Transport and driving

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.

Table of content

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.

Here are some key factors to consider when planning your journey:

Pricing and flexibility

Evaluate not only the ticket price but also the airline’s policies on cancellations or changes, especially if your travel plans are uncertain.

Flight duration and routes

Opt for airlines that offer direct flights or shorter layovers to reduce your overall travel time.

Comfort and cabin features

Focus on airlines that prioritise passenger comfort with features like more legroom and in-flight entertainment, which are essential for long-haul flights.

Baggage Policies

Be mindful of each airline’s baggage allowance and fees, some carriers offer more generous checked luggage options than others.

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.

+30

airlines offering direct flights between the US and Europe

7 to 11

hours is the typical duration of direct flights between the US and Europe

300 to 500

euros is average round-trip fares during the off-season

850 to 1,100

euros is average round-trip fares during peak season

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.

More comfort

Premium airlines provide more spacious seating and specialised cabin configurations, especially in business and first class.

Personal service

Passengers flying with premium airlines enjoy more personalised service, including attentive customer care and access to high-quality meals and beverages. Some carriers even provide luxury amenity kits, which add a touch of indulgence to your journey.

VIP Lounge

One of the standout perks of flying with premium airlines is access to exclusive airport lounges. These lounges offer added comfort, with private spaces to relax or work, as well as complimentary meals and beverages.

Loyalty promotion

Premium airlines also offer robust loyalty programs, allowing frequent flyers to accumulate miles and enjoy additional benefits.

Singapore Airlines

Emirates

British Airways

Lufthansa

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.

Book in advance

Purchasing your tickets 4 to 8 months before your trip can save you up to 20% on airfare. Planning early is key to getting the best price. You can always take refundable tickets!

Be flexible on dates

Flights are often cheaper during the week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoiding holidays and weekends can help you secure a better deal.

Use price alerts

Services like Google Flights or Going.com allow you to set up price alerts for your desired routes, notifying you when fares drop.

Consider alternative airports

Flying into less busy or nearby airports can often save you money. Once you arrive, you can take budget-friendly internal flights or other transportation to your final destination in Europe.

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.

Prices

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

Eurowings

Level

Aer Lingus

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.