10 Best Airlines to Fly to Scotland from the US in 2026 (Ranked)

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There’s no shortage of ways to get from the US to Scotland, but some routes are way better than others. I’ve been crossing the Atlantic for years, testing everything from budget connections to lie flat business class, and I have opinions. The right airline can make your trip start on a high note. The wrong one can leave you exhausted before you even land.

Here are the 10 best airlines flying to Edinburgh and Glasgow from the US in 2026. Some offer nonstops that get you there in six or seven hours. Others make you connect but sweeten the deal with free stopovers, excellent food, or lounges worth arriving early for. I’ll tell you which routes to book and which to skip.

Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Scotland

I’ve been using Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) for four years now, and it’s saved me thousands on transatlantic fares. The way it works is simple: you tell them your home airport and where you want to go, and they email you when mistake fares and ridiculously cheap deals pop up. I snagged a $395 roundtrip from Boston to Edinburgh last year because of one of their email alerts.

There’s a free version that works great for most people. If you travel more than a couple times a year, the $49 premium version pays for itself after one deal. Start with the free trial and see what pops up. If you like it and want to upgrade, use code JON20 for 20% off.

1. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Washington Dulles (IAD)
• ✈️ Best For: The only US carrier with nonstop flights to both Edinburgh and Glasgow
• 💺 Cabin Options: Polaris business class (on widebodies), Premium Plus, Economy Plus, Economy
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: One personal item included; carry on and checked bags depend on fare type
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus (Star Alliance)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Edinburgh flights run year round, but Glasgow is seasonal from May to September. If Glasgow works for your dates, it’s a brilliant gateway to the Highlands

United is the airline I point people to first when they’re flying to Scotland from the US. No other American carrier comes close on coverage. There’s year-round nonstop service from Newark and Washington to Edinburgh, seasonal flights from Chicago, and now Glasgow returning for 2026 after a hiatus since 2019. If you’re on the East Coast especially, United should be your starting point when searching for fares.

The Glasgow return is the big news for 2026. Daily nonstop service launches May 8, which makes United the only US airline flying direct to Scotland’s largest city. It’s operated on a Boeing 737 MAX 8. This means no lie flat seats, but for a six hour flight I’d argue the tradeoff is worth it to skip connections entirely and land 30 minutes from Loch Lomond.

For Edinburgh routes, you’re looking at widebody aircraft with Polaris business class on most departures. The 767s feature lie flat pods, decent bedding, and in-flight WiFi that’s fast enough to send emails and stream shows. Economy is perfectly fine for an overnight crossing, though I’d recommend paying up for Economy Plus if you’re tall or just want a bit more breathing room.

MileagePlus is useful for Scotland trips, and award availability tends to be reasonable on transatlantic routes if you book a few months out. The program transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1:1, which is how I usually top up my balance. I’ve snagged saver awards to Edinburgh more than once just by being flexible with my dates by a day or two.

• Read next: 13 Most Beautiful Places in Scotland to Visit
• For more reading: Top 12 Things to Do in Glasgow

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2. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Base: New York JFK, Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS)
• ✈️ Best For: Multiple nonstop gateways and smooth onward connections across the US
• 💺 Cabin Options: Delta One (business class), Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, Main Cabin
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: One personal item included; carry on and checked bags vary by fare
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles (SkyTeam alliance)
• 💡 Pro Tip: The JFK route runs year round, but Boston and Atlanta are seasonal. If you’re connecting onward to the South or West Coast, Atlanta’s hub is hard to beat

Where United wins on breadth, Delta wins on choice. You’ve got three US cities with direct Edinburgh service: New York JFK (daily, year round), plus Boston and Atlanta seasonally from May through September. That’s a huge advantage if you don’t live near Newark or want to avoid it altogether.

The onward connections are where Delta really shines. Atlanta is the world’s busiest airport for a reason, and if you’re coming from somewhere like Miami, Houston, or Charlotte, a single stop there gets you to Edinburgh without the chaos of a transatlantic connection in London. I’ve routed through Atlanta myself and the international terminal is surprisingly painless.

Now, let’s talk honestly about the aircraft. Delta flies Boeing 767s on the Edinburgh routes, and while you do get a lie flat seat in Delta One, the cabin feels tighter than United’s Polaris. The footwells are narrow and the seats themselves aren’t the newest around. That said, free WiFi is now available for SkyMiles members, the entertainment library is excellent, and the service tends to be consistently friendly. For Premium Select passengers, the 2-2-2 layout means no middle seats, which is a real plus for couples.

SkyMiles isn’t the most generous program for award redemptions. However, Delta does partner with Virgin Atlantic and Air France, so you can pool points across the SkyTeam alliance. Keep an eye on flash sales too, as Delta occasionally drops transatlantic fares that undercut everyone else.

