The Top 5 Best Airlines in Europe: Top Choices for Comfort, Price, and Experience

Flying to Europe is exciting, but selecting the top airlines for your trip makes it an even more enjoyable experience. When you’re doing a getaway trip to Santorini or going through the immense landscape of Switzerland, booking the right airline makes a big difference. Also, if you’re flying economy or first class, these airlines provide travelers a superior journey across the Atlantic.

In this guide, we will show you the best airlines in Europe based on quality service, highlights,  and traveler reviews. Whichever airline you choose, each of them will provide excellent options to seek comfort and value on your trip.

1. Lufthansa- Best Airline For Quality and Efficiency

 

Lufthansa is considered one of the best airlines in Europe due to its German Engineering and Customer Service. This airline offers many flights from US airports if you’re headed to Frankfurt or Berlin for an amazing trip. One of the best highlights for Lufthansa is the comfortable seating, from economy to first class, due to ample legroom. Also, this airline is great if you’re traveling anywhere in Europe since there are many connecting flights. Lufthansa Airlines is ideal for those seeking reliability, comfort, and a premium experience.

Pros:

• Global Network & Reliability due to 250+ destinations worldwide
• Highly Professional Staff, which makesthe  airline clean
• High-end experience if you decide to upgrade

Cons:

• More Expensive than other European Airlines
• Economy seats feel too basic, not luxurious
• Wi-fi isn’t as reliable and is very slow at times

Perks:

• Offer Miles Programs, which makes you earn air miles easily
• Can earn earlier access to First Class when flying with them more often
• Upscale lounges when doing layovers at their designated airports

2. Swiss Airlines- Best For Business Travelers

 

Swiss Airlines ranks among the best airlines in Europe for its flight efficiency and for travelers seeking relaxation. This airline is the main hub for Switzerland and is used as a flight gateway across many countries in Europe. The best highlights for this flight are its excellent business class and first class service, along with its premium meals.  Also, Swiss Airlines is great for travelers who want punctuality, stylish simplicity, and value. Swiss International Airlines is ideal for those seeking a smooth, stress-free, and reliable flight experience.

Pros:

• Has 100+ destinations worldwide across Asia, Europe, South America, and North America
• Longest and strongest safety record, which makes them one of the best airlines in Europe
• Many comfortable spaces in the economy section

Cons:

• Has flight delays or cancellations, which makes it hard to get a refund
• The fares could be high within the budget of other European Airlines
• High fees if you want to pay extra for the seats you want to pick

Perks:

• They have Priority check in and boarding at their airlines
• Has airport lounges which offer food, drinks, and relaxation when booking business or first class
• Upgradable air miles if you fly with Swiss consistently

3. Air France- Best For Food and Style

 

Air France is known for its exquisite cuisine and redesigned cabins, which can make your flight journey very elegant. This airline offers many flights all across Europe and the United States, connecting to Paris Airports. The best highlights for Air France are its fine French cuisine and wine on board, along with improved seat comfort from economy to first class. Then, this airline is great if you’re looking for high-end luxury, comfort, and punctuality on your flight. Air France is among the best airlines in Europe, renowned for its exceptional customer service and extensive flight connections worldwide.

Pros:

• Has 200+ destinations to travel worldwide
• Best Airlines in Europe for in-flight entertainment since they have new movies, shows, and music
• Priority check-in and lounge access when flying with them

Cons

• Sometimes has delays and cancellations when flying with them
• Charges if you want to choose your own seat or meals
• Has unhelpful customer service when delays are happening

Perks

• Fine dining and luxury seating when flying with Air France
• Has a cultural touch when booking business and first class
• Gives many flexibility and benefits when being a partner with them

 

4. Iberia Airlines – Best For Leisure Travel

Iberia Airlines is considered one of the best airlines in Europe for its comfort and its authentic Spanish hospitality.  This airline’s main hub is in Madrid, and it offers many connecting flights from the United States and Europe. The best highlights for Iberia are its spacious seating, quality Spanish cuisine, and highly decorative airline lounges. Then this airline is beneficial if you’re looking for efficient and reliable flights, getting you through Europe or anywhere worldwide. Additionally, Iberia Airlines is ideal for travelers who are part of the One World alliance, as it is affiliated with it.

Pros:

• Has 100+ destinations worldwide, which makes flight connections easier
• Best Airlines in Europe for the competitive baggage policy, which offers discounts
• Great business and first-class seating from the airlines

Cons

• Their website gets glitchy when you’re doing check-ins or bookings
• Has many last-minute flight delays or cancellations
• Sometimes mishandled luggages

Perks

• If you have business class or higher, there is priority boarding and complimentary meals
• Friendly rewards system where they are good for frequent travelers
• Many flight connections across Europe

 

5. British Airways- Best For Its Classic Service

 

British Airways is ranked as one of the best airlines in Europe for its flight haul durations around the United States and Europe. This airline’s main hub is located in London and serves as a primary gateway to other European countries. Then the best highlights for British Airways are its premium lounges and its gourmet hospitality dining. Also, this airline is great if you’re a traveler seeking to become a frequent flyer all around Europe. British Airways is ideal for travelers who are budget-friendly and want to travel around other European countries easily.

Pros:

• Has 200+ destinations, which makes it one of the best airlines in Europe for worldwide travel
• Modernized cabins with excellent wi-fi for all passengers
• Great meals and drinks when on a long-haul flight with them

Cons:

• Poor customer service at times when wanting a refund
• Economy seats, at times, could be cramped on certain aircrafts
• Like all the other airlines, it has flight delays and cancellations at times

Perks:

• Free Wi-Fi on board when flying with them
• Being a member with them gives many benefits across multiple airlines
• Business and First Class seats offer privacy and luxury meals

Final Thoughts

Overall, choosing any of the airlines mentioned is particularly your preference for the type of flight experience you desire. It all depends on the type of budget you have and the destination that you’re looking to visit in the future. Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, and Air France all offer high-end luxury and efficient service along with delicious premium meals. Meanwhile, British Airways and Iberia offer budget-friendly and convenient transfer connections to other countries around Europe. To conclude, choosing one of the best airlines in Europe involves considering the type of service quality, budget, and flight efficiency you want on your next trip to Europe.