Best Flights to Greece in 2026 (My 8 Favorite Airlines from the US)

643

Greece hits different when the flights go smooth. No brutal layovers, no mystery fees, no landing exhausted before you even see the Acropolis.

For this guide, I analyzed 100 routes from major U.S. airports and compared the airlines that actually run them well. I looked at things like total travel time, connection quality, onboard comfort, baggage rules, reliability, and how easy the whole trip feels.

I’ve been to 73 countries, and I’ve done Greece three times, including island hops and shoulder-season trips. After enough long-haul flights, you learn fast which airlines make Europe feel easy. Below are my top 8 airlines to fly to Greece in 2026, plus the routes I’d pick first if I were booking today.

Quick comparison of top carriers to Greece for 2026

Before jumping into all the best flight options and tips when flying to Greece, I first wanted to give you the highlights. These are my top 4 airlines to Greece for 2026 based on different types of traveler preferences.

Airline	Best For…	Direct from US?	My Rating
Aegean	Island Connections & Food	No (Connect in EU)	5/5
Emirates	Luxury Experience	Yes (EWR to ATH)	5/5
Delta	Direct Convenience	Yes (JFK/ATL/BOS)	4/5
Turkish	Free Stopover Tours	No (Via IST)	4.5/5

2026 Travel Alerts: New Routes & Entry Rules

Before you book, there are three major changes coming in 2026 that will affect your trip to Greece. I want you to be prepared so you aren’t stuck in line or missing out on a direct flight.

1. New Route Alert: American Airlines from Dallas (DFW)

Big news for 2026: American Airlines is launching a brand new daily nonstop flight from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Athens (ATH) starting May 2026. This is a game-changer if you live in the Midwest or West Coast, as you can now skip the chaotic transfers at JFK or Newark.

If you are loyal to United Airlines, don’t worry…they are continuing their daily summer nonstops from Newark (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD). However, early pricing for Summer 2026 suggests United might be pricier than Delta this year, so compare closely.

2. The New “EES” Entry System (Expect Delays)

While the “ETIAS” visa waiver fee has been pushed back to late 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be in full effect by summer. This means you will no longer just get a stamp in your passport. Instead, you will need to scan your fingerprints and have your photo taken at a digital kiosk upon arrival in Athens.

My Tip: Since this is new technology, expect longer immigration lines at Athens International Airport. Don’t book a connecting flight to the islands (like Santorini or Naxos) with less than a 3-hour layover, just to be safe.

3. Crete’s New Airport is Delayed

If you read that the fancy new Heraklion International Airport (Kasteli) would be open for your 2026 trip, I have bad news: it has been delayed until 2027. You will still be flying into the old Heraklion (HER) airport, which is notoriously crowded in July and August. I recommend booking a morning arrival to beat the heat (and the crowds).

My #1 tip to find cheap flights to Greece

Looking to score the cheapest flights to Greece? Here’s the trick: for the past 5 years, I’ve been using Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find deals, saving $5,000+ each year in airfare. This past year alone, I booked a roundtrip from Boston to Athens for just $542, and I regularly save around $350 on international flights from their email alerts.

Want to try it yourself? Just plug in your home airport and destination, and Going will send you the latest mistake fares and deals straight to your inbox…for free!

If you’re flying more than once this year, their premium membership at $49 a year pays for itself after just one flight. I highly recommend trying the 14-day free trial to see if you like it. And if you do, use my code Jon25 for 25% off!

Best Airlines to Fly to Greece in 2026: Carriers with the Best Flights to Greece

From the Acropolis of Athens to the gorgeous beaches of Crete, and the mesmerizing sunsets of Santorini, Greece is an absolute gem that deserves to be on your 2026 hit list. Its unique blend of historic glory, modern attractions, and natural majesty is irresistible. Home to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe as well as some of the most beautiful islands in the world, it’s no wonder that the country sees more than 30 million visitors every year. Here are all the top airlines that fly to Greece that you should know about:

1. 🇬🇷 Aegean Airlines

• 🏛️ Hub: Athens International Airport (ATH)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles+Bonus – part of Star Alliance
• 🥂 Perks: Authentic Greek cuisine, generous baggage allowance, excellent regional connectivity
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book their “Flex” fare option which allows unlimited changes and cancellations, perfect for flexible Greek island-hopping plans.