• Keep reading: Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for an Unforgettable Trip

3. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏠 Base: New York JFK, Philadelphia (PHL)
• ✈️ Best For: Flying the newest aircraft in the sky with a proper business class cabin
• 💺 Cabin Options: Flagship Suite (business), Premium Economy, Main Cabin
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: One personal item included; carry on and checked bags depend on fare class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage (oneworld alliance)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book the JFK route if you want to try the A321XLR. The Philadelphia flight uses a Boeing 787, which is also excellent but a completely different experience

If you’re the type who wants to fly to Scotland on the newest metal in the sky, American should be at the top of your list for 2026. The airline is the first in the US to operate the Airbus A321XLR across the Atlantic, and Edinburgh is where it’s heading. The JFK route launches March 8, 2026, so if you like being early to new things, here’s your window.

The A321XLR is a single aisle aircraft with the range to cross the ocean, but American has kitted it out with their Flagship Suite business class. You get 20 lie flat seats with privacy doors, direct aisle access, and wireless charging, all in a 1-1 configuration that feels spacious for a narrow body. Compare that to United’s Glasgow route on the 737 MAX, which has no lie flat option at all, and you start to see why this matters if you’re booking up front.

Philadelphia is the other Edinburgh option, running seasonally from late March through October on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. I’d actually lean towards Philly if you prefer a larger aircraft or you’re based anywhere in the mid-Atlantic region. The 787 has a wider cabin, bigger windows, and tends to feel less cramped in economy, which makes a difference on a seven hour flight.

AAdvantage miles are easy to stack through Citi credit cards. Plus, oneworld partners like British Airways let you connect onward from Edinburgh to London, Rome, or Madrid without switching alliances. That’s handy if you’re piecing together a longer Europe trip and want to keep everything under one booking.

• Read more: Scotland Castle Hotels: 8 Epic Stays in Real-Life Castles (2026)

4. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Base: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
• ✈️ Best For: Connecting from smaller US cities or building a multi stop UK trip
• 💺 Cabin Options: First, Club Suite (business), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), World Traveller (economy)
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: One checked bag included in economy; two in premium cabins
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Avios (oneworld alliance)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Check which aircraft you’re booking. The new Club Suite has doors and direct aisle access, but some older planes still have the dated Club World seat where you might climb over a stranger

British Airways doesn’t fly direct from the US to Scotland, so you’ll connect through London Heathrow. That might sound like a hassle, but it works in your favour if you’re flying from a city without nonstop Edinburgh or Glasgow service. From places like Phoenix, San Diego, or Nashville, BA can get you to Scotland with just one stop, whereas other routings might require two.

The scheduling is where BA earns its place on this list. They run multiple daily flights from Heathrow to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, which means you can time your arrival to land in Scotland at a sensible hour. Most direct flights from the US land into Edinburgh at 6am after a red eye, but routing through London lets you break up the journey and arrive feeling more human. I’ve done it both ways, and the difference in how I felt on day one was noticeable.

BA has been updating their business class over the past few years, and the new Club Suite is a big improvement. You get a door that closes, a fully flat bed, and direct aisle access. Not every plane has it yet though, so check the seat map before you book. The A350s and most 777-200s flying from Heathrow have the new seats, but some 787s and A380s are still running the older layout until mid-2026.

Avios points are easy to earn through Amex, Chase, and Capital One credit cards, and short flights within the UK don’t cost many points at all. Just keep an eye on the taxes. BA adds hefty surcharges on award tickets that can sometimes make cash fares a better deal.

• Read next: 13 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Fly from The UK

5. 🇺🇸 JetBlue

• 🏠 Base: Boston (BOS), New York JFK
• ✈️ Best For: New Englanders who want a nonstop to Edinburgh without paying legacy carrier prices
• 💺 Cabin Options: Mint (business class), Core (economy), Even More Space (extra legroom economy)
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: One personal item included; carry on and checked bags cost extra unless you buy a bundle
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue (can also earn Avios via Qatar Airways)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Mint fares go on sale a few times a year, and I’ve seen Boston to Edinburgh drop below $2,000 roundtrip in business class

I’m a Boston local, so when JetBlue launched the only nonstop from my home airport to Edinburgh in 2025, it immediately jumped to the top of my list. The route runs daily from late April through late October, and it means I no longer have to schlep down to JFK or connect through London just to get to Scotland. For anyone in New England, this is the most convenient option by far.

JetBlue flies a single aisle Airbus A321LR, which sounds small for crossing the Atlantic, but their Mint business class cabin is set up well. You get 24 lie flat suites in a 1-1 layout with closing doors, and the food is served tapas style where you pick three small plates instead of a traditional main. Free WiFi is included for everyone and it’s fast enough to stream or work, which is rare on transatlantic flights.

