I’ve been flying to Europe for years – my wife is Austrian, so we split our time between Vienna and the Alps, and I’ve now visited 39 European countries. Between family visits, work trips, and exploring new cities, I’m crossing the Atlantic at least four or five times a year.
I’ve flown most of the major transatlantic airlines at this point, from budget carriers where I’m crammed into economy with my knees against the seat in front of me, to lie-flat business class where I sleep through the whole flight.
For this 2026 guide, I compared over 200 transatlantic routes, tracked pricing trends, and looked at on-time performance data. What follows is my list of the best airlines to fly to Europe from the US. I’d genuinely recommend all fifteen, each for different reasons. Some fly to places nobody else does. Others have business class that’s shockingly good for the price.
- Read also: The Cheapest European Airlines in 2025
#1 Tip to Find Cheap Flights to Europe
If you’re serious about finding the cheapest flights to Europe, you’re going to love this. Most people book their ticket, cross their fingers, and hope they didn’t overpay. But there’s a much smarter way…and it’s the exact system I use to find the kind of fares you brag about for years.
It’s called Going (you might remember it as Scott’s Cheap Flights), and it’s an absolute game-changer. You sign up, tell them your departure city and dream destinations, and then, like magic, your inbox starts filling up with alerts for insanely cheap flights, mistake fares, and even premium cabin deals.
I’ve personally scored a $299 roundtrip from Boston to Paris in peak June and a $312 New York to Rome flight that should have been triple the price. And here’s the kicker: their Premium membership is only $49/year, and just one booked deal pays for itself. Their Elite tier is where I’ve saved the real money—over $7,000 in business and first-class flights this year alone.
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Quick Guide: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe in 2026
Ready to plan your Europe trip in 2026? Choosing the right airline can make all the difference. Here’s a quick overview of the best airlines for specific needs:
| What You Need | Best Airline |
|---|---|
| Overall Best Experience | Lufthansa |
| Best Value for Money | Icelandair |
| Best Business Class Value | JetBlue Mint |
| Most US Departure Cities | Delta Air Lines |
| Best for Free Stopovers | TAP Air Portugal |
| Most European Destinations | United Airlines |
| Fastest US Customs | Aer Lingus |
| Best Hub for Connections | Turkish Airlines |
| Best for Spain/Portugal | Iberia |
| Newest Premium Product | American Airlines |
1. Lufthansa
Lufthansa is one of the most reliable ways to fly from the US to Europe, period. Their biggest strength is reach. From over 20 US airports including New York, Boston, Miami, LA, Denver, Houston, and Seattle, you connect through Frankfurt or Munich to basically anywhere in Europe. Need to get to a smaller city in Germany, Austria, or Eastern Europe? Lufthansa’s your best bet.
I’ve been tracking economy fares and seeing $450-650 roundtrip from East Coast cities during shoulder season, jumping to $800-1,000 in peak summer. The planes are modern (lots of A350s and new 787s), with decent legroom, good entertainment, and free meals and drinks even in economy.
For 2026, their new Allegris business class cabins are spreading across key routes from Munich and Frankfurt. These are genuinely impressive with private suites and sliding doors. I flew it twice this year and the upgrade from their old setup is wild. Premium economy is solid too if you want extra space without the business class price tag. But honestly, even regular economy is comfortable enough for an overnight crossing.
I can honestly recommend Lufthansa for all travelers. Families appreciate the reliable service and smooth connections. Budget travelers can find decent deals if they’re flexible. The A380s from Munich to Boston, JFK, LA, and DC are particularly spacious and quiet. German efficiency means things just work – on-time departures, organized boarding, predictable service. It’s not the cheapest or flashiest option, but that consistency matters when you’re planning a big trip to Europe.
- Read next: What to Know About Flying Business Class with Lufthansa
- You may also like: My Guide to Finding Cheap Business Class Tickets
2. Icelandair
Icelandair’s stopover program is still the best travel hack in the business, and I use it constantly. You can add up to seven days in Iceland at zero extra airfare when flying between the US and Europe. I’ve done this at least ten times, and I usually plan 24-48 hours in Reykjavík to hit the Golden Circle or chase waterfalls before continuing to Europe.
