Trust me, getting to Athens doesn’t have to drain your bank account or leave you feeling like a cramped sardine. After multiple trips to Greece, I’ve cracked the code on which airlines offer that sweet spot between comfort and value. Whether you’re dreaming of perfect gyros or sunset views over ancient ruins, the journey there should be part of the excitement, not something to endure.
Before you start planning your adventures to the best places in Athens, let me share which airlines will get you there without breaking the bank. I analyzed over 100 popular flight routes to Athens from around the world, considering factors like the amenities, pricing, seat comfort/legroom, and on-time performance. Here are the airlines that’ll start your Greek adventure right without emptying your souvlaki budget.
Quick tip to find cheap flights to Athens
Looking for cheap flights to Athens right now? Before diving into all the airlines that fly to Athens, I first want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.
For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $397 roundtrip fare from Boston to Athens.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Athens flights in 2025.
Top Airlines for a Smooth and Affordable Trip to Athens
Looking for the airlines for a smooth and affordable trip to Athens? Fly with Aegean Airlines for excellent regional service, enjoy global connectivity with Delta, experience top-tier comfort with Turkish Airlines, or choose American Airlines for reliable transatlantic flights. Whether you’re after affordability or a seamless travel experience, these airlines offer great options for your trip to Athens.
1. 🇬🇷 Aegean Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles+Bonus — Star Alliance network
- ☕ Perks: Widest Athens network, cultural familiarity, elevated experience
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Skip the fully flexible fare and go for “GoLight+Bag.” For about $30 more than basic Economy, you get a 50-pound checked bag that would otherwise cost up to $60 on its own.
No airline knows Athens like Aegean Airlines. As Greece’s national carrier, they connect more than 40 cities across Europe directly to the capital and do it with a level of polish and hospitality that feels anything but budget.
From the moment you board, it’s clear you’re flying with a local expert. Crew members greet passengers with warm, genuine smiles, and their crisp blue-and-white uniforms subtly reflect the Greek flag. Aegean’s modern A320neo and A321neo aircraft are fitted with comfortable leather seats, USB ports, and personal device holders. What really stands out is the food. While most airlines charge for mediocre sandwiches, Aegean still serves complimentary hot meals with Greek ingredients and even offers wine on short-haul flights.
Athens International Airport serves as Aeagean’s home base and operates like a well-oiled machine. It’s easy to make connections without needing to re-clear security, and their lounge offers authentic Greek food, wine, showers, and peaceful work areas that rival much larger carriers. If you’ve got a long layover, the city center is just 30 minutes away by direct metro, perfect for squeezing in a quick visit to the Acropolis.
Miles+Bonus offers strong value, especially for short-haul redemptions and Star Alliance partner flights. Economy fares from Europe usually run between $150 and $300 roundtrip, while Business ranges from $400 to $700 depending on season. For travelers coming from North America, Aegean partners with airlines like Lufthansa, United, and Air Canada, making one-stop connections easy and often more affordable than bigger names.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Greece
- Read more: 12 Amazing Experiences in Greece
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!
2. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Boston (BOS)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles — SkyTeam alliance
- ☕ Perks: Direct flights from US, reliable operations, excellent app
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Basic Economy but use the “Move Up” feature in the app 24 hours before departure. Upgrades to Comfort+ often sell for just $200-250 one-way on Athens routes, about half the original fare difference.
Want reliability on your journey to the ancient capital? Delta brings industry-leading operational excellence to Athens with direct seasonal flights from New York JFK and Atlanta, delivering a consistently solid experience that balances comfort with reasonable pricing.
Most Delta flights to Athens now use modern Airbus A330neos, which means quieter cabins, better air quality, and in-seat entertainment that actually helps pass the time. Comfort+ adds extra legroom and early boarding, while Premium Select offers wider seats, upgraded meals, and a more relaxed boarding experience. At the top end, Delta One gives you lie-flat beds, Westin bedding, and plenty of space to stretch out on the long journey.
What sets Delta apart is how well everything flows on the ground. They have a mobile app that lets you track your flight, luggage, and even seat upgrade options in real time. Sky Club lounges in major US hubs serve up a solid pre-flight meal and a good cocktail if you want to start your Greek holiday early. And in Athens, priority baggage means you’re not stuck waiting around when you could already be heading into the city.
