The Azores blew my mind with landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy novel. After testing nearly every airline that flies to this Portuguese archipelago, I can tell you there’s a massive difference between arriving ready to explore versus needing a recovery day.
While researching the best places in Azores, like Ponta Delgada with its black and white mosaic streets and the stunning lakeside vistas of Sete Cidades, I discovered not all flights to paradise are created equal. After analyzing 75 flight routes to the Azores, I ranked the best airlines in terms of the price, customer service quality, route coverage, and seat comfort. Whether you want direct routes or bargain deals that actually respect your comfort, I’ve sorted the exceptional from the avoidable for your Azores adventure in 2026.
What’s New for Azores Flights in 2026
The Azores keep getting easier to reach. British Airways now flies London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada, opening up Oneworld connections from across the US and beyond. Edelweiss Air (SWISS’s sister airline) runs seasonal Zurich to Ponta Delgada service from May through November. And on the US side, Azores Airlines continues nonstop service from Boston and New York, while United offers seasonal Newark to Ponta Delgada flights in summer. More routes means more competition, which means better fares for you.
#1 tip to find cheap flights to the Azores
Want alerts on cheap flights to the Azores straight to your inbox? Sign up for Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), a membership-based service that finds huge discounts, mistake fares, and points and miles deals. Last year they helped me snag a roundtrip from Boston to Ponta Delgada for $403, about 40% less than the going rate. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go.
There’s a free and a premium version and the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. Their Elite tier is where the business and first class deals live, and it’s saved me thousands on premium cabin fares alone. I recommend signing up for the free trial to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my code JON25 for 25% off your membership!
At a Glance: 10 Airlines Compared
| Airline | Hub | Loyalty Program |
|---|---|---|
| Azores Airlines (formerly SATA) | João Paulo II | SATA Imagine – partnerships |
| Ryanair | Dublin (DUB) | None – they’d probably charge you to join one |
| Air Canada | Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | Aeroplan |
| British Airways | London Heathrow (LHR) | Executive Club |
| WestJet | Calgary (YYC) | WestJet Rewards |
| TAP Air Portugal | Lisbon (LIS) | TAP Miles&Go – Star Alliance member |
| United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | MileagePlus – Star Alliance member |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt (FRA) | Miles & More – Star Alliance founding member |
| Swiss International Airlines | Zurich (ZRH) | Miles & More |
| TUI Fly | Manchester (MAN) | None – pure holiday charter focus |
1. 🇵🇹 Azores Airlines (formerly SATA)
- 🏠 Hub: João Paulo II Airport, Terceira (TER) & Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (PDL)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SATA Imagine – partnerships with TAP Air Portugal
- ☕ Perks: Island-hopping expertise, local crew knowledge, authentic Azorean hospitality
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book the inter-island passes for serious savings if visiting multiple islands. Their pilots know these Atlantic crosswinds better than anyone.
When it comes to getting to the Azores, Azores Airlines isn’t just your best bet, they’re pretty much your only real option if you want to do it right. Sure, other airlines can get you to São Miguel, but these folks have been mastering the art of Atlantic island travel for decades. Flying with them feels less like boarding a generic airline and more like having locals show you the way home.
Flying from Boston, Toronto, or Newark, Economy seating on the A321neo is surprisingly comfortable, with 32 inches of legroom and crews who treat you like family. Premium Economy gives you early boarding, extra space, and room for that second bag filled with hiking gear or local wine. Business Class is a full step up, offering lie-flat seats, Portuguese wines, and a calm, cabin-wide sense that you’re already halfway into vacation mode.
What sets them apart is how seamlessly they connect the islands. Need to delay a flight so you can chase waterfalls or hike one more caldera? Their ground crews and pilots actually work with you instead of against you. And when fog rolls in (which it will), their pilots handle it like clockwork
SATA Imagine makes sense if you’re planning multiple trips or serious island hopping. Their partnership with TAP Air Portugal opens up European routing options, while their seasonal inter-island passes drop to around $220 for unlimited flights between islands. It’s a steal when individual hops run $150 each.
- Read next: Best Places to Visit in the Azores
- You may also like: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
- For more reading: Top Things to Do in the Azores
2. 🇮🇪 Ryanair
- 🏠 Hub: Dublin (DUB), plus bases across Europe
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (that’s it – no frills, no pretense)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: None – they’d probably charge you to join one
- ☕ Perks: Dirt-cheap fares, punctual departures, gets you there alive
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Pack light and print your boarding pass at home. Seriously. Their fees for forgotten basics will cost more than your actual ticket.