With fellow Icelandic carrier PLAY ceasing operations in late 2025, Icelandair is now your primary option for this stopover strategy, which makes their consistency even more valuable.
They’re serving major US cities like Boston, New York, Chicago, Denver, Orlando, Seattle, Nashville, and Miami. From Reykjavík, you connect to Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona, Paris, London, and dozens of other European cities. I’ve seen roundtrip economy deals as low as $378 from Boston, with mid-$400s pretty common – that’s competitive even before you factor in the free Iceland stop.
The stopover program is ridiculously easy to book on their website. Just tick the “stopover” box and pick your length of stay. Economy Light (cheapest fare) allows 3 days, while regular economy gets you 7 days. The food onboard is actually solid with Icelandic lamb and local beer, and Saga Class (their business) offers lie-flat seats at reasonable prices.
Why choose Icelandair? Simple: you get two destinations for the price of one, with none of the hassle of booking separate tickets or dealing with visa complications. If you’ve ever wanted to see Iceland but thought it was too expensive as a standalone trip, this solves that problem completely. I’ve turned $400 flights into incredible double vacations, and it never gets old.
- Read also: My Favorite Budget Airlines in Europe
- You may also like: My Best Strategies to Fly to Europe from the US
3. Condor
I’m constantly surprised that more people don’t know about Condor. They’re basically Lufthansa’s budget cousin but with way better value and newer planes. The entire long-haul fleet is now brand-new Airbus A330neos. This includes lie-flat business class, premium economy, free 4K screens even in economy, and reliable Wi-Fi throughout.
Why choose Condor? The pricing is insane. I’ve seen Economy Light fares as low as $260 one-way from Boston to Frankfurt, with premium economy starting around $400 and business class near $1,450. That’s honestly ridiculous value for proper long-haul service with lie-flats. Yes, there are add-on fees – seat selection runs about $35, and carry-on weight limits apply – but meals are included, and if you catch one of their sub-$300 each-way deals, it’s a no-brainer.
They fly from New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Boston, Portland, Las Vegas, and even Anchorage direct to Frankfurt and Munich. From there, Condor serves around 90 destinations across Europe, hitting all the major spots in France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. For 2026, they’re adding daily flights to Barcelona, Budapest, and Venice.
The business class feels like stealing compared to legacy carriers charging $3,000+. You get direct aisle access, fully flat beds, and those coveted “Prime Seats” in row one with extra legroom. I typically fly Condor in spring or fall when fares dip and European weather is still great. It’s quality long-haul with quiet cabins and direct routing from both coasts to the heart of Europe.
4. Delta Air Lines
Delta is my go-to when I need things to just work. They’re operating their largest transatlantic schedule ever in 2026 – nearly 650 weekly flights to 30 European destinations from hubs like Atlanta, New York JFK, Boston, Seattle, Detroit, and Minneapolis. Summer 2026 brings exciting new routes including JFK to Naples, Sardinia, Malta, and Porto, plus Boston to Madrid and Nice, and Seattle to Rome and Barcelona.
Why choose Delta over others? Reliability. Flight delays happen less frequently with Delta, and when they do, their rebooking system is stress-free. If you’re traveling with family or on a tight schedule where missing a connection would ruin your trip, Delta’s operational consistency is worth the sometimes-higher price. Their network is massive – London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Dublin, Madrid, Milan, Venice, Athens, and now Sicily.
Delta One business class starts around 50,000 Virgin Atlantic points, which is great value if you transfer from credit card programs. I’ve been seeing economy fares from the East Coast in the $500-800 range, though I snagged a $299 Boston to Paris deal through Going last year.
The A350s on longer routes are comfortable, and their chef-curated meals in Delta One make overnight flights restful. Sky Club lounges are solid for pre-flight relaxation, and if you’re a frequent flyer, their SkyMiles program integrates well with everything. Delta’s the safe choice that rarely disappoints – not the most exciting, but you know exactly what you’re getting.
