Traveling to Europe is an exciting experience. Choosing the right airline affects comfort, convenience, cost, and overall satisfaction. This guide covers the best airlines to travel to Europe based on network reach, service quality, reliability, and traveler preferences.
We focus on major carriers that serve Europe from around the world and airlines based within Europe known for strong regional and international connections. These include both full-service and budget-friendly options. However, the goal is to help you make informed decisions, not to promote any specific brand.
What to Consider When Choosing Airlines to Travel to Europe
Before listing specific airlines, it helps to know what matters most on long-haul flights across continents or even shorter hops within Europe.
Flight Network and Connectivity
Good airlines to travel to Europe often have extensive flight networks. They serve many cities across the continent and beyond. This makes it easier to get to your destination with fewer connections.
Also read: 10 Top Airlines in the World 2025
Service and Comfort
Airlines differ widely in service quality. Some carriers provide high-end amenities like richer meals, larger seats, and better entertainment. Others focus on price and efficiency.
Punctuality and Reliability
Timeliness matters, especially for busy itineraries. Airlines with strong punctuality records and low cancellation rates often provide smoother travel experiences.
Budget vs Full-Service Options
Some travelers look for the cheapest flights, often on carrier partners or low-cost airlines, while others value comfort and services on long journeys. We’ll highlight options in both categories.
Top Full-Service Carriers to Europe
These airlines are recognized for their broad reach, quality service, and strong reputation.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines often tops lists of the best airlines to travel to Europe. It has one of the largest global networks, flying to over 340 destinations. Review rankings, including Skytrax, have named it Europe’s best airline multiple times, scoring highly for overall service quality.
The airline’s Istanbul hub provides convenient connections across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Frequent awards for economy and business class service add to its reputation.
Also read: High-Paying Jobs in Aviation Around the World in 2025
Air France
France’s national carrier is another strong choice among airlines to travel to Europe. It stands out for elegant service, culinary quality, and a wide array of European destinations.
Air France frequently earns praise for onboard comfort and premium offerings. Its Paris Charles de Gaulle hub connects travelers to major cities across the continent.
Lufthansa
Germany’s flagship airline is known for dependable operations and connectivity throughout Europe and beyond. Lufthansa often ranks high in on-time performance and widespread route coverage.
Its membership in Star Alliance also allows easy flight combinations with other partners, giving travelers flexibility on routes and schedules.
Lufthansa and the broader Lufthansa Group operate services to 300+ destinations in more than 100 countries from hubs in Germany and partner hubs in Europe.
British Airways
As the United Kingdom’s national airline, British Airways provides extensive connections across Europe from its hubs in London. It appeals especially to travelers flying from North America and other regions because of its frequent long-haul services.
The airline’s brand presence in Europe and global alliances makes it a solid choice for travelers seeking balance between network and quality.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM operates a large network through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, known for efficient connections. It is often recommended among airlines to travel to Europe for its customer-friendly service and reliability.
It’s placement in industry rankings and airline ratings underscores its standing as one of Europe’s consistent carriers.
Also read: 10 Top Aviation Schools in the World 2025
KLM is rated a 4-Star airline by Skytrax, reflecting a good overall product and service level in the air and on the ground. It has also won an APEX World Class Award, which considers passenger perceptions of hospitality, safety, and experience.
Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss International Air Lines is also rated a 4-Star airline by Skytrax and frequently earns strong placements in global airline rankings, including recognition for premium lounges and overall service quality.
Its service standards and operational efficiency make it a well-regarded choice for travel within and to Europe. It routinely performs well in global airline awards and passenger surveys.
While smaller than some competitors, Swiss International Air Lines offers a well-rated service experience and a solid overall product, making it a good choice for travel within and to Europe, though punctuality and reliability can vary by route and season.
Finnair
Finnair represents another dependable option among airlines to travel to Europe. It operates a strong route network across the continent with particularly good service to Scandinavian and Northern European destinations.
Its operations are recognized for sustainability and high service quality.
Popular Airlines to Travel to Europe From Other Regions
While many European carriers serve flights within Europe, several international airlines also provide strong service and connections.