Aegean Airlines is not just the flag carrier of Greece, it’s also one of the most respected airlines in Southern Europe. With their fleet of Airbus A320neo and A321neo, Aegean offers convenient connections to Athens from major European hubs where you can connect from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Washington (IAD) via their Star Alliance partners. 

Flying Business Class? You’re in for a real Mediterranean treat: spacious seats with enhanced legroom, priority services, and premium dining that’ll make the journey fly by. Even their Economy Class brings its A-game with redesigned ergonomic seats and complimentary meals featuring Greek specialties that’ll have you feeling like you’re already at a taverna in Santorini.

What really sets Aegean Airlines apart is how they infuse that authentic Greek touch into everything they do. Sip on complimentary Greek wines, savor traditional Greek cuisine, and experience that famous Greek hospitality before you even land. Plus, economy passengers can check one free bag on all flights, so you’ll have room for all those souvenirs.

The airline’s Miles+Bonus loyalty program is your secret weapon if you know how to work it. Tap into those sweet Star Alliance benefits to score reward flights, upgrades, and even partner flights on airlines like United, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. Booking during their “Miles Bonus Offers” promos can unlock major savings (especially during shoulder season).

• Read next: My Greek Island Hopping Guide

2. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏛️ Hubs: Newark (EWR), Washington-Dulles (IAD), Chicago (ORD)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus®, United Premium Plus®, United Polaris® business class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus – part of Star Alliance
• 🥂 Perks: Best-in-class mobile app for changes, Polaris Lounges (sit-down dining), new “Polaris Suite” privacy doors
• 💡 Pro Tip: RIP to the famous “Excursionist Perk,” which ended in late 2025. Instead, use the United App to pre-order your inflight meal up to 24 hours in advance—the Greek chicken bowl runs out fast!

United Airlines is often the most convenient option for East Coasters, with massive gateways in Newark (EWR) and Washington D.C. (IAD) that offer daily summer nonstops to Athens. Unlike some European carriers that require a connection, United gets you there directly. It’s honestly a lifesaver when you’re hauling luggage for a two-week island trip.

If you splurge for United Polaris business class, you are looking at one of the best sleep experiences in the sky. They partner with Saks Fifth Avenue for bedding (yes, you get a duvet and gel pillow) and provide amenity kits from Therabody. Plus, if you fly the newer Dreamliners in 2026, you might catch the new “Polaris Suites” which finally feature fully closing privacy doors.

If you are flying business class, do not just show up at the gate. Get to the airport 3 hours early. The Polaris lounges (at EWR, ORD, and IAD) feature “The Dining Room,” a full-service sit-down restaurant with table service that is completely free. Having a proper breakfast and a mimosa before boarding makes the 10-hour flight feel much shorter.

For economy travelers, Economy Plus is worth the upgrade fee for the extra 4 inches of legroom, especially on the flight back when you’re fighting post-vacation blues. And while the beloved “Excursionist Perk” (free stopovers) is technically gone for new award bookings as of late 2025, United’s vast Star Alliance network still makes it easy to use miles to hop from Athens to Santorini on Aegean Airlines on the same ticket.

3. 🇦🇪 Emirates

• 🌆 Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards
• 🥂 Perks: Complimentary chauffeur service, onboard lounge, shower spa (First)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Look for fifth freedom routes via Athens (ATH) for great deals to Greece

Emirates stands out as a luxury gateway to Greece with their sleek Athens connection. Though not based in Europe, their daily flights from Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH) offer one of the most opulent ways to reach Greek shores. They operate the impressive Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 on their long-haul routes, bringing a touch of Arabian luxury to your Greek adventure.