- My Pro Tip: Again, I highly recommend signing up for Going to find the best deals. Last year, I got an email alert on a $299 roundtrip fare from Boston to Paris with Delta. The premium version is 100% worth the money, but I would sign up for the free version to save big on airfare this year.
5. Air France
Air France stands out for one big reason: they fly to Paris, and Paris connects to everywhere. From CDG, you can reach 170+ destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Need to get to Toulouse, Marseille, or Nice the same day you land? Multiple daily flights. Heading to smaller cities in Italy, Spain, or Eastern Europe? Air France has you covered where other US carriers make you connect twice.
Air France is best for travelers visiting multiple European cities, anyone heading to France (obviously), or people who value good food and wine onboard. They serve most major US cities – New York, LA, Miami, Boston, Chicago, SF, DC, Atlanta, and more. Starting April 2026, Vegas gets added three times weekly.
The value proposition is simple. You’re not paying luxury prices, but you’re getting a noticeably better experience than most. Economy includes free checked bags, meals with actual French wine, and comfortable A350s or 777s. I’ve snagged roundtrips from the East Coast for $450-500 in shoulder season.
Air France’s business class suites (on newer planes) have sliding doors and lie-flat beds. I’ve used Flying Blue miles transferred from credit cards and it’s one of the better redemptions out there. The CDG lounges are spacious with decent food, not the cramped chaos you get at some hubs.
Who should skip Air France? If you’re laser-focused on the absolute cheapest fare and don’t care about the flying experience, budget carriers will beat them on price. But if you want reliability, a solid network, and a flight that doesn’t make you miserable, Air France delivers every time.
- Check out my guide: Air France Business Class in 2025
- Read also: The Most Beautiful Destinations in Europe
6. KLM
KLM‘s biggest advantage is Amsterdam Schiphol. It’s one of Europe’s best-connected airports and way easier to navigate than London Heathrow or Paris CDG. You land, clear customs quickly, and your connection is usually a short walk away. For getting to smaller European cities or Scandinavia, KLM often beats everyone else on convenience.
Why choose KLM? Best for: travelers heading to the Netherlands, anyone connecting to Northern Europe or Africa, and people who value reliability over flash. They fly from major US cities – New York, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, LA, San Francisco, and DC. Winter 2026 adds some quirky destinations like Kittilä in Finnish Lapland if you’re chasing the Northern Lights.
The 787 Dreamliners on most US routes are comfortable with KLM’s lie-flat business class in a 1-2-1 layout. Economy is solid with included meals and drinks. I’ve found shoulder season fares from the US East Coast in the $450-600 range. Their Flying Blue program (shared with Air France) transfers from most credit cards and offers good value for award bookings.
KLM isn’t trying to wow you with fancy lounges or Michelin meals – they’re just incredibly efficient and consistent. The planes are clean, the crews are professional, and things run on time. Amsterdam is perfect if you’re heading to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Stockholm, or anywhere else that doesn’t get much direct US service.
Who should skip KLM? If Amsterdam isn’t on your route and you’re connecting to Western Europe, other airlines might offer more direct options. But for reliability and a straightforward travel experience, KLM delivers every time.
- Read next: My Favorite European Hidden Gems in 2025
7. British Airways
British Airways owns one massive advantage. If you’re going to London or anywhere in the UK, nobody offers more direct flights from the US. They serve 27 American cities including New York, LA, Chicago, Miami, San Diego, Austin, and starting April 2026, St. Louis.
Summer 2026 brings serious frequency boosts that matter if you need flexibility. Miami goes twice daily, Las Vegas jumps to 13 weekly flights, San Diego and Austin hit 14 weekly. Bangkok becomes year-round from Gatwick. This is huge if you’re booking last-minute or need backup options when plans change.
From Heathrow, their network is unbeatable for reaching smaller UK cities and Ireland. Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast, Dublin all have multiple daily flights. Europe connections are extensive too. I’ve found winter economy deals around $350-400, though $500-800 is more typical. Their Club Suite business class on A350s and 787s is fantastic, with doors and direct aisle access.