Ryanair to the Azores is about getting there on a shoestring, no illusions attached. Their seasonal flights to Ponta Delgada from hubs like London, Milan, or Madrid often dip as low as $30-$60 one-way, and if you’re careful with the extras, it’s one of the cheapest ways to land in the middle of the Atlantic.
The cabin setup is exactly what you’d expect: tight 30-inch pitch seats, no free food or drinks, and every add-on (from bags to boarding passes) costs extra. But the planes are newer Boeing 737s, and when Ryanair says they’ll get you there on time, they usually do. Flight attendants keep things moving, and there’s a certain charm in the airline’s “just get on and sit down” attitude.
Here’s the thing about Ryanair’s Azores service: it’s opened up these incredible islands to budget travelers who couldn’t justify $600+ fares on traditional carriers. Flying from London, Milan, or Madrid for under $100 roundtrip means you can spend your money on the islands instead of getting there. Stick to the rules, pack smart, and you’ll have more cash for island tours and local seafood.
No loyalty program means no complicated earning structures or redemption headaches. You pay rock-bottom prices for basic transportation, period. Ryanair’s mobile app also works well for managing bookings and avoiding counter fees, while their seasonal route network connects the Azores to major European cities during peak summer months.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Europe
- You may also like: Top Attractions in São Miguel
3. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Hub: Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan, Star Alliance
- ☕ Perks: Nonstop Toronto to Ponta Delgada, huge domestic network for positioning
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Transfer Amex, Chase, or Capital One points to Aeroplan for this route. Award seats to the Azores are way easier to find than Lisbon or Porto.
If you’re not based in Boston or New York, getting to the Azores from North America used to mean a painful detour through Lisbon. Air Canada changed that with their seasonal nonstop from Toronto to Ponta Delgada on the 737 MAX. I’ve routed through YYZ for Azores trips and it’s painless. You clear customs, grab a coffee, and you’re landing on São Miguel five and a half hours later.
✈️ How I Fly for a Fraction of the Price (Even Business Class)
Airfare keeps climbing, but I almost never pay full price. Going.com emails me roundtrips to Europe for under $350. With Elite, you’ll even see business class to Europe for ~$1,700 (deals you won’t find on Google Flights).
Planning a big trip? Elite members save up to $2,000 on a single international business-class ticket. I’ve seen nonstop biz to Scotland for $1,250.
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👉 Try Going Elite free →The cabin won’t blow you away, but it’s solid. Meals are included, there’s power at every seat, and Premium Economy is worth the extra if you want to sleep on the red-eye back. What I really like about this option is the positioning. You can connect through Toronto from pretty much anywhere in Canada or the US on one ticket with bags checked through. That means no separate bookings and no re-clearing security in Lisbon. Shoulder season fares usually land around $700 to $900 CAD if you book a couple months ahead.
That said, I almost never book Azores flights at full price anymore. Going sends me fare alerts when prices drop on routes like this, and the Azores pops up more often than you’d think. That $403 Boston to PDL deal I mentioned? Found it through Going. If you’re watching the Toronto route or any of the European connections, it’s worth signing up for free so you’re not refreshing Google Flights every morning.
4. 🇬🇧 British Airways
- 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Euro Traveller (Economy), Euro Traveller Plus, Club Europe (Business)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios), part of Oneworld
- ☕ Perks: Year-round London to Ponta Delgada nonstop, Heathrow hub connections from worldwide, Avios redemptions
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Avios points for this short-haul route. Off-peak redemptions from London can be excellent value, and transfer partners include Chase, Amex, and Capital One.
British Airways connects London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada with nonstop service. It’s one of the most convenient options for travelers coming from the UK or connecting through London from anywhere in the world. If you’re already flying into Heathrow from the US, adding the Azores as a stopover or side trip becomes surprisingly easy.
The flight is around four and a half hours, and BA runs it on their short-haul fleet with the standard Euro Traveller and Club Europe cabins. Club Europe gets you a blocked middle seat and better catering, which is a nice upgrade for a relatively affordable price on this route. Through Heathrow, you can connect from practically any major US city on BA or their American Airlines/Oneworld partners.
The real value play here is Avios. BA’s points currency is one of the easiest to earn through credit card transfers, and short-haul European flights are where Avios shine brightest. A roundtrip London to Ponta Delgada in economy can run as low as 13,000 Avios plus taxes, which is a steal if you’ve been stacking points. For US travelers already booking a London trip, tagging on the Azores adds minimal cost and maximum adventure.
5. 🇨🇦 WestJet
- 🏠 Hub: Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: WestJet Rewards (dollar-based, no blackout dates)
- ☕ Perks: Seasonal Toronto to Ponta Delgada nonstop, usually cheaper than Air Canada
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Check WestJet Vacations before booking flights and hotels separately. Their Azores packages have saved me more than once.