Want to feel like Greek royalty before you even land? Their First Class offers private suites with sliding doors, personal minibars, and even an onboard shower spa—talk about arriving fresh. Emirates Business Class passengers enjoy lie-flat beds and access to an onboard lounge where you can mingle with fellow travelers. Meanwhile, the newly introduced Premium Economy gives you extra legroom and wider seats without the business class price tag.

When flying Emirates to Greece, prepare for entertainment overload. Their award-winning ICE system features over 4,500 channels of movies, TV shows, and games that’ll make your flight time disappear faster than a plate of loukoumades at a Greek festival. Their catering is equally impressive, with multi-course meals and a wine selection that would make Dionysus proud.

The Emirates Skywards program lets you earn miles that never expire, a huge plus for occasional travelers. Use those miles for upgrades or reward flights across their global network. Pro travelers book during their “Special Offers” periods, when you can snag seats to Athens with serious discounts or bonus miles. 

---

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

---

4. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏙️ Hub: London Heathrow (LHR)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club Europe/World), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios) and Oneworld alliance
• 🍰 Perks: British afternoon tea service, Galleries lounges, fast connections to Greek islands
• 💡 Pro Tip: Use Avios for short-haul flights from London to Greek destinations for amazing value

British Airways brings a touch of British sophistication to your Greek getaway. With frequent flights from major US cities, they offer smooth connections to Athens (ATH) and numerous Greek islands including Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), and Corfu (CFU) through their fleet, which includes the modern Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Looking for that sweet spot between luxury and affordability? Their World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) delivers with wider seats, additional legroom, and enhanced dining options. Step up to Club World (Business Class) for fully flat beds on long-haul flights and dedicated lounge access. The real game changer is their convenient network of flights from London to Greek destinations, making island hopping a breeze.

True British charm defines their onboard experience, from proper afternoon tea with scones to refreshing G&Ts before landing. Their updated food menus feature fresh, seasonal ingredients across all cabins. Plus, economy passengers get one free checked bag, so you can pack extra sandals for those beach hopping.

The Executive Club loyalty program uses Avios points, which are perfect for short European flights. Collect them through credit card partners like Chase or American Express and book flights to Greek islands from London for as little as 4,500 to 11,000 points one-way. Their “Reward Flight Saver” promotions reduce fees significantly, making British Airways an ideal option for Greek island-hopping adventures.

5. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏛️ Hubs: Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and NEW! Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Flagship® Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage – part of Oneworld
• 🥂 Perks: Flagship® Lounges, Casper bedding, massive earning potential without flying
• 💡 Pro Tip: The new 2026 flight from Dallas (DFW) is the furthest west nonstop to Athens from the US. If you live in LA, Phoenix, or Vegas, routing through Dallas is much faster than flying all the way to Philly or New York first.

American Airlines is making a massive play for Greece in 2026 with their brand new daily nonstop from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Athens, launching May 21, 2026. This is a game-changer for anyone living in the Midwest or West Coast who hates the “double connect” game. They also run reliable seasonal routes from Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), and New York (JFK).

In Flagship® Business, American focuses on comfort with lie-flat seats and an exclusive partnership with Casper for bedding (mattress pads and pillows are standard). Their amenity kits are designed by Raven + Lily and feature skincare by Joanna Vargas, adding a nice touch of luxury to the long hop across the Atlantic.

What I love about American is how easy it is to earn AAdvantage status without actually flying. Their “Loyalty Points” system means you can earn status just by using their shopping portal or credit cards. If you plan it right, you could earn Platinum Pro status from your grocery shopping before your trip, unlocking Flagship® Lounge access and free upgrades to “Main Cabin Extra” for more legroom on the flight to Greece.

