When it comes to crossing the Atlantic, choosing the right airline can make all the difference in your travel experience. Whether you're after a smooth economy flight, a little extra legroom, or a more luxurious business class, there are plenty of great options for airlines to fly from Europe to USA.
Some airlines offer standout service, while others give you the chance to snag a deal without sacrificing comfort. But when it comes to choosing one for your trip, where do you start?
In this guide, we’ve rounded up our picks of the best airlines to fly from Europe to the US, covering everything from free stopovers to extra perks and top-quality upgrade options. Ready to find your perfect flight? Let’s dive in.
1. Iceland Air
(View Availability: Iceland Air)
If you’re looking for a solid airline that won’t break the bank for flights from Europe to the US, Icelandair is a great pick. One of the coolest things about Icelandair is their free stopover in Reykjavik, which you can use to add a layover of up to a week in Iceland to your journey. This is what makes Reykjavik one of the top European layover destinations!
Iceland Air flies to a bunch of major US cities like New York, Seattle, and Boston, from a range of European hubs like London, Paris, and Copenhagen.
In terms of comfort, Icelandair offers a decent economy class with in-flight entertainment, but it only includes free non-alcoholic drinks and no free meals. To get complimentary alcoholic drinks and meals, you’ll need to upgrade to their “Saga Premium” class. While this doesn’t include a full lie-flat seat, there’s a generous recline that makes it super comfy for long-haul travel with added legroom, priority boarding, and access to their Saga Lounge.
Pro tip: Hop over to Moonsand’s comparison tool to compare prices and see if Iceland Air can save you some serious cash on your next trip to the US!
2. SAS
(View Availability: Scandinavian Airlines)
SAS is another top choice if you’re flying from Europe to the USA. With flights from Scandinavian hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, they offer direct routes to US cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. SAS is known for its excellent Scandinavian hospitality, modern fleet, and reliable service.
In economy class, you’ll get everything you need for a comfortable flight - free meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment included. SAS also offers SAS Plus, a premium economy service that gives you extra legroom, better meals, and access to fast-track security and lounges. For those looking to splurge a little, SAS Business is top-notch, featuring lie-flat seats, free wifi, a fantastic selection of meals, and priority everything (boarding, baggage, and check-in).
SAS is also part of the Star Alliance, which makes it easy to connect flights and earn points if you’re a frequent flyer. Hooray!
3. KLM
KLM is one of the best airlines in Europe for flights to the US, and for good reason. Flying out of their hub in Amsterdam Schiphol, KLM offers direct routes to major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and many more. One of the best parts of flying KLM is the efficiency - you can easily connect from smaller European cities through Amsterdam, and their service is super reliable.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport itself is also a great place to have a layover, offering easy access to the city if you want to explore for a few hours before your flight. If you have time to do this, don’t hesitate - there are tonnes of fun things to do in Amsterdam!
In economy class, KLM offers comfortable seats with decent legroom, free meals, and a selection of in-flight entertainment. Plus, KLM’s in-flight service is friendly and efficient, keeping that Dutch hospitality alive in the skies. If you want to upgrade, their premium economy option (Economy Comfort) offers more legroom, early boarding, and seats that recline further.
If you’d prefer to travel this transatlantic route in style, KLM’s World Business Class is nothing short of a treat, coming with fully flat seats, a menu designed by top chefs, and access to their Crown Lounges. The signature Delft Blue ceramic houses KLM gives to its business class passengers is a fun bonus!
4. Air France
(View Availability: Air France)
Air France is a top choice for travellers flying from Europe to the USA, offering direct flights from their hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle to major US cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Air France’s reputation for class and comfort extends to all its cabins, so whether you're in economy or business, you're in for a pleasant ride.
Economy passengers get to enjoy complimentary meals with French flair (including quality wines and cheese), as well as personal entertainment screens with a wide selection of movies and shows. If you’re looking for a little more comfort, Premium Economy is a great middle-ground option, with more legroom, wider seats, and upgraded meal service.
For a luxurious experience, Air France Business Class offers fully flat seats, gourmet meals designed by top French chefs, and access to their stylish lounges. Their La Première First Class cabin takes things up a notch with private suites, making Air France one of the best transatlantic airlines for luxury travellers.
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5. British Airways
(View Availability: British Airways)
British Airways is a go-to airline for transatlantic flights, offering a wide range of routes from Europe to the US. With its hub at London Heathrow, BA flies directly to major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. British Airways is known for its solid service, making it a great option if you’re looking for a smooth, straightforward flight.
In economy class (which they call World Traveller), you can expect comfortable seats, free meals and drinks, and a solid in-flight entertainment system to keep you entertained on those long flights. BA also offers Premium Economy (called World Traveller Plus) with more legroom, extra baggage allowance, and upgraded meals, which makes long-haul flights a bit more comfortable without the business class price tag.