Who’s this for? Business travelers heading to London repeatedly, families visiting relatives in the UK, or anyone doing a multi-city UK trip. The Avios program is excellent for short European flights if you’re collecting points. BA Galleries Lounges at Heathrow are comfortable, though the airport itself gets hectic at peak times.
Skip BA if: you’re connecting through London to mainland Europe and another airline offers a direct route to your final destination. But for UK-focused trips or needing reliable London access, they’re the obvious choice.
- Read next: My Guide to British Airways Business Class
- You may also like: The Cheapest Places to Fly Into Europe in 2025
8. Swiss International Air Lines
Look, Swiss isn’t going to blow your mind with flashy marketing or a million routes. What they do is deliver rock-solid service with Swiss attention to detail. I’ve flown them connecting to the Alps multiple times, and every single flight has been… just right. Clean planes, professional crews, everything works.
From the US, you’re connecting through Zurich from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and now Boston (starting January 2026 with their brand-new A350). Plus, they’re finally rolling out new “Swiss Senses” cabins across the fleet with suites that have actual doors. Swiss business class now offers five different seat types including proper privacy suites. The A350 to Boston gets it first, then Montreal. They’re retrofitting the whole fleet by 2030.
Zurich Airport is one of the easiest connections in Europe. It’s efficient, clean, rarely chaotic. From there, you can reach Switzerland (great for ski trips), plus solid onward connections to Eastern Europe, the Balkans, or anywhere in Germany and Austria. Summer 2026 adds Poznań and Rijeka, plus boosted frequencies to Venice, Budapest, and Tokyo.
Pricing runs premium. You’re paying for Swiss quality, and that’s reflected in fares. But if you’re heading to Switzerland for skiing, hiking, or visiting Swiss cities, or connecting to places like Vienna, Prague, or Zagreb, Swiss makes total sense. Their business class is excellent if you’re using Star Alliance miles.
Skip Swiss if: you’re on a tight budget or your destination isn’t near their network. But for Switzerland-focused trips or quality connections through Zurich, they’re worth every franc.
9. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is massively underrated for flying to Europe. Their Istanbul hub connects to over 300 destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. If you’re trying to reach Athens, Rome, Barcelona, Belgrade, or basically anywhere that doesn’t get tons of direct US flights, routing through Istanbul often beats the traditional London or Paris connections.
They fly from New York, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, and DC. You get two free checked bags, full meals, and pricing that consistently undercuts competitors. I’ve found roundtrips to Europe via Istanbul for $600-800, which is excellent when you remember bags are included. Most US carriers charge $70+ each way just for one bag.
Turkish Airlines business class has lie-flat seats and surprisingly good Turkish food – lamb dishes and baklava instead of the usual airplane fare. Economy is good, too. The Istanbul layover program is brilliant: they offer free city tours during long connections. I’ve done the 6-hour tour twice and it’s perfect for seeing the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque without booking a separate Turkey trip.
The Istanbul lounge is massive with restaurant quality food and sleep pods. It’s one of the better airport lounges globally. Summer 2026 adds Sydney, Melbourne, London Stansted, and Seville to their network.
Who benefits most? Travelers heading to Greece, Turkey, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, or Asia. Also anyone who wants to maximize value without flying a budget carrier. Two checked bags alone saves you $140+ compared to most airlines.
Skip if: you’re flying to Western Europe and can find a direct flight for similar money.
- Read my guide: The Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit
10. JetBlue
I’ve flown JetBlue’s Mint cabin to Europe three times now, and it’s consistently punched above its weight. They’re not trying to be Emirates or Qatar. Instead, they’ve built something more interesting: a premium experience at prices that don’t require taking out a second mortgage.
Summer 2026 brings their biggest European expansion yet. From Boston, they’ll fly to nine cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Madrid, Milan, and Paris. The Barcelona and Milan routes are brand new. Barcelona starts April 16, Milan on May 11, and both mark JetBlue’s first service to Spain and Italy. From New York JFK, they operate Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, London Heathrow, and Paris with daily or double-daily frequencies.