WestJet flies the same Toronto to Ponta Delgada route as Air Canada, also on the 737 MAX, and almost always prices it lower. I’ve seen $50 to $150 less per person on the same dates. If you don’t need Aeroplan points or Star Alliance connections, there’s not a huge reason to pay more.
I’ve flown WestJet transatlantic a few times now and the vibe is just… easy. There’s meals included, USB power, seatback screens, and friendly flight attendants who are always happy to chat with you. Premium gets you a bit more room and priority boarding, nice to have on the overnight return.
The move here is WestJet Vacations. They bundle flights with São Miguel hotels into week-long packages that consistently beat what I can piece together on my own. If you’re planning a first trip to the Azores and don’t want to overthink logistics, it’s the simplest way in.
6. 🇵🇹 TAP Air Portugal
- 🏠 Hub: Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Executive (Business)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: TAP Miles&Go – Star Alliance member
- ☕ Perks: Portuguese expertise, excellent Lisbon connections, authentic local knowledge
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Take advantage of TAP’s Portugal Stopover. You can stay in Lisbon or Porto for up to 5 days at no extra airfare when flying to the Azores from North America.
TAP Air Portugal is hands-down the smartest choice for anyone serious about exploring the Azores properly. As Portugal’s flag carrier, they don’t just fly to the islands, they understand them. TAP operates the most comprehensive Azores network from their Lisbon hub, with multiple daily flights to both São Miguel and Terceira, plus seasonal service to other islands that makes multi-island trips actually feasible without breaking the bank.
TAP’s A320s and A321neos give you 30-31 inches of legroom in Economy, with complimentary Portuguese wines and snacks that remind you you’re entering a culture that takes food seriously. Economy Plus adds extra legroom and priority perks, while Executive class delivers proper lie-flat seats on transatlantic routes and angled-flat seats on European connections. It’s perfect if you’re combining the Azores with mainland Portugal exploration.
When it comes to loyalty programs, Miles&Go is worth signing up for, especially if you’re pairing the Azores with other destinations in Europe or flying Star Alliance partners. Miles earned on transatlantic flights can add up fast, and award tickets to the Azores are often available during shoulder season. Roundtrip fares from the US East Coast usually drop to $550-$650 when booked during TAP’s flash sales, and booking direct often unlocks stopover perks and better seat availability.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Lisbon
7. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD), Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Economy, Economy Plus, Polaris Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus – Star Alliance member with no expiring miles
- ☕ Perks: Strong US network, reliable operations, ConnectionSaver technology
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Newark-Ponta Delgada early if you’re eyeing summer travel. The route fills fast, especially with families visiting the Azores during peak months.
For East Coast travelers, United’s nonstop route from Newark to Ponta Delgada is one of the easiest ways to reach the Azores. It’s a summer-only flight, but the convenience of skipping European layovers can make a big difference. Instead of piecing together connections through Lisbon or Madrid, this route offers a direct hop to São Miguel with just one airline and a single check-in.
Onboard, things are pretty straightforward. Standard Economy gets you the usual 31 inches of legroom, free meals, and solid inflight entertainment. Economy Plus adds a few much-needed inches for taller travelers and helps ease the jet lag. Polaris Business comes with lie-flat seating and upgraded meals, but there are only a handful of seats available on this aircraft, so booking early is essential if you’re aiming to fly up front.
MileagePlus remains one of the more practical loyalty programs for U.S. flyers. Award space on this route can be surprisingly decent, especially if you’re flexible. United often offers sales in early spring for shoulder-season travel, with roundtrip fares hovering around $700-$850. Throw in free checked bags and Economy Plus upgrades for Premier members, and it becomes a solid option for a stress-free trip to the Azores.
Newark isn’t always known for smooth travel, but United’s Terminal C does a better job than most expect. Their ConnectionSaver tool even holds flights for late arrivals when possible, which is a lifesaver if you’re flying in from another U.S. city during storm season.
- Read next: United Airlines First Class Guide
8. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa
- 🏠 Hub: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More – Star Alliance founding member
- ☕ Perks: German efficiency, excellent European connections, premium lounges
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Lufthansa’s Frankfurt-Ponta Delgada route during spring or fall for lower fares and easier award availability. Shoulder season means fewer crowds and better hotel rates across the islands.
Lufthansa’s Frankfurt-Azores service is ideal for travelers who value reliability and smooth connections. The twice-weekly schedule is thoughtfully built around week-long island getaways, and the airline’s reputation for punctuality holds strong even on leisure routes. Flights leave Frankfurt on time, land in Ponta Delgada without surprises, and let you relax into your trip from the start.