✈️ My Go-To Travel Tip:
I use Going.com to find crazy flight deals...($300 roundtrip to Europe kind of crazy).
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SkyMiles may not offer chart-topping redemption values, but their frequent flash sales can deliver Athens tickets for as little as 32,000 miles roundtrip from the US during off-peak periods. Be strategic about aircraft types as Delta’s newer A330-900neos offer substantially better cabins than older aircraft, particularly in premium classes.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to New York
- You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Greece
3. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Istanbul (IST)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles — Star Alliance network
- ☕ Perks: World-class catering, extensive global network, free Istanbul tours
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If your layover in Istanbul is between 6 and 24 hours, sign up for the TourIstanbul program. You’ll get a complimentary guided tour, meals, and transportation, basically a free mini-trip on the way to Athens.
Looking for genuine comfort without premium pricing? Turkish Airlines has perfected the balance between quality and value on their extensive Athens routes, connecting over 120 countries to the Greek capital through their spectacular Istanbul hub.
Even in Economy, Turkish sets itself apart. Seats offer generous legroom, footrests on many aircraft, and amenities like blankets, slippers, and even small toiletry kits that you don’t usually get unless you’re flying Business. Speaking of which, Business Class includes fully flat beds, direct aisle access, onboard chefs, and meals that look more five-star restaurant than airplane tray. Across all cabins, the food is a real standout, thanks to their partnership with DO&CO, one of the most respected airline caterers in the world.
Istanbul’s new airport makes for a spectacular connecting hub, with dramatic architecture and thoughtfully designed transit areas. Business Class passengers enjoy one of the best lounges in the world, complete with live cooking stations, nap suites, showers, and even a golf simulator. Meanwhile, Economy passengers can access comfortable pay-per-use lounges without breaking the bank.
Miles&Smiles offers strong value, especially when redeeming for Business Class with relatively low surcharges. If you want the best onboard experience, aim for flights on the newer Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s, which feature upgraded Business Class cabins.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Turkey
- You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe
4. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage — oneworld alliance
- ☕ Perks: Direct seasonal flights, Flagship lounges, oneworld connections
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Web Special awards during off-peak periods. These can drop as low as 45,000 miles roundtrip in economy and 85,000 in Business.
Looking for a direct ride to Athens with familiar comforts? American Airlines offers seasonal nonstop flights from Philadelphia and Chicago, plus year-round one-stop options through oneworld partners like British Airways and Iberia. It’s one of the more accessible ways to get to Greece from across the US.
American’s Athens routes usually use the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is a big win. You get seatback screens, USB and AC outlets, and a quieter, more comfortable cabin overall. Business Class has fully flat beds with aisle access and legit bedding from Casper. Premium Economy isn’t bad either. We’re talking wider seats, better meals, and more legroom without going all-in on Business. In Economy, it’s still a pretty decent ride, especially if you can grab a Main Cabin Extra seat.
On the ground, the experience depends on where you’re flying from. Philly and Chicago both have Flagship Lounges, which means better food, quieter seating, and a solid place to unwind if you’re flying up front. In Athens, premium passengers can skip the longer immigration lines thanks to fast-track arrival lanes, which helps a lot during the summer crowds.
Miles-wise, AAdvantage is a great way to book this route. Web Specials pop up often, especially in shoulder seasons, and the savings can be huge. Regular cash fares usually run between $650-900 in Main Cabin and $1,800-2,800 in Business.
5. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Hub: Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Signature Class)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan — Star Alliance network
- ☕ Perks: Competitive fares, excellent premium cabins, stopover options
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book a “Latitude” fare if you’re eyeing an upgrade. It’s fully refundable, includes seat selection, and you can jump to business class with just 11,500 Aeroplan points, far less than the standard 40,000+.
If you’re heading to Athens from Canada, Air Canada is hard to beat. They offer direct seasonal flights from Toronto and Montreal, plus year-round one-stop options through Europe that often cost less than similar routes on US airlines.
The experience onboard is noticeably better than it used to be. Air Canada’s Dreamliners and A330s flying to Athens come with modern interiors, personal screens at every seat, power outlets, and soft lighting to ease the jet lag. Premium Economy gives you wider seats, more legroom, and upgraded meals. And if you’re flying Signature Class, you’re looking at lie-flat pods, turndown service, and multi-course meals that actually feel special.
