10 BEST Airlines to Fly to New York City in 2025

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I’ve flown into New York City more times than I can count…JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, you name it. And after years of squeezing into economy seats and chasing upgrades across 70+ countries, I’ve gotten obsessive about which airlines actually deliver when flying to the Big Apple.

For this list, I analyzed real passenger reviews on Skytrax, filtered recent route and fleet updates on FlightConnections, and checked out 2025-2026 prices on Skyscanner. I even dug into APEX and J.D. Power rankings for in-flight service, punctuality, and comfort. Whether you’re crossing the Atlantic or just hopping a domestic leg, these 10 airlines hit that rare sweet spot of style, service, and reliability.

Flying to NYC in 2025: At a Glance

Flying to New York City isn’t just about finding the cheapest ticket…it’s about choosing the right airline for your route, budget, and vibe. Here are my top picks for the best airlines that fly to NY right now:

• Top Domestic Picks: JetBlue and Delta dominate JFK and LGA with frequent flights, solid onboard service, and reliable Wi-Fi. Alaska Airlines is underrated for West Coast routes.
• Best for International Travelers: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa all fly into JFK with top-notch service, lie-flat seats, and smooth arrivals.
• Where to Land: JFK is best for international and premium travel. LGA is closest to Manhattan for domestic flights. Newark (EWR) works well for West Side stays or if flying United.
• Points Sweet Spots: JetBlue Mint with TrueBlue points, Lufthansa biz with Aeroplan, and Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club for Delta flights to JFK.
• Avoid the Trap: Some budget carriers look cheap upfront but pile on fees. I’d rather pay $50 more for comfort and time savings.
• Pro Tip: Mid-week flights (Tues/Wed) are usually cheaper. If you’re flying premium, book early—NYC routes fill fast.

Whether you’re flying in for a Broadway weekend or a biz trip, the right airline can make or break your arrival. Let’s get into the best of the best.

Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to New York

Looking for cheap flights to New York right now? For the past 5 years, I’ve used Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) 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! This year, I’ve saved $7k+ from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $315 roundtrip fare from New York City to Paris.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one covers domestic flights. Though if you’re like me and travel internationally, 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! I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time). And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON25 to save 25%!

Now without further ado, here are the best New York flights in 2025.

1. 🇦🇪 Emirates

• 🏠 Hub: Dubai (DXB)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards
• ☕ Perks: Luxury experience, chauffeur service, onboard lounge, shower spas, gourmet dining
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their JFK-Milan fifth freedom flight for the same Emirates luxury at often half the price of their Dubai routes

When it comes to flying to New York, Emirates is in a league of its own. This UAE-based airline is less like a flight and more like checking into a luxury hotel at 35,000 feet. Whether you are coming in from Dubai or snagging a seat on their direct Milan to JFK route, you are getting one of the most stylish rides in the sky.

Their Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s are basically flying palaces. Premium Economy is the sweet spot if you want a little more space and better food without breaking the bank. Emirates Business Class passengers get fully-flat beds and access to an actual onboard lounge where you can sip cocktails, stretch out, and socialize mid-flight. And yes, if you are flying Emirates First Class, there are even showers.

Food is another standout. Emirates serves restaurant-quality meals paired with premium wines, even in Economy. Forget flimsy plastic cutlery and sad trays. Here, you get multi-course meals with real plates, real glasses, and real service. Their ICE entertainment system could also easily put your Netflix subscription to shame, with thousands of movies, shows, and games at your fingertips.

What really makes Emirates cool for NYC trips is their Skywards program that partners with nearly all major US credit cards, making it surprisingly easy to score premium seats with points. Plus, their fifth freedom flight between Milan and JFK often costs way less than their Dubai routes while offering the identical premium experience.

• Read next: Picture-Perfect Places in Dubai
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• For more reading: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe
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2. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Singapore Changi (SIN)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First, Suites
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer, part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: World-class service, “Book the Cook” meal selection, spacious cabins, superior comfort
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their JFK-Frankfurt fifth freedom flight to experience their legendary service at much lower prices than Asia routes

Singapore Airlines takes flying to NYC to another level with service so good you might actually be sad when the flight ends. They fly to JFK with both direct ultra-long-haul options and their more affordable Frankfurt-JFK route that gives you the same amazing experience without the premium price tag.

The airline shows up to New York with their latest Airbus A350s featuring some of the most spacious cabins in the sky. Singapore’s Business Class is the stuff of travel legends, with seats so wide you could practically do yoga on them (well, almost), turning into fully-flat beds with plush bedding. Even their Premium Economy blows most other airlines’ offerings out of the water with generous legroom, wider seats, and champagne service.

