What Are The Best Airlines to Fly to Europe From the USA?

With numerous airlines providing overseas flights, choosing the right one can significantly influence the quality of the travel experience. Selecting the best airline to fly to Europe is a personal decision that depends on several factors, including budget, comfort, flight duration, layover locations, and the final European destination.

Some travellers may prefer luxury cabins and exceptional service, while others prioritize affordable fares and efficient routes. The availability of non-stop flights or convenient connections can also influence the decision. Additionally, loyalty programs, baggage policies, and in-flight amenities also play a role in making decisions. 

Best Airlines to Fly to Europe From The US

Here is the list of the top 10 airlines that passengers can consider while booking their flights to Europe from the USA.

1. Delta Air Lines

Delta Airlines flies non-stop from major U.S. hubs such as New York (JFK), Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Minneapolis to cities like London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Madrid. Delta offers:

• Delta Studio for extensive free in-flight entertainment
• Complimentary meals and beverages
• Delta One (business class) with lie-flat seats

They have a strong loyalty program (SkyMiles) and offer various premium cabin options.

2. United Airlines

It operates a large number of nonstop flights from its U.S. hubs (e.g., Newark, Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco) to diverse European destinations including London, Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris. The features include:

• Economy Plus seating for extra legroom
• In-flight entertainment and free WiFi

Their strategic partnerships within the Star Alliance (with Lufthansa, SWISS, and Air Canada) extend their reach.

3. American Airlines

The airline operates a wide range of flights to Europe through hubs like Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dallas, and Miami. Travellers can enjoy:

• Flagship First and Flagship Business for a premium experience
• Partner access with British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair via the Oneworld alliance

The Oneworld alliance offers strong European coverage, though it may not be as extensive as that of Star Alliance or SkyTeam.

4. Lufthansa

Germany’s flagship carrier, Lufthansa, is known for top-tier service and a vast European network. It operates direct flights from cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. Lufthansa Airlines offers:

• Best airline to fly first class to Europe with excellent services
• In-flight meals and entertainment

Lufthansa provides easy connections within Europe via Frankfurt and Munich hubs.

5. Air France

Air France flies every day from several U.S. cities like New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Miami to its main airport in Paris, Charles de Gaulle. It is considered one of the best airlines to fly to Europe from San Francisco because it features:

• French cuisine onboard
• Lie-flat seating and lounges

As a SkyTeam partner, it works with Delta and KLM to offer flights all across Europe.

6. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM flies from cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Atlanta to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), one of Europe’s best-connected airports. It provides:

• Friendly, multilingual cabin crew
• Convenient layovers at Schiphol Airport

KLM is also a SkyTeam member, ideal for joint bookings with Delta and Air France.

7. British Airways

Offers numerous direct flights from major U.S. cities to London Heathrow (LHR), a key global hub for onward connections throughout the UK and mainland Europe. Passengers will receive:

• Economy cabin with free meals, drinks, and entertainment
• Best airline to fly business class to Europe with Lie-flat seats and premium service
• Extensive route network across Europe

British Airways is an Oneworld alliance member and partners well with American Airlines and Iberia.

8. Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss is known for its precision and comfort. It offers flights to Zurich and Geneva with seamless onward travel throughout Europe. Travellers enjoy:

• Gourmet meals, even in economy
• Lie-flat seats in business class
• Efficient transit through Zurich airport

Swiss is a Star Alliance carrier, working well with United and Lufthansa.

9. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines, among the best airlines to fly to Europe from Los Angeles, is a top choice for travellers flying to Europe, offering flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami to Istanbul, with easy connections to over 100 European destinations. The airline offers:

• Lie-flat seats
• Gourmet Turkish cuisine
• Access to the luxurious Istanbul Lounge

As a Star Alliance member, it offers easy mileage use and smooth connections with airlines like United and Lufthansa.

10. Iberia

Iberia, Spain’s national airline, provides good-value flights to Madrid and other destinations, making it a great choice for travellers going to Spain or Portugal. Features include:

• Lower fares compared to other full-service airlines
• Modern fleet and efficient service
• OneWorld Alliance membership for easy transfers

Iberia also allows open-jaw and multi-city options for better European exploration.

What Are The Best Airlines for Flying to Europe?

Here is the quick comparison based on the passengers’ preferences:

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting The Best Airline to Fly From the US to Europe

The following are the factors that need to be considered while choosing airlines:

Price: Low-cost carriers will offer the cheapest fares, but may charge extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and meals than full-service airlines.

Connectivity: Direct flights are the fastest and most convenient, but they usually come at a higher price. On the other hand, connecting flights can be more economical but involve layovers.

In-Flight Experience: Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class offer superior experiences for a higher cost.

Baggage Allowance: Always check the included luggage allowance for checked and carry-on bags, and potential fees for exceeding limits.

Loyalty Programs and Alliances: Some airlines offer an alliance (Star Alliance, SkyTeam, Oneworld) to frequent flyers, which helps to earn and redeem miles for future travel.

Layover Experience: For travellers with a connecting flight, the quality of services offered by the airline can significantly affect the overall journey. It’s best to choose airlines that offer good amenities, comfortable lounges and hotels.

How to Find the Best Airline to Fly to Europe?

Here are a few quick tips to select the best airline that meets their specific needs and budget:

• Use the platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo to compare the prices, routes, and layover times across a vast number of airlines and online travel agencies.
• Adjusting travel dates by a day or two can result in noticeable savings. Flights in the middle of the week are often more affordable.
• Airlines frequently announce sales for specific routes. Kee checking airline newsletters and travel deal websites. 
• Check the baggage policy of the airlines.

Conclusion

The best airline to fly to Europe depends on where a passenger is flying from, where they are going, and what kind of experience they want. Whether looking for luxury, reliability, or a budget-friendly deal, there’s an airline to match the travel goals.

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