Economy on JetBlue is also better than what you’d find on most US carriers. Every seat has a seatback screen with free live TV, and the Even More Space seats add a few extra inches of legroom if you want a middle ground between economy and business without paying four figures.

The one tradeoff is that JetBlue doesn’t operate lounges at any airport, so you’re on your own before the flight. I usually just grab a coffee at the terminal and call it good. For me, the lower fares and the convenience of flying out of my home airport make that easy to overlook.

• Read next: Here’s What to Do in Southie (South Boston) in 2026

6. 🇮🇸 Icelandair

• 🏠 Base: Reykjavik Keflavik (KEF)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers who want to squeeze two destinations into one trip without paying extra airfare
• 💺 Cabin Options: Saga Premium (business class), Economy Comfort (extra legroom), Economy
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: Varies by fare class; Economy Light includes only a personal item, while Saga Premium includes two checked bags
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Saga Club (partners with Alaska Airlines and JetBlue)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book a stopover for at least two nights if you can. One day in Iceland feels rushed, but 48 hours lets you hit the Golden Circle and still catch a geothermal pool before your connecting flight

If you’re flying from the East Coast, Icelandair is one of the smartest ways to fly to Scotland from the U.S. I use them out of Boston all the time, and the routing is quick: about five hours to Reykjavik, then under three hours to Edinburgh or Glasgow. The best part is they let you stop in Iceland for up to seven nights at no extra airfare. Want to see the Northern Lights on Monday and be hiking the Scottish Highlands by Thursday? This is how you do it.

Saga Premium business class won’t give you a lie flat bed, but I wouldn’t write it off. The recliner seats have about 40 inches of legroom, the food has Icelandic touches, and the WiFi is fast and free. You also get lounge access at Keflavik, which has huge windows overlooking the volcanic landscape outside. For flights that max out around five hours from the East Coast, it’s more than enough.

Economy works fine here too because you’re never stuck in a tight seat for that long. The US to Iceland leg is about five hours, and Reykjavik to Scotland is under three. Icelandair flies Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which run quieter than older narrowbodies and have bigger overhead bins.

The stopover is really why I’d consider this airline. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Northern Lights, soak in the Blue Lagoon, or drive part of the Ring Road, you can tack it onto your Scotland trip without booking anything extra. That’s a hard perk to find anywhere else.

• Read next: 17 Prettiest Airbnbs in Iceland (With Availability in 2026)
• Plan your stopover: Where to Go in Reykjavik, Iceland: 12 Amazing Experiences

7. 🇮🇪 Aer Lingus

• 🏠 Base: Dublin (DUB)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers who want to add Ireland to their Scotland trip or skip the immigration lines when returning to the US
• 💺 Cabin Options: Business Class (lie flat on transatlantic), Economy
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: Business class gets three checked bags; economy fares vary but most include at least one
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AerClub (partners with British Airways and United for earning and redeeming)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book a “throne seat” in rows 3 or 5 on the A321LR if you’re traveling solo. These single seats have storage on both sides and way more privacy than the paired seats

Aer Lingus flies from 13 US cities to Dublin, including smaller airports like Hartford, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh that don’t get much transatlantic love from other airlines. From Dublin, it’s a quick hop to Edinburgh or Glasgow, with multiple flights a day in each direction. If you live near one of those secondary airports, this could save you a connection through a US hub entirely.

The real selling point is US Preclearance in Dublin. You go through customs and immigration before you leave Ireland, which means you walk off the plane in the States and head straight home. I cannot overstate how nice this is after an overnight flight. No lines, no kiosks, no waiting behind 300 other passengers fumbling with their customs forms.

Aer Lingus’ business class has 16 lie flat seats on their A321LR aircraft, and the cabin feels cozy rather than cramped. The food has Irish touches, the crew is friendly in that low key way the Irish tend to be. If you book one of the solo throne seats you’ll have surprising privacy for a narrowbody plane. It’s not the most luxurious product crossing the Atlantic, but the price is usually right.

Dublin also works as a stopover if you want two countries in one trip. Spend a couple days hitting the pubs and exploring the coast before catching your connection to Scotland. Aer Lingus makes it easy to build that into your itinerary.

• Read next: Epic Places to Visit in Ireland

8. 🇫🇷 Air France

• 🏠 Base: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers who want excellent food, and one of the best business class products crossing the Atlantic
• 💺 Cabin Options: La Première (first class on select 777s), Business, Premium Economy, Economy
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: Economy includes one checked bag on transatlantic flights; business class includes two
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (shared with KLM, transfers from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One)
• 💡 Pro Tip: If you’re booking business class, check whether your flight has the new A350 or reconfigured 777. The bulkhead seats in rows 1 and 10 have so much legroom they rival first class on other airlines

Air France won’t get you to Scotland nonstop, but if you don’t mind connecting through Paris, they’re one of my favorite ways to cross the Atlantic. They fly from a dozen US cities including smaller ones like Detroit, Raleigh, and Denver that don’t get much transatlantic service otherwise. From Paris, Edinburgh and Glasgow are both under two hours away with multiple flights daily.