Settle into Economy and you’ll immediately notice the difference. We’re talking seats that don’t feel like medieval torture devices, actual legroom at 31-32 inches, and meals that remind you some airlines still care about food quality. Step up to Premium Economy and those extra inches make the 4-hour flight genuinely comfortable, while Business class delivers the kind of service that justifies connecting through Europe instead of flying direct from North America.
Miles & More rewards loyal customers with some of the best Star Alliance redemption rates available, though the real value comes during Lufthansa’s frequent sales periods. Spring promotions often drop Frankfurt-Ponta Delgada to $450-600 roundtrip, perfectly timed for those gorgeous shoulder season months when the Azores bloom without the summer crowds.
Frankfurt Airport can be a maze, but Lufthansa knows how to make it manageable. Terminal 1 is laid out efficiently, with plenty of signage and surprisingly good food options. Coming off a long-haul flight, that familiarity and predictability make a huge difference. Whether you’re connecting from New York, Tokyo, or Cape Town, it’s one of the few major hubs that keeps stress to a minimum.
9. 🇨🇭 Swiss International Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Zurich (ZRH)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Max (extra legroom)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (shared with Lufthansa Group)
- ☕ Perks: Seasonal Zurich to Ponta Delgada nonstop (operated by Edelweiss Air), Swiss hospitality, stunning Alpine departure views
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Grab a window seat on the right side for unforgettable views of the Alps before crossing into Atlantic skies.
Flying Swiss to the Azores feels like checking into a boutique hotel that happens to be cruising at 35,000 feet. The Zurich to Ponta Delgada route is seasonal (roughly May through November), and it’s operated by Edelweiss Air, SWISS’s leisure sister airline, though you can book it on swiss.com under the Lufthansa Group umbrella. When it runs, it offers one of the most stunning transitions in European aviation, leaving snowy peaks behind and landing among volcanic coastlines in under five hours.
The experience is a step more relaxed than mainline SWISS. Edelweiss flies A320 family aircraft on this route, and the vibe is more vacation-oriented than corporate. Economy gives you a solid 31 inches of legroom, complimentary meals, and those Swiss chocolates that make the 4.5-hour flight feel like a treat. Their Economy Max seats offer extra legroom and a blocked middle seat for a bit more breathing room.
Miles & More lets you earn and redeem across the Star Alliance network. Since Edelweiss flights earn Miles & More credit just like mainline SWISS, your points stack nicely. Roundtrip fares typically fall between $500 and $700 when booked a few months ahead. The route runs roughly May through November with up to four flights per week, so plan accordingly. Booking early in the year for a summer departure tends to unlock the best prices.
Zurich Airport runs like clockwork, but it’s not all function over feeling. You’ll find clean, well-marked terminals, surprisingly good food options, and staff who actually seem invested in making your transfer easy. Short layovers feel generous, and for those arriving early, the Alpine wine bars and cheese counters aren’t a bad way to start a vacation.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Zurich
10. 🇬🇧 TUI Fly
- 🏠 Hub: Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), London Gatwick (LGW)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium (extra legroom and perks)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: None – pure holiday charter focus
- ☕ Perks: Package deal expertise, family-friendly service, no-fuss operations
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Instead of booking flights and hotels separately, go for TUI’s full vacation packages. These often include airfare, hotel, transfers, and meals at a lower cost than piecing it together yourself. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance usually unlocks the best prices.
TUI Fly takes the stress out of Azores travel by doing what they do best: bundling flights and hotels into one smooth, no-drama vacation. Their seasonal charters from Manchester and London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada are designed for families, couples, and first-time island travelers who don’t want to sweat the details. You’ll fly on solid Boeing 737s, with crews who know how to keep things relaxed and cheerful, even when the cabin’s full of kids excited for their first dolphin tour.
Economy offers 31 inches of legroom, a clean cabin, and the kind of cheerful service that feels more personal than you’d expect. Premium gives you more breathing room, early boarding, and included meals that help the 4-hour journey pass smoothly. It’s not luxury, but it’s comfortable enough to start your vacation on the right foot.
TUI isn’t trying to be a loyalty-driven airline, and that’s kind of the point. Their charter model skips the frequent flyer politics in favor of simple, reliable service. You don’t have to think about connections or points. Just pack your bag and show up.
Packages usually run between $800 and $1,200 per person during spring and autumn, covering roundtrip flights and a full week’s stay. That’s great value, especially for families keeping an eye on costs. With flexible payment options and kid-friendly hotels often included, TUI is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to experience the Azores from the UK.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