If you’re willing to indulge, British Airways Club World (business class) is worth considering. With fully flat seats, gourmet meals, and access to exclusive lounges, you’ll be flying in style in no time! For the ultimate experience, their First Class offering includes private suites, high-end service, and chauffeur-driven transfers.
6. Turkish Airlines
(View Availability: Turkish Airlines)
Turkish Airlines might not be the first airline you think of for Europe to US flights, but it’s definitely worth considering, especially if you’re travelling from the Balkans or Eastern Europe. Operating out of Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines offers direct flights to US cities like New York, Miami, Washington D.C., and Chicago. Istanbul is also an excellent hub if you’re connecting from Asia or Africa, as Turkish Airlines has a huge global network.
Economy class on Turkish Airlines is known for its generous seat pitch, friendly service, and complimentary meals that show off Turkish cuisine, including delicious grilled meats, fresh salads, and traditional desserts. For added comfort, their Premium Economy seats (if available on your flight) provide more space, priority boarding, and upgraded meal services.
Business Class is where Turkish Airlines really shines. Passengers get lie-flat beds, access to the incredible CIP lounges (some of the best in the world), and a restaurant-style dining experience onboard. And if you have a long layover in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers free city tours - perfect for squeezing in some sightseeing on your journey.
Want to give Turkish Airlines a try? Head to our flight comparison tool to find the best flight options and compare prices for your next adventure across the Atlantic.
7. Delta Airlines
(View Availability: Delta Airlines)
Delta Airlines is a solid choice when it comes to airlines that fly to the USA from Europe, especially if you’re looking for direct flights to major cities like New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Delta partners with several European airlines like Air France and KLM, so you have plenty of options for connections via European hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, and London.
Delta also offers direct routes between the US and Dublin, Ireland, which is one of the cheapest airports to fly into Europe.
Delta’s economy class offers free meals, a personal entertainment system, and Wi-Fi on most long-haul flights. If you want more legroom, check out Delta Comfort+, which also comes with early boarding and dedicated overhead space. Delta’s Premium Select (premium economy) offers wider seats, more recline, and enhanced dining, making it a popular choice for travellers wanting a bit more comfort without the full business-class price tag.
For those who want to travel in style, Delta One is their business class option, featuring lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and upgraded meals. You’ll also get access to the Delta Sky Club lounges, which pretty much guarantee a relaxed and enjoyable airport experience.
8. United Airlines
(View Availability: United Airlines)
United Airlines is one of the major players when it comes to flying between Europe and the US, with tons of direct flights to major US cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. They’ve got a solid European network too, with flights departing from cities like London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam, making United a flexible option for travellers across the continent.
In economy class, United offers a good balance of comfort and affordability with in-flight entertainment, complimentary meals, and free beverages, including wine and beer. If you’re looking for more legroom, United’s Economy Plus gives you that extra space along with early boarding. For those wanting to upgrade without going all-in on business class, United Premium Plus offers wider seats, enhanced dining, and upgraded amenities.
United Polaris, their business class, is where things get really luxurious, featuring lie-flat seats, priority boarding, access to Polaris lounges, and top-notch dining options which include chef-inspired meals and a premium wine selection.
9. Iberia
(View Availability: with Iberia)
If you’re flying to the US from Spain, Iberia is a fantastic option, with direct flights from Madrid to US cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Boston. As Spain’s flagship airline, Iberia offers plenty of connections from other European cities into Madrid, making it easy to start your journey from various locations all over Europe.
In economy, you’ll enjoy comfortable seats, an in-flight entertainment system, and complimentary meals and drinks, which often show off favourites from Spain’s flavour-filled cuisine. Iberia’s Premium Economy offers more legroom, larger seats, and upgraded meal service, making it a great option if you want more comfort without breaking the bank.
Business Class on Iberia takes the experience up a notch with lie-flat seats, access to Iberia’s VIP lounges, and gourmet Spanish meals like tapas-style starters and top-quality wines.
FAQs About Best Airlines to Fly from Europe to USA
What airlines offer direct flights from Europe to USA?
Many airlines offer direct flights from Europe to the US, including major carriers like British Airways, KLM, Air France, Delta, United, and Turkish Airlines. Low-cost carriers like Norwegian also offer seasonal routes. Some other options include Icelandair (with a potential stopover in Reykjavik) and Iberia from Spain.
What is the cheapest airport in Europe to fly to the USA?
Dublin Airport in Ireland is where you’ll often find the cheapest flights from Europe to the USA (especially Boston and New York) from, thanks to lower taxes and fees. Transatlantic airlines like Aer Lingus, Delta and KLM offer direct services to the US from Dublin.
What is the cheapest day to fly from Europe to USA?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly from Europe to the US. Flights on weekends and around public holidays tend to be more expensive, so midweek travel is usually your best bet for snagging a deal.
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