The 10 Best International Airlines for Couples–Ranked

When it comes to the best international airlines in the world, the options and lists may seem conflicting. Some are based solely on customer satisfaction surveys and reader polls and others are based on metrics, such as punctuality and cabin size. Traditional lists are usually dominated by legacy carriers, but aviation expert Gordon Smith says not to disregard the low-cost operators. "Not all budget airlines are created equal," he notes. "Some offer upscale premium options like lie-flat beds and private suites–at an exceptional value."

For important occasions, like the honeymoon or an anniversary trip, the experience of traveling from point A to point B is just as important for couples as the destination stay itself. Some couples may choose a long-haul flight to Africa or Asia, or select an overnight flight to a European destination. Others may want to stay on the same time zone and head to an otherworldly Caribbean island. The best international airlines in the world offer reliability and a sprinkle of indulgence no matter the honeymoon budget. We connected with multiple aviation experts, airline crew, and frequent flyers, as well as consult the surveys, pull together the stats, and access value, to rank airlines that score best for cabin comfort, service, perks, and affordability. Here are our trusted ten.

The Knot's Top 10 International Airlines

Based on travel expert interviews and data analysis, we've highlighted the best international airlines by category, then ranked them overall from one to ten below.

• Best Overall International Airline: Virgin Atlantic
• Best Budget Airline for International Travel: Norse Atlantic
• Most Comfortable Airline for a Super Long Haul Flight: Singapore Airlines
• Best US Airline for International Travel: United Airlines
• Best Airline for Catering: Japan Airlines
• Best Airline for In-Flight Entertainment: Cathay Pacific
• Best Airline for Couples Suites: Qatar Airways
• Best Airline for Pampering: Emirates
• Best Airline for Service: Korean Air
• Best Airline for Sustainability: KLM

1. Virgin Atlantic

Photo: Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic continues to soar ahead of its competitors under every major category. Newly redesigned seats boast enhanced spaces and innovations for guest comfort. The Upper-Class Retreat Suite is ideal for honeymooners and couples, featuring an intimate dining room configuration and large touchscreens. Clubhouse lounges scoop best lounge awards year-on-year, while VA's Premium Economy was hailed best in Europe by Skytrax. The airline is the world's most inclusive, changing uniform codes to reflect the diverse workforce and lifting mandatory make-up rules for female crew. Pronoun badges are available for passengers. It also operates the cleanest and most fuel-efficient overall fleet.

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.9

2. Singapore Airlines

Photo: Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is synonymous with luxury, and you'll pay a (justified) premium for the privilege. Its customers agree: the airline has received numerous awards. If the first-class suite seen in rom-com Crazy Rich Asians is anything to go by, even the world's longest flight (Singapore Airlines's 18.5-hour route from New York to Singapore) will be a breeze. Couples can opt for a suite that features a double bed behind a sliding door. Comfort aside, the airline is also highly praised for excellent in-flight service, food, and reliability, making it a no-brainer among the best international airlines.

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.8

3. Japan Airlines

Photo: Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines serves 95 destinations across 20 territories, offering exceptional Japanese hospitality and of course, timekeeping (88% according to Cirium aviation analytics). It's also our pick of the airlines for in-flight meals. Catering both to Asian and Western palettes, the menus are designed by acclaimed Japanese chefs such as Chef Ohno Naoto and Chef Namae Shinobu. Expect bento boxes, well-being, and seasonal sets…and that's just on economy class. In first and business class, the presentations that of an omakase. The airline also caters well to dietary requirements, and the kids' meals are extra 'kawaii' (cute).

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.7

4. Qatar Airways

Photo: Qatar Airways

Emerging in recent years as a major player in the luxe aviation industry, Qatar Airways has one of the world's glitziest fleets. Both Skytrax and The Points Guy have awarded it best for business class, and that's all down to its mighty QSuites. For couples, these can be configured to double beds. Generous storage space, mood light, Diptyque pamper products, and the White Company pajamas are just some of the perks when in Q. For those flying to or connecting at the carrier's HQ, Doha, don't miss the sparkling new oasis Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden.

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.7

5. Korean Air

Photo: Korean Air

Korean Air didn't need to attach themselves to the most famous boyband on the planet (cough, BTS) to persuade us to fly with them. That's a bonus. The airline checks all the boxes for a quality experience in the sunny skies, especially considering the distance from the continental US to East Asia. A long-haul flight for most, the airline has received high praises for the service and attention to detail. Based in Seoul but serving 125 destinations across 44 countries, the airline also triumphs in punctuality, online services, catering, and of course, the brilliant K-Pop-inspired safety videos. (Editor's note: The food is a big bonus, especially if you're craving ramen cup noodles for an in-cabin salty snack.)

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.6

6. KLM

Photo: KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is one of the world's oldest airlines that played a big part in connecting the US with Europe in the early days. Routes today have significantly ramped up and you'll find a hefty list of direct flights from all major US cities. KLM has won the APEX World Class Award three years in a row, with special recognition for sustainability. Initiatives currently in place include using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), reducing the weight of airplane furnishings, and a robust recycling program. Travel experts have also deemed KLM a good value for money, plus it's partnered with SkyTeam.

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.4

7. Cathay Pacific

Photo: Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong's flag carrier is a big hit with customers. In fact, Skytrax has awarded it number one for in-flight entertainment. The fleet runs from the US to all corners of the world, with a focus on Asia. If you're a couple with a taste for Chinese food, you're in luck. Economy cabin dishes include Hong Kong beef curry and braised pork ribs, and in First Class, passengers may indulge in braised abalone and roast duck.

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.4

8. Emirates

Photo: Emirates

Arguably the most glamorous name among the best international airlines, Dubai-based Emirates flies to 150 destinations and has one of the world's largest fleets. Tripadvisor previously gave it top marks for its first and business class offerings. (First class passengers can experience the famous shower spa and cozy in-flight pajamas.) Both business class and first class passengers receive a glass of Champagne prior to takeoff and coveted Bulgari amenity kits. But premium economy too is worth a whirl since Skytrax named Emirates as having the best premium economy seat. High fares in relation to comparable airlines mean this is more of a splurge option for couples, but many credit cards offer 1:1 points transfers.

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.2

9. United Airlines

Photo: United Airlines

The Points Guy named United the 2nd best airline in the US after Delta, but our travel experts have flipped the one and two rankings over thanks to United's excellent frequent flyer program and plush lounge amenities. It also flies to more international destinations than any other US carrier. United recently upgraded its Polaris Business Class experience and now the lie-flat seats come with Therabody amenity kits and luxury sleepwear.

The Knot Expert Rating: 4.2

10. Norse Atlantic Airways

Photo: Norse Atlantic Airways

Norse Atlantic Airways, first taking off in 2022, is one of our aviation expert's favorite low-cost transatlantic airlines. It operates direct routes between major US cities and Oslo, London, Rome, Berlin, and Paris, giving couples a chance to explore the world comfortably yet affordably. Round-trip tickets, depending on season, are usually between 50% to 30% cheaper than the major carriers. With that, don't expect all the frills, but do expect high marks for customer service, inclusivity, and cleanliness.

The Knot Expert Rating: 3.9