to enjoy tailored transfers that complement your flight experience.

Wrapping Up the Journey

Forbes Travel Guide’s Verified Air Travel Awards for 2025 spotlight the finest in airline and airport quality, shining a light on excellence in cabin comfort, lounge luxury, and inventive innovations like economy class Skycouch seats. These recognitions not only celebrate stellar in-air and terminal experiences but also set the stage for increased expectations in all aspects of travel—including the ground transfers connecting travelers to their destinations.

By embracing these standards, ground transportation providers and booking platforms have a golden opportunity to match passenger expectations through service transparency, precise pricing, and convenient booking options. GetTransfer.com stands ready to support travelers worldwide with personalized, reliable, and affordable transfer services, amplifying the journey beyond the airport, down to the exact seat in the perfect car with the best driver and fare—making every trip truly seamless.

Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.