7 Best Airlines to Fly to Europe in 2025

When flying from the U.S. to Europe, the choice of airline can have an impact on the overall travel experience. Be it seat comfort, flight duration, ticket prices, or loyalty perks, each airline offers a distinct set of benefits. Additionally, factors such as aircraft type, layover options, and alliance partners are all vital when selecting the most suitable air carrier, since the preferences vary from traveler to traveler. To help in choosing the most suitable carrier, this guide combines estimated fares and traveler reviews. This will enable the passengers to make an informed decision.

Top 3 US-based Airlines with Direct Flights to Europe

There are several US-based airlines that offer direct flights from the USA to Europe, serving various cities, including London, Paris, Munich, and Rome, among others. These different carriers offer a variety of perks. The following is a simple breakdown of these carriers:

1. Delta Airlines

Delta Air Lines is one of the top US carriers known for its excellent service and modern fleet. Its major hubs include Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), and Seattle (SEA). As a key member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta partners with airlines like Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic to provide global connectivity.

Most travelers prefer this carrier for its reliability, safety, and affordable prices. Also, as part of its premium package, this airline offers Delta One, which provides lie-flat seats, customised meals, and access to the Sky Club lounge. Here are a few example fares on routes provided by Delta, one of the best airlines to Europe from the USA.

Note: These are the approximate fares and are subject to change at any time.

2. United Airlines

One of the best airlines to fly from the US to Europe is United Airlines, with its major hubs in Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO), and Dulles (IAD). United Airlines is the founding member of the Star Alliance, and it is partnered with carriers like ANA, Lufthansa, Swiss, Avianca, Air New Zealand, and Air Canada, among others.

This carrier is popular among travelers for its systematic and reliable route network combined with good customer service. It also offers a special class, Polaris, for luxury travel. This class features flat seats and elevated dining, suitable for long-haul flights. The following table shows sample fares of United Airlines:

3. American Airlines

American Airlines, though not as popular as Delta or United, is still the best airline to take to Europe, in terms of its partner network and prices. Major hubs of this carrier include Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), Phoenix (PHX), and Atlanta (ATL).

Along with being a founding partner of Oneworld, American Airlines has codeshare agreements with British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Finnair, and Royal Air Maroc. Its example fares are as follows:

Top 4 Leading International Airlines Flying to Europe

Certain international carriers provide connecting flights to Europe with stops in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Although these flights involve longer travel times, they are more economical. Some of the best transatlantic airlines include Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and Air Canada, among others.

Note: The fares mentioned below are estimated and are subject to change at any time by the carrier. 

1. Lufthansa

Lufthansa is the flag carrier of Germany. It is the best airline for transatlantic flights when it comes to comfort and safety. It operates both Airbus A350 and Boeing 747-8 aircraft. Its main hubs include Frankfurt and Munich, while its partner carriers include United, Swiss, and American Airlines. Some of its sample fares include:

2. Air France

Known to be the national carrier of France, Air France provides connectivity to different locations within Europe. With Paris Charles de Gaulle as its main hub, Air France provides some of the best flights from the USA to Europe. This carrier is preferred by passengers due to its service, maintenance, upgraded fleet, and safety. Delta and KLM are its primary partners. It offers accessible prices, the sample fares of which are given below:

3. British Airways

Many passengers regard British Airways as the best airline to fly to Europe owing to its extensive route network, clear itineraries, and minimal layovers. This carrier utilizes its modern fleet, combining Airbus and Boeing aircraft, to provide a safe and comfortable experience to its travelers. Partnered with Iberia and American Airlines, British Airways has its primary hub located in London. Some of its sample fares include:

4. Air Canada

Air Canada is one of the safest airlines from the USA to Europe, which is currently partnered with United, Lufthansa, and Swiss. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver form its main hubs, covering a larger travel area. Many passengers have reported that this carrier hosts clean cabins, professional service, and competitive pricing. The following are the sample fares:

Final Thoughts

There is no one best airline to fly to Europe, as different passengers prioritize different aspects. Travelers can make a choice based on their personal preferences, be it affordability, comfort, safety, or reliability. Carefully consider the route network and the connectivity as well to choose the option that is most suitable for you.

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