Are you looking to book flights to Europe but want to weigh your options? In this guide, we will break down our top picks for carriers which fly to Europe from each continent. We'll give you a comprehensive look at the in-flight experience, top routes and more.
These are our top picks of airlines crossing the Atlantic, connecting Europe and America.
Delta Air Lines is one of America's favourite airlines. Delta is a popular choice for flying to Europe from the US due to its extensive network, reliable service, and comfortable onboard experience.
They offer numerous direct flights to major European hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, and London, as well as connections to many other destinations. Delta also has a strong loyalty program, SkyMiles and offers a range of premium cabin options for a more comfortable transatlantic flight.
United operate a large number of nonstop flights from US hubs to various European destinations, and their strategic partnerships with other airlines extend their route coverage, offering convenient connections to a wide range of destinations.
For those prioritising a direct flight, United's dominance in European holiday travel routes, with London, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, and Brussels as primary destinations, is a significant advantage.
As of early 2025, United has announced several new and increased services to European destinations for the summer 2025 season. This includes new routes from Newark to Faro, Madeira, Palermo, and Bilbao, as well as increased frequencies on existing routes like Newark to Athens, Venice, Dubrovnik, and Palma de Mallorca.
American Airlines is a transatlantic carrier that offers consistent and well-regarded transport across the Atlantic. Their well-established network means they can offer multiple daily flights to London and numerous destinations across Europe, giving you more choice.
They also have direct flights to several European cities originating from American hubs in the middle and eastern states, which can be more convenient than other airlines requiring layovers.
These are our top picks of airlines flying west into Europe, connecting Europe and Asia.
Emirates offers one of the world's best flight experiences, where you can look forward to a luxurious travel experience with its spacious cabins, attentive service, and extensive entertainment system. Emirates comes at a cost, but it is well worth it to cruise from one of many Asian cities to your European destination in style. Some flights will require a transfer or layover in their comfortable hub at Dubai International Airport.
Consistently ranked as the world's best airline by Skytrax, Qatar Airways is known for its luxurious cabins, exceptional service, and extensive network. Qatar Airways is our go to choice for travel in and out of the Gulf states, as the flight experience is simply unmatched, even in economy class. Qatar airways are based out of Doha International Airport in Doha, but they offer flights all across the world.
Turkish Airlines leverages its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia to effectively connect those continents, making them a popular choice for flying between the two. Unlike the other two airlines above, Turkish Airlines has more budget tickets for passengers looking to cross continents without breaking the bank. Turkey's relatively neutral geopolitical stance allows Turkish Airlines to operate in many countries where other European airlines might have restrictions, further expanding its reach.
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The answer to which destination is best will change depending on what you are looking for. Here are one of our favourites for each major type of holiday.
For city breaks:
Paris is a world-renowned holiday destination, and for good reason. The city of love offers tons to do, from sightseeing to high culture, fashion and cuisine, to exciting days out. One of Europes favourite capital cities, which people from around the world flock to visit.
For outdoor adventures:
Bergen is our go-to holiday destination for an expedition into nature. Here, you can kayak through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, the most breathtaking length of the beautiful Sognefjord.
For beach breaks:
Our favourite beaches are in Crete. Greece has many amazing beaches, but none quite rival the pink-hued sands of Elafonissi Beach. The only one of its kind in the world, it is the perfect place to relax, drink in the views and go for a swim.
All European airlines that are actively trading are considered safe, but Turkish Airlines is consistently ranked among the safest, having emerged as the safest carrier in Europe. Other airlines that have consistently been recognised for their safety include TAP Air Portugal, British Airways, and Finnair.
For budget-friendly European holidays, consider Eastern European countries like Poland, Romania, and Hungary, as well as cities like Budapest, Prague, and Istanbul. For beach destinations, Turkey and the Canary Islands offer good value compared to their relatively well-balanced holiday experiences.