The Mint suites are the draw here. Fully enclosed doors, lie-flat beds, and restaurant-quality food that’s miles ahead of typical business class meals. I’ve paid $1,200-1,800 roundtrip for Mint, which is half what legacy carriers charge for comparable products. Economy isn’t bad either – free Wi-Fi, seatback screens, and decent legroom.
Year-round routes (Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Paris) run daily from both Boston and JFK. Summer seasonal routes (Barcelona, Milan, Madrid, Dublin, Edinburgh, London Gatwick) operate April through October. All flights use A321LR or A321neo aircraft.
Who benefits most? Boston and New York travelers who want premium service without legacy carrier pricing. Also anyone heading to Barcelona, Milan, or Madrid who prefers a better onboard experience than Norwegian or PLAY offered.
Skip if: you’re based elsewhere in the US. JetBlue only flies Europe from these two cities.
11. Aer Lingus
I always recommend Aer Lingus to friends who haven’t discovered Dublin’s preclearance yet. You clear US customs and immigration in Dublin before boarding. When you land in Boston, New York, or anywhere else in the US, you walk straight off the plane like it’s a domestic flight – no passport lines, no customs hall, just grab your bags and go.
The bigger advantage is using Dublin as a European gateway. Unlike flying into London or Paris where you’re stuck in massive hubs with complicated connections, Dublin gets you into Europe through a smaller, easier airport. From there, Aer Lingus connects you across Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe without the chaos. If you’re visiting Ireland plus another European country, they’re the obvious choice.
Pricing sits in the sweet spot between budget carriers and legacy airlines. I’ve found roundtrips from the East Coast for $450-600 in shoulder season, with checked bags and meals included – not the bare-bones experience you get with ultra-low-cost carriers, but also not the premium pricing of Delta or United. Their A321 XLR business class runs around $1,200-1,600 roundtrip, which is half what legacy carriers charge.
The preclearance adds about 45 minutes to your Dublin departure, but you’re doing it fresh instead of exhausted after crossing the Atlantic. I’ve saved 90+ minutes compared to landing at JFK during peak hours. This alone makes Aer Lingus worth considering.
Who benefits most? Anyone visiting Ireland, travelers who value skipping US immigration lines, or people doing multi-city European trips where Dublin works as a connection point.
Skip if: you’re booking last-minute and direct flights are similarly priced.
- Read my guide: How to Find Cheap Airfare in 2025
12. Iberia
The main reason to fly Iberia is simple: you’re going to Spain. They fly direct from nine US cities to Madrid – New York (JFK and Newark starting March 2026), Boston, Chicago, Miami, Washington DC, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Orlando. If Barcelona, Seville, or southern Spain is your destination, routing through Madrid saves 3-4 hours compared to connecting through London or Paris.
Pricing is their strongest card. Regular sales drop East Coast roundtrips to $350-500, sometimes $328. Iberia business class runs $1,200-1,600 via their Avios program (transfers 1:1 from Chase/Amex points). The A350s have lie-flat business in 1-2-1 configuration – good, not spectacular, but comfortable enough for overnight.
Madrid connects to 90+ European cities, making multi-country trips workable. The “Hola Madrid” stopover program lets you spend up to nine nights in the city at no extra airfare with hotel discounts. The oneworld partnership with American Airlines means easy booking and mileage earning.
Iberia works well if Spain is your primary destination or if their pricing beats competitors significantly. They’re reliable, clean planes, professional crews. But if you’re connecting through Madrid to reach Northern Europe and another airline offers similar pricing with a better route, take the other airline.
Who benefits most? Anyone going to Spain or Portugal, travelers on a budget who find good Iberia sales, or people visiting Southern Europe where Madrid makes geographic sense.
Skip if: Spain isn’t on your itinerary and you’re only routing through Madrid because of a cheap fare. I’d evaluate if the connection time and hassle is worth the savings.
13. Tap Air Portugal
TAP’s stopover program is the reason to fly them. When you book through Lisbon or Porto to another European city, you can stay in Portugal for up to 10 days at no extra airfare. I’ve done this twice – a week in Lisbon before Rome, and Porto on my way back from Paris. It turns one ticket into two destinations.