Toronto and Montreal also make for efficient connecting hubs with US pre-clearance facilities for return journeys, meaning American travelers clear US immigration before departure and arrive home as domestic passengers. The Maple Leaf Lounges offer substantial food options, barista coffee, and shower facilities for premium passengers and Star Alliance elite members.
Roundtrip fares from North America usually fall between $650-900 in Economy and $1,800-2,800 in Business during sales. Aeroplan is a good loyalty program, especially after its revamp. It works well for upgrades, and they run regular bonuses if you’re transferring points from a credit card.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Canada
6. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Newark (EWR), Washington (IAD), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Polaris Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus — Star Alliance network
- ☕ Perks: Direct seasonal flights, newest aircraft, extensive partnerships
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book premium cabins on their 767-300s instead of their 787s to Athens. While the 787 is a newer aircraft overall, the 767s feature a more spacious 1-1-1 Polaris business configuration that’s significantly more private
Looking for the most direct path to ancient Athens from America? United offers seasonal nonstop service from Newark and Washington Dulles to the Greek capital, with competitively priced year-round options through their extensive European partnerships.
United’s Athens flights typically feature their best long-haul aircraft. Premium Plus offers a true premium economy experience with wider seats, more legroom, and better food and drinks than what you’d get in regular Economy. Polaris Business Class brings lie-flat pods with direct aisle access, Saks bedding, and multi-course meals that sometimes feature Greek-inspired touches. Economy doesn’t fall short either as passengers get seat-back screens, power outlets, and even full meal service.
United’s Polaris lounges at Newark and Dulles stand out. These are full-service lounges with restaurant-style dining, cocktails, showers, and quiet spaces for relaxing before a long overnight flight. Once in Athens, United’s Star Alliance partners make it easy to connect to islands like Santorini or historical spots like Delphi without switching airlines.
MileagePlus is solid for award redemptions too. Saver awards typically start at 30,000 miles one-way in Economy and 70,000 in Business, and their dynamic pricing sometimes brings that even lower during off-peak periods.
7. 🇮🇹 ITA Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Volare — SkyTeam alliance
- ☕ Perks: Mediterranean-focused service, Rome/Milan stopover options, frequent sales
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Skip the “Light” fare and go for “Classic” instead. For just $70-90 more roundtrip, you’ll get a checked bag, seat selection, and flexibility to change dates.
ITA Airways brings a fresh dose of Italian style to the skies. As Alitalia’s successor, they’ve modernized while keeping the flair. Think cabins designed by top Italian fashion houses, espresso in the air, and meals that taste like they came from a Roman trattoria. The Economy service here even includes Italian wines and regional dishes, while Business Class upgrades that to multi-course meals and barista-quality coffee. Everything feels curated and intentionally designed, with cabin crew offering a warm, personal touch.
Frequent flights from Rome and Milan to Athens make it easy to tack on a short Italian getaway. In fact, ITA’s stopover program allows stays of up to three days without raising the fare, which is ideal for travelers looking to explore both countries. Premium passengers benefit from fast-track lanes at FCO and MXP, while the recently updated Casa ITA lounges provide real meals, excellent coffee, and showers to recharge between flights.
Volare, ITA’s loyalty program, works across the SkyTeam network and offers decent redemption value for a newer system. For maximum value, watch for the airline’s monthly “World Days” flash sales, when Athens routes occasionally drop below $100 roundtrip from Italy.
8. 🇬🇧 easyJet
- 🏠 Hub: London (LGW, LTN), Milan (MXP), Berlin (BER), Paris (CDG, ORY)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only (with “Up Front” and “Extra Legroom” options)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: easyJet Plus (subscription program)
- ☕ Perks: Extensive European network, multiple daily Athens flights, consistent product
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book one of easyJet’s earliest flights of the day to Athens. These morning departures are less prone to delays since aircraft and crew are already positioned, giving you a smoother travel experience.
If you’d rather spend your euros on souvlaki and sunset views than airfare, easyJet is one of the most affordable ways to reach Athens. With direct flights from more than 20 European cities, this budget powerhouse offers access to Greece that’s as easy as the name suggests.