Food on Singapore Airlines is legitimately restaurant-worthy. Their exclusive Book the Cook service lets premium passengers pre-order from an extensive menu of dishes before the flight. Even regular Economy meals are several notches above what you’re probably used to on other airlines.

Their KrisFlyer program frequently offers discounted award tickets through their “Spontaneous Escapes” promotions, making premium cabins actually attainable with points. If you want your journey to New York to be as memorable as your time in the city, Singapore Airlines delivers an experience worth posting about.

• Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Singapore

3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Seattle (SEA)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles, part of SkyTeam alliance
• ☕ Perks: Reliability, extensive NYC network, free messaging, solid entertainment, good lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their JFK Terminal 4 flights for access to their incredible new Delta Sky Club with outdoor deck and premium food offerings

Delta Air Lines isn’t your parents’ boring American carrier anymore. They’ve transformed into the cool kid of major US airlines, offering more flights to NYC’s airports than practically anyone else, with a modern approach that actually gets what travelers want in 2025.

The airline connects to JFK and LaGuardia with practically their entire fleet, but try to snag a seat on their newer Airbus A330-900neos or A220s for the best experience. Their Delta One business class features suite-style seats with privacy doors on many aircraft, while Premium Select offers a legit international premium economy with wider seats and much better service. Even regular economy gets thoughtful touches like seat-back screens, power outlets, and memory foam cushions on many planes.

The food game has seriously improved, especially on premium transcontinental and international routes to NYC. Delta partners with local chefs to create destination-inspired menus, and they serve actual name-brand snacks instead of generic crackers. Their free drinks selection includes local craft beers and decent wines that won’t make you wince.

What sets Delta apart for NYC-bound travelers is their reliability factor and tech-forward approach. Their app is actually useful, with automatic check-in, real-time bag tracking, and seamless rebooking if things go wrong. Free messaging on all flights keeps you connected without paying for WiFi, and their newer planes feature better air quality systems that actually help reduce that gross post-flight feeling.

The SkyMiles program might not be the most generous, but their frequent flash sales can score you tickets to New York for as low as 10,000 miles round-trip. 

• Read next: Affordable Places to Fly from Atlanta

4. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Chicago (MDW), Baltimore (BWI), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (all aircraft)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards
• ☕ Perks: Free checked bags, no change fees, transparent pricing, friendly crews
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight for the best boarding position, giving you first dibs on prime window or aisle seats

Southwest Airlines brings the chill vibes to New York travel with their no-nonsense approach that’s perfect for spontaneous weekenders and budget-conscious travelers. They fly primarily to LaGuardia (LGA) with some service to Newark (EWR), focusing on getting you there without draining your bank account.

The airline rolls up with their all-Boeing 737 fleet featuring a consistent experience no matter which plane you get. While Southwest skips the fancy premium cabins, their standard all-Economy setup offers more legroom than many competitors, with a simple open seating policy that lets you pick your spot based on your boarding group. The newest planes even sport more stylish interiors with better lighting and USB power ports.

Southwest’s food situation is pretty basic, with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the house. But their real value comes from what they don’t charge for: your two checked bags fly completely free, saving you like $70 each way compared to most airlines. Plus, their famous no change fee policy means you can switch your NYC trip dates or even cancel for a full credit without the usual penalties.

When it comes to perks, their Rapid Rewards points never expire and are super easy to use with no blackout dates. For getting to New York without unnecessary stress or hidden fees, Southwest offers that rare combination of affordability and not feeling like you’re being treated as an afterthought just because you didn’t spend a fortune on your ticket.

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5. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways

• 🏠 Hub: Doha (DOH)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Qsuite), First (select routes)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club, part of oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Award-winning service, Qsuite privacy, generous baggage allowance, extensive entertainment
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Discover the World” fare for a multi-city trip that lets you add Doha as a free stopover on your way to NYC

Qatar Airways brings serious international flex to New York travel through their ultra-modern Doha hub. This airline has snagged “World’s Best Airline” titles multiple times, turning the long journey to NYC into something you’ll actually look forward to rather than endure.

The airline flies their cutting-edge Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s to JFK, featuring their revolutionary Qsuites in Business Class. These private pods come with doors that actually close, giving you your own little apartment in the sky. You can even create double beds if you’re traveling with someone, or quad configurations for friends or family. Even their Economy experience impresses with more legroom, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service.

Qatar Airways excels at the little details that make a big difference on long flights. Their Oryx One entertainment system has thousands of options on big HD screens, the amenity kits contain products you’ll actually want to keep, and their crew seems genuinely invested in making your experience great, remembering your preferences and often addressing you by name.

When it comes to perks, Qatar’s Privilege Club program offers solid value, with frequent transfer bonuses from credit card partners like Citi ThankYou. Their stopover program in Doha can add an exotic Middle Eastern adventure to your New York trip at basically no extra airfare cost. 

6. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club World), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios), part of oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Frequent NYC flights, British service style, decent Avios redemptions, extensive US connections
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their JFK Terminal 7 flights for access to their recently renovated lounges with pre-flight dining for premium passengers

British Airways basically owns the NYC-London route with more daily flights than any other international carrier. This iconic British airline flies to all three New York airports, giving you tons of options whether you’re headed straight to Manhattan or connecting elsewhere.

The airline brings a fleet of Boeing 777s and massive Airbus A350-1000s to JFK, featuring their updated cabins that are way better than what they were rocking a few years ago. Their latest Club Suite business class actually includes privacy doors now, while World Traveller Plus (their premium economy) gives you significantly more space and better food without the business class price shock. Even their regular Economy has decent legroom and personal entertainment screens loaded with movies and shows.

Food and drinks are where BA adds that British touch to your journey. All passengers get complimentary meals and bar service, with afternoon tea service complete with scones on daytime flights. But what truly makes BA clutch for NYC travel is their frequency and connectivity. With up to 12 daily flights in peak season, you can find options for practically any schedule. 

BA’s partnership with American Airlines creates seamless connections from across the US, while their Executive Club program offers solid value for Avios redemptions, especially during off-peak periods.

7. 🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific

• 🏠 Hub: Hong Kong (HKG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Asia Miles, part of oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: Exceptional service, thoughtful design, amazing lounges, competitive premium fares
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their JFK-Vancouver-Hong Kong flights for a more affordable way to experience their premium service on the North American leg

Cathay Pacific brings a different kind of energy to New York travel. It is sleek, polished, and quietly luxurious, whether you are flying nonstop from Hong Kong or hopping on their clever JFK to Vancouver leg.

The airline cruises into JFK with their flagship Boeing 777-300ERs featuring some of the most thoughtfully designed cabins in the sky. Cathay’s Business Class offers super-wide seats arranged to maximize privacy while still giving you direct aisle access, plus bedding you’ll actually want to sleep in. Their Premium Economy cabin is legitimately premium, with dedicated cabin crew, enhanced meals, and seats with serious legroom and adjustable leg rests.

The food situation goes way beyond your typical airline meals. Cathay serves multi-course dining inspired by both Asian and Western cuisines, with proper restaurant presentation and flavor that doesn’t disappear at altitude. Even the snacks between meals are worth getting excited about.

Cathay Pacific stands out because they get the small things right. The crew anticipate your needs without hovering, the boarding and baggage process is smooth, and the cabins are spotlessly maintained. Their Asia Miles loyalty program also makes it easy to book upgrades or reward flights by transferring points from major US credit cards.

If you want the trip to New York to feel like a calm, refined experience instead of a chaotic scramble, Cathay delivers every time. 

8. 🇫🇷 Air France

• 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, La Première (First)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue, part of SkyTeam alliance
• ☕ Perks: French style, exceptional dining, champagne service, designer amenity kits
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their off-season premium cabins to NYC when business travel slows for dramatically lower fares on their best products

Air France brings a healthy dose of Parisian style to New York travel with multiple daily flights connecting JFK to their hub at Charles de Gaulle. Flying with them feels less like boarding a plane and more like stepping into a curated European experience.

The airline serves JFK with their updated fleet including Boeing 777-300ERs and sleek Airbus A350s featuring cabins that actually look like they were designed with aesthetics in mind. Their newest Business seats offer complete privacy in a herringbone layout, while Premium Economy provides significantly more space with seats that recline within their own fixed shell so nobody invades your space. Even Economy gets details like champagne service and better-than-average seat comfort.

Dining onboard is where Air France really shines. Their menus are crafted by top French chefs, paired with wines selected by sommeliers who know their way around a cellar. Business Class passengers enjoy full restaurant-style service with multi-course meals on real china, but even in Economy, the food and wine are leagues above typical transatlantic fare.

Air France’s Flying Blue program frequently offers Promo Rewards that slash the miles needed for premium cabins by up to 50%. For travelers who appreciate style and substance equally, Air France delivers a consistently premium experience to New York with enough distinctive French touches to make the journey memorable. 

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Paris

9. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa

• 🏠 Hub: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More, part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: German efficiency, excellent connections, premium lounges, reliable service
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their new “Sleeper’s Row” in Economy for a budget-friendly way to lie down on overnight flights to NYC

Lufthansa brings that famous German precision to New York travel with multiple daily flights from their Frankfurt and Munich hubs. This respected European carrier turns the Atlantic crossing into a smooth, well-orchestrated experience that actually leaves you feeling refreshed upon arrival.

