Best airlines to fly from the US to Europe
With so many airlines flying from the US to Europe, how to choose the right one? We answer this question in our article on the best airlines to travel to Europe from the US, making your decision easier.
No matter which airline you choose, one rule of air travel always stands: the earlier you book, the cheaper your tickets will be, whether you’re flying economy or first class. Planning ahead is key to securing an affordable and enjoyable flight.
Available flight from the US to Europe
Flying from the US to Europe is a long-haul journey that crosses multiple time zones and covers vast distances. Whether you’re heading to the romantic streets of Paris, the picturesque fjords of Norway, or the vibrant energy of Berlin, your flight can range anywhere from 7 to 12 hours. The exact duration depends largely on your departure city and final destination.
The quality of the airline can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience. A good airline will offer a higher level of comfort, such as more spacious seating and in-flight entertainment. Premium airlines also often come with added perks like loyalty programs and a wider range of international routes, offering more flexibility and benefits to frequent travellers.
Top airlines for travelling from the US to Europe
More than 30 airlines offer direct flights between the United States and Europe, making it easier than ever to find a flight that fits your needs. Some of the top airlines servicing these routes include American Airlines, Delta, United, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and TAP Air Portugal. The duration of these direct flights typically ranges from 7 to 9 hours, though some routes can stretch up to 11 hours depending on your departure and destination cities.
A round-trip flight between the US and Europe during the off-season generally costs between 300 euros and 500 euros, depending on the city you want to fly from and land in. However, during peak travel seasons, like summer, round-trip fares can range from 850 euros to 1,100 euros or more, depending on the route and how far in advance you book.
How to save money?
The most affordable flights are often found on major routes departing from airports such as New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), and Miami (MIA), with destinations like Reykjavik, Dublin, and Barcelona offering lower fares.
While price is an important factor, choosing the best airline to take to Europe involves more than finding the cheapest fare. You’ll want to consider and divide options into two categories: premium and business-class airlines and the best budget airlines for flying to Europe from the US.
Premium and business airlines
If you’re wondering what is the most comfortable airline to fly to Europe, this section will help clear up your doubts. Premium and business-class airlines offer a superior flying experience, particularly for long-haul routes between the US and Europe.
Singapore Airlines, based in Singapore, is globally renowned for its exceptional service and luxurious flying experience. As a premium airline, it sets the bar high with innovative cabin designs and attention to details.
The airline operates flights to several European destinations, including major cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Known for having some of the most spacious seats in the skies, their business and first-class seats convert into fully flat beds, ensuring a restful journey. The cabins, available on routes such as New York to Frankfurt and Houston to Manchester, feature a spacious 1-2-1 configuration, which enhances personal space and comfort during the flight.
Singapore Airlines also offers access to premium airport lounges depending on the departure location. Passengers departing from New York can relax in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, while those flying from Houston can enjoy the Polaris Lounge.
Emirates, based in Dubai, is one of the largest and most luxurious airlines in the world. With an extensive network of routes connecting the US and Europe, Emirates is renowned for its high level of service, exceptional comfort, and top-tier entertainment options. As a premium airline, Emirates has become famous for its innovative cabin features, particularly in business and first class, which include private suites and exclusive services designed to enhance the travel experience.
One of Emirates' most iconic aircraft is the Airbus A380, known for its spacious and luxurious business-class offerings. Flying business class on the A380 is an experience in itself, featuring state-of-the-art comfort and exclusive amenities. Passengers enjoy gourmet meals paired with complimentary champagne to kick off their journey in style. The business-class menu offers a variety of world-inspired dishes, all prepared with the highest-quality ingredients.
Based in London, British Airways is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom and one of the largest airlines in Europe. Known for its premium service, British Airways stands out not only for its comfort and excellent customer care but also for its extensive network of transatlantic routes. It offers numerous flights connecting major US cities to key destinations across Europe, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.
One of the airline’s most notable innovations is its "Club World" business class. This cabin class ensures a superior flying experience, particularly on long-haul flights between the US and Europe. Passengers in Club World can enjoy fully flat beds, direct aisle access, 18.5-inch entertainment screens, and luxurious bedding designed for maximum comfort.
Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, is renowned for its reliability and high standard of quality. Based in Frankfurt and Munich, Lufthansa offers premium service that blends German efficiency with the comfort of modern cabins, making it a top choice for transatlantic travel between the US and Europe.