Despite the low fares, easyJet’s experience is more polished than you might expect. Their all-Airbus fleet has a consistent layout with slimline seats, decent 29-inch legroom, and interiors that are clean and efficiently run. For added comfort, “Extra Legroom” seats in the front and exit rows offer up to 38 inches of pitch, while “Up Front” seats come with priority boarding and dedicated overhead space.
Where easyJet really shines is in frequency and flexibility. Cities like London and Paris benefit from multiple Athens departures per day, offering real choice in flight times whether you’re squeezing in a long weekend or planning a laid-back island-hopping itinerary. And since they operate from main airports, not remote outposts, you’ll land at Athens’ central terminal with direct access to the metro.
For frequent flyers, the easyJet Plus membership pays off quickly by waiving bag and seat selection fees. For everyone else, the à la carte pricing keeps costs low without compromising control. Roundtrip fares to Athens often land between $80 and $200 during sales.
9. 🇬🇧 British Airways
- 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Euro Traveller (Economy), Club Europe (Business)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club — oneworld alliance
- ☕ Perks: Frequent daily flights, London stopover options, lounge network
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book the “Hand Baggage Only” fare and add a checked bag separately if needed. You’ll usually save $20-30 compared to their usual “With Checked Bag” fare.
Want to add a splash of British sophistication to your Greek adventure? British Airways connects London to Athens with multiple daily flights from both Heathrow and Gatwick, offering convenient scheduling and the opportunity to break your journey with a London stopover.
Here, there’s a sense of polish to even short-haul travels. While other airlines have stripped back European service to the basics, BA keeps things elevated with complimentary drinks, leather seats, and attentive crews. In Euro Traveller, you’ll get a standard seat with solid legroom and a more relaxed atmosphere than most budget carriers. Club Europe upgrades the experience with better meals, lounge access, and a blocked middle seat for extra space.
The real standout is BA’s ground experience. Heathrow Terminal 5 remains one of the world’s most impressive airline facilities, with soaring architecture and excellent shopping. Club passengers and oneworld elites access their extensive lounge network featuring hot food options, barista coffee, and premium spirits.
Cash fares typically run $150-300 for Economy and $400-650 for Club Europe, depending on the season. Avios points are great value for flights like these, with redemptions to Athens starting at just 13,000 points roundtrip during off-peak dates.
- Read next: Cheap Flights from the UK
- Read more: 13 Affordable Places to Fly From Birmingham, UK
10. 🇳🇱 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Comfort, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue — SkyTeam alliance
- ☕ Perks: Reliable operations, Amsterdam stopover, miniature houses
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book a “Light” fare and wait to add checked baggage during online check-in. KLM often offers 20-30% off baggage fees at that stage, saving $15-20 per bag.
The world’s oldest operating airline brings Dutch efficiency to Athens routes, with multiple daily connections through their remarkably well-designed Amsterdam hub that makes getting to Greece both comfortable and surprisingly affordable.
KLM isn’t flashy, but that’s part of the charm. Their narrowbody planes come with a clean, no-nonsense cabin layout, decent legroom in standard Economy, and more space in Economy Comfort for travelers who want a little extra breathing room. Business Class on short-haul routes means a blocked middle seat and upgraded meals, but the real standout is the crew — always friendly, efficient, and unflustered, no matter the circumstances.
Amsterdam Schiphol is basically one of Europe’s most passenger-friendly hubs. The single-terminal design eliminates complicated transfers, while the logical layout and clear signage mean connections rarely require more than 15 minutes gate-to-gate. Plus, their comfortable Crown Lounges offer substantial hot food options, barista coffee, and shower facilities that transform connections into pleasant interludes rather than endured necessities. For strategic stopovers, they have “Stopover Deals” featuring hotel discounts and free public transportation for breaks up to 10 days in Amsterdam.
Flying Blue is a solid loyalty program with rotating Promo Rewards, sometimes offering Athens flights at half the usual mileage. If you’re flying Business, keep an eye out for KLM’s collectible Delft Blue miniature houses. It’s a quirky, uniquely Dutch perk that’s become a bit of a traveler’s trophy.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Amsterdam