Delta Air Lines
Delta is one of the largest U.S. carriers flying to Europe with nonstop routes to major cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Passengers often choose Delta for its network and alliance partnership with Air France-KLM, offering smooth connections for onward European travel.
Also read: Top 10 Aviation Schools in Africa | Latest Guide
United Airlines
United offers a broad selection of nonstop flights from hubs in the United States to European cities like London, Frankfurt, and Brussels.
Its membership in Star Alliance gives travelers access to many partner airlines, expanding connection choices.
American Airlines
American Airlines provides direct flights to major European cities such as London and Madrid, and it serves a growing number of destinations across the continent.
Through its membership in the oneworld alliance, travelers can also connect conveniently onward within Europe using partner airlines.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus stands out for affordable services to Europe, especially from North America. The Irish carrier flies to nearly 100 destinations across Europe and transatlantic routes.
It is often chosen by travelers seeking good value without a complicated itinerary. Aer Lingus also benefits from U.S. preclearance at Dublin and Shannon (so passengers clear U.S. customs before departure, saving time on arrival).
Best Budget-Friendly Airlines to Travel to Europe
Flying to Europe doesn’t always require premium carriers. Many budget airlines provide extensive options, especially for flight segments within Europe.
Ryanair
Ryanair is one of the most recognizable budget airlines in Europe, known for low fares and a widespread route network.
It offers low average ticket prices and extensive coverage across European cities, making it a top pick for budget-minded travelers. However, it has recently cut some services, so checking routes before booking is essential.
Also read: 10 Top Airlines in Africa | Latest Update
easyJet
easyJet is another key budget airline connecting many European destinations with competitive fares.
While offering fewer frills than full-service carriers, its broad presence across major and secondary airports makes it a frequent choice among cost-conscious travelers.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air specializes in low-fare flights across Central and Eastern Europe.
It often offers some of the lowest ticket prices in the region and serves many destinations that bigger airlines don’t prioritize.
Regional and Specialized Airlines Worth Considering
In addition to major carriers, a few other airlines serve Europe with specific strengths.
Condor
Based in Germany, Condor flies to many European cities as well as long-haul destinations. Its growing network includes cities like Rome, Milan, Vienna, and Berlin.
Condor combines leisure routes with solid service and a punctuality rate that compares well with other airlines.
Iberia
Spain’s national airline, Iberia, offers a wide network of flights within Spain and across Europe. It is regularly recognized in industry rankings for its service quality and strong operational performance, including a 4‑Star Skytrax rating and competitive punctuality figures.
While fares vary by route and season, Iberia provides a compelling full‑service option among European carriers.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is known for strong operational reliability, often ranking among the most punctual carriers in Europe and globally.
Based in Northern Europe with hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, it connects Scandinavia with many European and intercontinental destinations.
SAS operates a modern fleet and offers a range of services across classes, though passenger experiences with in‑flight amenities and customer service can vary.
How to Pick the Right Airline to Travel to Europe
Choosing the right airline depends on your priorities:
1. Direct Routes vs. Connections
Nonstop flights reduce travel time. Full-service carriers frequently offer more nonstop routes from major hubs.
2. Cost vs. Comfort
Budget airlines may save money but often charge extras for baggage and seats. Full-service airlines include more amenities in the ticket price.
3. Frequent Flyer Benefits
If you travel often, loyalty programs can add significant value through free flights, upgrades, and perks. Many alliances connect you to partner airlines across Europe.
4. Travel Purpose
Leisure travelers might prefer budget carriers for short hops, while business travelers often choose full-service airlines for comfort and scheduling flexibility.
Conclusion
Selecting the best airlines to travel to Europe involves balancing comfort, connectivity, and cost. Major full-service carriers like Turkish Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, and British Airways offer broad international networks and quality service.
American and European carriers alike provide nonstop flights and strong alliance links. Budget-friendly airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air make European travel affordable, though with fewer extras.
Ultimately, the right airline depends on your travel style, budget, and destination. Use this guide and the facts above to choose the best airline for your European journey.
Stay connected to this blog for more useful day-to-day updates. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Logic_sss for more.