Speaking of lounges, if you are flying Business or have top-tier status, the Flagship Lounges in Dallas and JFK are incredible. I love how they offer chef-inspired meals and a premium wine table that puts standard airline clubs to shame. It’s the perfect place to toast to your upcoming Greek adventure before you even step on the plane.

6. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines

• 🌉 Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles and Star Alliance
• 🍽️ Perks: Award-winning catering, free Istanbul stopover program, extensive Greek destination network
• 💡 Pro Tip: Use their free TourIstanbul program for layovers over 6 hours to see top sights with free guided tours

Turkish Airlines gives you Greece with a bonus Istanbul adventure thrown in. Their massive hub connects 11 US cities to 15+ Greek destinations, making them a solid choice for reaching lesser-known Greek spots. The real win? You can stop in Istanbul for up to a week at no extra airfare cost and even score a free hotel for longer layovers.

Turkish Business Class is legendary for having actual chefs on board preparing restaurant-quality meals. Even in Economy, you’ll get hot meals, personal entertainment screens, and amenity kits other airlines reserve for premium cabins. Roundtrip fares typically range from $700-$1,200 in Economy and $2,800-$3,500 in Business, often beating direct flight prices.

What sets Turkish apart is their consistent quality across all aspects of the journey. Their new Istanbul airport features stunning architecture, efficient connections, and decent lounges accessible with Priority Pass. Their planes are mostly new, with modern interiors and good legroom even in the back of the bus.

The Miles&Smiles program flies under the radar but offers serious value. You can book awards from the US to Greece for just 30,000 miles in Economy or 45,000 in Business one-way. Keep an eye out for their transfer bonuses with credit card programs and their “Stopover Special Offers” with discounted hotel packages in both Istanbul and Greek cities.

7. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa

• 🏢 Hubs: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More and Star Alliance
• 🛋️ Perks: Precise German efficiency, extensive lounge network, reliable connections
• 💡 Pro Tip: Munich connections often offer shorter layovers and less walking than Frankfurt

Lufthansa brings legendary German reliability to your Greek vacation plans. With departures from 20 US gateways including Charlotte (CLT), Denver (DEN), and Detroit (DTW), they connect through their Frankfurt and Munich hubs to Athens and seasonal service to Greek islands. Their fleet includes the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747-8 aircraft, with newer A350s operating on select routes.

Going all out? Their First Class offers an exclusive terminal in Frankfurt with private car transfers to your aircraft. Lufthansa Business Class features direct aisle access seats and extensive wine selections curated by Master Sommeliers. The Premium Economy cabin provides 50% more space than regular Economy at prices typically just 30% higher, making it one of the best values in premium travel to Greece.

Lufthansa’s punctuality and efficiency extend to their inflight service. Expect precisely delivered meals with German and Mediterranean influences, attentive but never intrusive service, and clean, well-maintained cabins. Their extensive Star Alliance network means smooth connections and often just one quick stop between most US cities and your Greek destination. 

The Miles & More program offers good redemption rates to Greece, though fuel surcharges can be steep. Watch for their quarterly “Mileage Bargains” promotions, which discount award tickets by up to 50%. 

• Read next: Best Airlines for First Class Travelers

8. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways

• 🏙️ Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Qsuite), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club and Oneworld
• 🌟 Perks: World’s best business class, generous baggage allowance, Doha stopover packages
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book their evening departures from Doha to Athens that arrive in the morning, maximizing your first day in Greece.

Qatar Airways provides a luxurious path to Greece that savvy travelers swear by. Operating from 12 US cities including Philadelphia (PHL), Dallas (DFW), and Seattle (SEA) through their ultramodern Doha hub, they offer daily connections to Athens and seasonal service to Mykonos (JMK) and Santorini (JTR). Their fleet stars the Airbus A350and Boeing 777 equipped with their game-changing Qsuites.

