Delta and Emirates took the big prizes in Robb Report's first annual Airline Awards, but the real value for travellers is the category-by-category breakdown of where the world's best cabins, lounges and meals actually fly.

Delta was named Best Domestic Airline, credited with the best on-time record among US peers, newer planes and consistently attentive service. The judges were also clearly excited about what's coming: from early 2026 Delta is rolling out an upgraded in-flight experience with wagyu burgers, Blanton's bourbon and a Champagne-doused sorbet for dessert. It also won Best Lounge thanks to the Delta One lounges — the original at JFK's Terminal 4 spans nearly 40,000 square feet and offers a French brasserie, spa treatments and, crucially, room to breathe. Five are open and four more are planned.

Emirates picked up Best International Airline after placing near the top in half a dozen categories. Its First Class cabins feature personalised temperature and lighting, virtual windows, NASA-assisted seat design and bathrooms cleaned after every use. Etihad's The Residence — a three-room suite on the A380 with a living room, double bed and ensuite shower — won Best Suites and is now bookable as an upgrade on routes from Abu Dhabi to London, Paris, Singapore, Toronto and Tokyo.

Air France took Best First Class for La Première, relaunched in 2025 on select Boeing 777-300ERs with just four suites per plane. The experience starts on the ground at Paris CDG and LAX with private check-in, Alain Ducasse dining, Sisley spa treatments and Porsche Cayenne transfers; onboard you get 37 square feet, five windows and a 79-inch bed. Qatar Airways won Best Business Class for the Qsuite, an enclosed pod with sliding doors, 79-inch beds and White Company pajamas. Cathay Pacific won the food category with menus built around Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurants, and Singapore Airlines took Best In-Flight Service thanks to crews trained for four months before flying.

There were surprises too. KLM's Best Business-Class Amenity goes to its Delft Blue miniature houses filled with Dutch gin — 107 designs now, some reselling for thousands. Budget-minded flyers should note La Compagnie, the all-business-class French carrier flying Newark to Paris-Orly, Nice and Milan for less than typical business fares, with Dusseldorf joining in April 2027.

For anyone booking a long-haul trip in 2026, this list is a practical cheat sheet: if you can redeem or pay for one standout product, La Première and The Residence are the once-in-a-lifetime splurges, while Qatar's Qsuite and La Compagnie deliver the most luxury per dollar or point.