Lufthansa provides four service classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class. Economy passengers enjoy complimentary meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment, while those flying in First Class experience an entirely elevated journey. First Class travelers benefit from personal assistants, access to exclusive First Class lounges, and even a limousine service from the lounge to the aircraft. Onboard, they are treated to gourmet culinary delights and a selection of fine wines. Additionally, Lufthansa has a strong record in terms of safety and punctuality, further enhancing its reputation as a reliable airline.
Cheapest ways to fly to Europe from the US
In our search for the best airlines from the USA to Europe, it’s essential to consider low-cost carriers, as for many travelers, ticket price is the most important factor. Several budget airlines offer affordable flights between the US and Europe, making international travel more accessible.
Advice on saving money when flying transatlantic to Europe from the US.
If the Going.com site we just mentioned caught your attention, let us give you some more information. The Going.com website offers a service specialized in alerting users about offers and airfares with great discounts. Its main proposal is to notify you when flights appear at significantly lower prices than usual. These alerts are based on a continuous monitoring of fares and search for promotions and airline offers. They have a free plan with some limitations and different paid plans with more advanced features.
To give you an idea of the costs of traveling to Europe from the United States, we provide below a table with average values. However, it is important to keep in mind that many parameters can make your trip far from these values, such as the anticipation with which you take the flight, the city of origin in the United States, the destination city in Europe, the precise dates of the flight, the number of stopovers you are willing to take or the airline you choose among many other factors.
Season | France (euros) | Germany(euros) | Italy (euros) | Spain (euros) | Denmark (euros) |
Summer | 1100 | 1050 | 1150 | 1000 | 1200 |
Spring | 800 | 780 | 820 | 790 | 850 |
Autumn | 850 | 830 | 880 | 820 | 900 |
Winter | 750 | 720 | 760 | 710 | 780 |
Vueling is a low-cost airline based in Spain, known for offering affordable flights within Europe and select intercontinental routes. While Vueling is not a major transatlantic carrier, it plays an important role in connecting passengers to Europe from the US through key airport hubs, thanks to its partnerships with other airlines in the International Airlines Group (IAG). Vueling’s focus is on providing budget-friendly fares, with additional services available for purchase, allowing passengers to customise their travel experience based on their needs and budget.
- Website: vueling.com
- Mail: contactus@vueling.com
- Phone: +1 202 695 8708
Eurowings is a low-cost airline from Germany and part of the Lufthansa Group. It focuses on providing competitive fares for flights within Europe as well as select long-haul destinations, including transatlantic routes between the US and Europe. Many of Eurowings' long-haul flights depart from Frankfurt, connecting passengers to US cities such as Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Orlando.
- Website: eurowings.com
- Phone: (+49) 02 21 59 98 82 22
Level is a low-cost airline based in Barcelona, Spain, and part of the International Airlines Group (IAG). The airline focuses on providing affordable fares for long-haul flights, including direct routes between the US and Europe. Popular routes include flights from Barcelona and Paris to major US cities such as New York and Boston. Level is an excellent option for travellers seeking budget-friendly transatlantic flights without sacrificing essential comfort.
- Website: flylevel.com
- Phone: +1 646 585 9797
Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland, based in Dublin. While it operates as a traditional airline, Aer Lingus focuses on offering competitive fares for transatlantic routes between the US and Europe. The airline connects multiple US cities with Dublin and provides convenient connections to other European destinations. Known for its quality service and reasonable pricing, Aer Lingus is a great option for travellers seeking a reliable and affordable transatlantic flight.
- Website: aerlingus.com
- Phone: 1 (516) 622-4222, Phone: (+352) 34 20 80 90 55
Buying an airline ticket to go from the United States to Europe is not always an easy task, the high cost of the tickets makes it necessary to make a good plan so you can get the best fares. Part of that planning involves considering the various features you want for your flight, such as the number of layovers, the importance of loyalty programs, in-flight comfort, access to VIP lounges, and other factors that can enhance your travel experience.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve provided an overview of some of the top premium airlines, as well as budget-friendly options. Now, it’s up to you to weigh your needs against your budget and use the tips we've provided to find the airline and ticket that best suits your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far in advance should I book a flight to get the best deal?
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Source: internationalfamilylife.com, quellecompagnie.com, es.wikipedia.org, myglobalviewpoint.com, myglobalviewpoint.com, thriftytraveler.com, media.hopper.com, explore.com, singaporeair.com, emirates.com, thepointsguy.com, nerdwallet.com, report.lufthansagroup.com, miles-and-more.com, media.hopper.com, eurowings.com, es.wikipedia.org, aerlingus.com
We took photos from these sources: Eva Darron on Unsplash