Their Qsuite Business Class has revolutionized premium travel with private suites featuring closing doors and seats that convert into double beds for couples. The “quad” center section can even transform into a four-person family or meeting space. In Economy, passengers enjoy wider seats with generous pitch and thoughtful touches like phone holders and laptop power at every seat.

The Qatar experience shines brightest in their meticulous attention to detail. From welcome drinks served in real glassware in Economy to Business Class dine-on-demand service where you can order anything from the menu anytime during the flight. Their signature Arabic hospitality creates a warm atmosphere without feeling forced. 

Their revamped Privilege Club program now offers better value with Avios points and regular promotions like their “Travel Festival” sales with companion tickets and bonus miles. Their complimentary Doha stopover program includes hotel stays for as little as $14 per night, allowing you to experience two distinct cultures on your way to Greece.

7. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🌃 Hubs: New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles and SkyTeam
• 🍹 Perks: Direct seasonal flights to Athens, reliable operations, free messaging wifi
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book Delta-operated flights for better service than their European partners

Delta Air Lines offers that all-American way to reach the Greek isles. Their seasonal nonstop from JFK to Athens gets you from bagel to gyro in just under 10 hours, skipping the headache of European connections. 

Comfort seekers will appreciate their Premium Select cabin, which provides wider seats, extended recline, leg rests, and enhanced dining at a price point between Economy and Business. Delta One business class features fully flat beds and personalized service, while Comfort+ gives budget travelers extra legroom and priority boarding for a modest upgrade fee over standard Main Cabin.

The Delta difference lies in their consistently solid service and reliability. Their Athens flights boast industry-leading on-time performance and among the lowest cancellation rates of transatlantic routes. Their refreshed catering now includes Greek-inspired dishes on Athens routes and free wine in all cabins. Their inflight entertainment offers thousands of hours of content on seatback screens, plus free messaging wifi. 

The SkyMiles program, while often criticized for dynamic pricing, shines with frequent flash sales to Europe. Watch for deals to ancient Athens for as low as 32,000 miles roundtrip in Economy. Their “Delta Vacations” packages can also provide substantial savings when bundling flights with hotels in popular Greek destinations like Santorini or Mykonos.

• Read Next: 16 Affordable Places to Fly from NYC

8. 🇮🇪 Ryanair

• 🏛️ Hubs: Multiple European bases including London Stansted (STN), Milan (MXP), Rome (FCO)
• ✈️ Cabin Options: Standard, Plus
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: None traditional, but offers Ryanair Credit Card
• 💰 Perks: Ultra-low fares, extensive Greek destination network, frequent flights
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book separate tickets to a major European hub, then connect to Ryanair for massive savings

Ryanair is the budget traveler’s secret weapon for exploring Greece. While they don’t fly from the US, combining a transatlantic flight to cities like London, Rome, or Frankfurt with a Ryanair connection creates an affordable path to over 20 Greek destinations including lesser-known gems like Chania (CHQ), Kefalonia (EFL), and Preveza (PVK).

Their stripped-down service model keeps fares incredibly low, with flights within Europe often priced at $30-$100 one-way. The Standard fare includes only a small personal item, while Ryanair Plus bundles priority boarding, two bags, and seat selection. The seats don’t recline and legroom is tight, but for short European hops to the Greek islands, the savings can be well worth the compromise.

Ryanair serves more Greek airports than any other airline, with multiple daily flights during summer season. This creates flexibility that traditional carriers can’t match for island hopping. Their rigid on-time focus means punctual departures, getting you to those stunning Greek beaches without delays. The full cost for a combined trip from the US typically ranges from $600-$1,100 roundtrip.

While Ryanair lacks a traditional loyalty program, their Ryanair Credit Card offers flight credits toward future travel. Their “Fare Finder” tool also displays the cheapest dates to fly, and their “Price Alerts” feature notifies you when fares drop to your desired Greek destination. 

• Read Next: Cheap First Class Flights