The reason I keep coming back is the food. Most airlines treat meals like a chore, but Air France puts thought into it – especially in business class. A proper cheese course, wines worth drinking, bread that isn’t stale. It sounds small, but it changes how you feel when you land. Their newer A350s and reconfigured 777s also have some of the best business class seats flying today, with sliding doors and lie flat beds that make the overnight crossing restful.

Economy is comfortable enough for the six or seven hour flight to Paris, with seatback entertainment and a meal included. Premium Economy is worth considering if you want more space without the jump to business class prices. And if you’ve never been to Paris, building a stopover into your trip is easy and costs nothing extra on most fares.

Flying Blue miles transfer in from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One, and I’ve found award seats to Europe easier to snag than on Delta or United. If you’ve got points sitting around and the idea of croissants in Paris followed by whisky in Edinburgh sounds like a good time, this is how you make that happen.

• Read next: 18 Unique Paris Tours to Put On Your Bucket List
• Book your stay: 12 Amazing Hotels in Paris with the BEST Eiffel Tower Views

9. 🇳🇱 KLM

• 🏠 Base: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers who want smooth connections through one of Europe’s easiest hub airports
• 💺 Cabin Options: Business Class, Premium Comfort, Economy
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: Economy includes one checked bag on transatlantic flights; business class includes two at 70 pounds each
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (shared with Air France, transfers from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Fly business class and you’ll get a Delft Blue miniature house filled with Dutch gin. They’ve released a new one every October since the 1950s and people collect them obsessively

If you’ve ever had a miserable layover at Heathrow or gotten lost in Charles de Gaulle, you’ll love connecting through Amsterdam. Schiphol is compact, well signed, and you can usually make a 90 minute connection without breaking a sweat. KLM flies there from over a dozen US cities, and from Amsterdam both Edinburgh and Glasgow are under two hours away.

I’d pick KLM over Air France when the Amsterdam routing saves time or when I want a less hectic connection. They’re sister airlines with the same loyalty program, so I always check both when booking. KLM’s biggest US routes are New York JFK, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco, but they also serve smaller cities like Houston, Denver, and Minneapolis. They’re launching San Diego in early 2026, which is great news if you’re in Southern California.

KLM’s business class seat is comfortable without being flashy. Lie flat beds on the Dreamliners, decent food, and crew who feel genuinely friendly rather than just professionally polite. But honestly, even in economy KLM treats you better than most US airlines. Meals included, seatback screens, and none of that nickel and dime energy you get domestically.

One more thing: those little Delft Blue houses are surprisingly fun. You pick one from a tray at the end of your flight, and before you know it you’re checking which number you got. There are over 100 designs now, and plenty of people plan entire trips around adding to their collection.

• Read next: 12 Breathtaking Places in Amsterdam You Can’t Miss

10. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Istanbul (IST)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers who want an adventure baked into their layover and some of the best airline food in the sky
• 💺 Cabin Options: Business Class, Economy
• 🎒 Baggage Policy: Economy includes two checked bags on transatlantic routes; business class includes two at higher weight limits
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles (Star Alliance partner, so you can earn United miles)
• 💡 Pro Tip: If your layover is over six hours, sign up for a free Touristanbul city tour. Over 20 hours? You qualify for a free hotel stay, two nights in economy or three in business class

Turkish probably isn’t the first airline you think of for flights to Scotland, but hear me out. They fly from nine US cities to Istanbul, including New York, Chicago, LA, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, DC, Boston, and San Francisco. From there, Edinburgh and Glasgow are both short connections away. The routing adds time, but Turkish sweetens the deal in ways other airlines don’t.

The food is outstanding. They have onboard chefs on long haul flights, and the catering comes from DO&CO, which is about as good as airline food gets. I’ve had better meals at 35,000 feet on Turkish than at some restaurants on the ground. The Istanbul lounge doubles down on this with live cooking stations, fresh Turkish flatbreads, and a spread that could keep you eating for hours. Some people build layovers just to spend more time there.

Turkish Airlines’ business class seats on the newer A350s and 787s are arranged in a proper 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access. The older 777s have a 2-3-2 configuration, which means middle seats in business class, so check your aircraft before booking. If you get the right plane, it’s an excellent product at prices often lower than the competition.

The stopover program is the real hook. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Hagia Sophia, wander the Grand Bazaar, or eat your weight in kebabs, Turkish makes it easy. Free hotel, free breakfast, and you just need to plan a longer layover. Not many airlines let you squeeze two trips into one like this.

• Read Next: 12 Breathtaking Experiences in the Scottish Highlands
• Plan your trip: Ultimate Istanbul Layover Guide