They fly from Newark, Boston, Miami, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. You get 25% off flights within Portugal during your stopover (helpful for the Azores or Algarve) plus discounts at hotels and restaurants.
The planes are modern A330s and A321LRs with comfortable seats. TAP business class pricing is reasonable – $2,400-3,500 roundtrip for lie-flat seats. Economy has decent legroom and the food is better than most airlines. You’ll find Portuguese wine, fresh bread, and good quality meals.
The problem is customer service. If your flight gets cancelled or you need to change something, dealing with TAP can be a nightmare. Multiple people have told me horror stories about refunds and rebookings. When everything goes smoothly, TAP is great. When it doesn’t, you’re in for frustration.
Who benefits most? Travelers who want to visit Portugal AND another European country on one ticket, people with flexible schedules who can use a 5-10 day stopover, budget-conscious travelers getting two destinations for one fare.
Skip if: you’re not interested in Portugal at all, or if you’re nervous about airline customer service issues and prefer carriers with better support reputations.
14. United
United flies to more European cities than any other US airline – 46 destinations in 2026. If you’re going somewhere beyond London, Paris, or Rome, there’s a good chance United is your only direct option. They’re adding Split, Bari, Glasgow, and Santiago de Compostela next year, plus keeping all the smaller cities they launched in 2025 like Nuuk (Greenland), Palermo, and Faro.
This network breadth is United’s main advantage. Want to fly direct from Newark to Croatia? United. Chicago to Dubrovnik? United. Washington DC to Reykjavik? United’s got it. They serve 41 European destinations no other US airline flies to, which is crucial if you’re trying to avoid connections.
The Polaris business class product is decent but not spectacular. Lie-flat seats with good bedding, nice Polaris lounges in Newark, San Francisco, and a few other hubs. But the food gets consistently panned in reviews – people call it mediocre at best, inedible at worst. Service quality varies wildly depending on your flight attendant.
Economy is standard US carrier fare. Premium Economy (Premium Plus) is worth considering on longer flights for the extra legroom and slightly better food. Pricing is competitive when you’re flying to their unique destinations. For major cities like London or Paris, shop around. Delta or other carriers might offer better value.
Who benefits most? People going to secondary European cities that don’t get many direct US flights. Travelers based near United hubs (Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, DC). Anyone with United miles to use.
Skip if: you’re flying to a major European city and other airlines offer similar schedules with better products for comparable prices.
15. American Airlines
I flew American’s brand new Flagship Suite business class to London last month, and I was surprised at how impressive the experience was. American has 19 transatlantic destinations compared to United’s 46. But what American lacks in breadth, they’re making up for with their 2026 expansion and improved hard product.
Summer 2026 brings five new European routes: Philadelphia to Budapest and Prague, Dallas to Athens and Zurich, plus year-round Miami to Milan. The Budapest route is particularly notable. It’s the only nonstop flight between the U.S. and Hungary. Philadelphia will serve 20 transatlantic destinations in summer 2026, which makes it American’s strongest European hub.
The new AA Flagship Suite business class features closing doors and upgraded finishes on their premium-configured 787-9s. It’s easily one of the best business class products on a US airline. The catch? These premium aircraft fly limited routes – mostly Chicago and Philadelphia to London.
Most American transatlantic flights still use older 787-8s or 777s with the previous business class. The experience varies wildly depending on which aircraft you get. Their A321XLR aircraft debuts transatlantic service from New York in March 2026 with 20 lie-flat business class seats.
Economy is standard US carrier fare. It’s perfectly fine for shorter hops to London or Paris, but I’d consider premium economy for anything over seven hours. Premium economy gives you noticeably more legroom and better food.
Best for: Philadelphia-area travelers, anyone catching American’s new Flagship Suite aircraft to London, connecting to Central Europe through Philadelphia (Budapest, Prague).
Skip if: You’re not near an American hub and competitors offer similar routes with better products, or you’re booking routes still using older aircraft configurations.
- Read also: The top business class airlines to Europe
- Read next: Going.com Review