The airline serves JFK and Newark with their impressive fleet including the Boeing 747-8 (one of the few airlines still flying the Queen of the Skies) and next-gen Airbus A350s. Their newest Business Class features an innovative honeycomb layout with alternating seat configurations for maximum privacy and space. Their Premium Economy offers 50% more space than regular coach, with upgraded dining and amenities that make a big difference on transatlantic flights.

What makes Lufthansa perfect for NYC trips is their incredible reliability and connectivity. Their hubs in Frankfurt and Munich operate with impressive precision, making connections surprisingly stress-free with minimal delays. Their updated lounges feature actual hot food options, barista coffee, and dedicated relaxation areas that go beyond the typical airport experience.

For travelers who value consistency and thoughtful design over flash, Lufthansa delivers a premium experience to New York without unnecessary gimmicks. Their Miles & More program even offers good redemption options, especially for premium cabins, while their frequent status matches can instantly elevate your travel experience if you hold elite status with other airlines.

• You may also like: My Guide on What to Do in NYC at Night

10. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business, First (domestic)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage, part of oneworld alliance
• ☕ Perks: JFK Terminal 8 flagship experience, most extensive US network, upgraded premium cabins
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their transcontinental “Flagship” flights between JFK and LAX/SFO for a premium experience that rivals international business class

American Airlines offers some of the most extensive service to New York with direct flights from major global cities to both JFK and LaGuardia. Their recent upgrades have transformed the New York arrival experience, particularly for premium passengers.

Flying to JFK on American means arriving at their recently renovated Terminal 8, which now features dramatic architecture and significantly improved amenities. Their international flights utilize modern Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners with updated cabins across all service classes. The newest Business Class seats offer direct aisle access and convert to fully-flat beds, while Premium Economy provides a substantial upgrade from coach with wider seats and enhanced dining.

The pre-arrival service to New York truly stands out. Business passengers receive noise-canceling headphones, premium bedding, and restaurant-quality dining that helps you adjust to New York time. Even in Economy, you’ll enjoy complimentary beverages, upgraded snack options, and one of the better entertainment selections among US carriers, helping the journey to NYC pass quickly.

For perks, the AAdvantage program frequently offers discounted mileage tickets to New York, especially during off-peak seasons. For travelers seeking reliable service to the Big Apple with better-than-expected premium offerings, American delivers a quality experience that continues to improve year after year.

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FAQs About the Top Airlines to Travel to New York

Here are some helpful questions and answers for travelers looking to fly to NY on the best airlines in 2025.

When is the cheapest time to fly to New York?

In my experience, January through March (post-holidays) and late August into early September tend to be the cheapest. I track prices through Going.com, Google Flights, and Hopper. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and setting price alerts early can save you hundreds. If you’re flexible, watch for mistake fares…I once scored Boston to JFK for $37 roundtrip.

What airlines fly direct to NYC from overseas?

Tons! Based on my flight research and travels, Emirates (Dubai), Singapore Airlines (Frankfurt), Lufthansa (Munich and Frankfurt), British Airways (London), Air France (Paris), and ANA (Tokyo) all offer direct routes. I prioritize routes with newer planes, good seats, and consistent performance…especially for long-haul flights into JFK.

What’s the best airline to fly to New York if you’re coming from the West Coast?

Delta and Alaska Airlines are usually my go-to from the West Coast, especially out of LAX, SFO, or SEA. Delta’s transcon flights often offer lie-flat seats in business, which is rare for domestic routes. JetBlue Mint is another killer option…easily one of the most luxurious domestic business class products I’ve flown.

What’s the best airport to fly into when visiting New York City?

I’ve flown into all three major NYC airports—JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR)—and honestly, it depends on where you’re staying. JFK is best for international routes and longer domestic flights. LGA is closest to Manhattan and ideal for short-haul trips. Newark is great if you’re staying in New Jersey or on the west side of Manhattan. I always check flight times, fares, and ground transport before booking…sometimes it’s worth paying more just to save an hour in traffic.

Which airlines are best for Wi-Fi and onboard tech when flying into NYC?

JetBlue wins hands-down with free high-speed Wi-Fi on all flights. Delta and United are improving, but you’ll still see mixed performance depending on aircraft. On international flights, Emirates and Lufthansa usually have reliable, affordable Wi-Fi, though speeds can dip mid-flight.

Which NYC airport is best depending on where I’m staying?

If I’m staying in Manhattan or Brooklyn, I try to fly into LaGuardia or JFK. LaGuardia is fastest to Midtown. JFK works well for longer trips or international arrivals. If I’m headed to New Jersey or the Upper West Side, Newark is often quicker. I always check transit options…Uber from JFK to Midtown can run $80+ during rush hour.