to make is choosing the right airline. With dozens of airlines flying to the USA from all around the world, it’s important to pick one that aligns with your travel priorities. These may include comfort, price, customer service, and onboard amenities. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best airlines for traveling to the USA, taking into account both international and domestic options, and we’ll highlight what sets each one apart.
1. Emirates Airlines: Best for Luxury and Comfort
If you’re looking for luxury, comfort, and top-tier service, Emirates Airlines is one of the best options for traveling to the USA. Known for its outstanding customer service and world-class amenities, Emirates flies to several major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.
The airline is particularly renowned for its Business and First Class services, which feature private suites, onboard lounges, and gourmet dining experiences. Emirates’ economy class is also exceptional, offering spacious seats and a great selection of entertainment through their ICE system.
What sets Emirates apart is the quality of their inflight services and the connectivity provided via its hub in Dubai. If you’re flying from Asia, the Middle East, or Africa, the stopover in Dubai allows for a convenient and often luxurious layover.
Pros:
- Outstanding inflight entertainment and services.
- Excellent connections from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
- Comfortable seating and great legroom in all classes.
Cons:
- Ticket prices can be higher, especially in Business and First Class.
- Long layovers in Dubai can be inconvenient for some travelers.
2. Singapore Airlines: Best for Asian Travelers
Singapore Airlines consistently ranks among the top airlines globally for its exceptional service and premium cabins. It’s an excellent option for travelers heading to the U.S. from Southeast Asia or other parts of Asia.
The airline offers flights to major U.S. cities such as San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, with seamless connections through its hub at Singapore’s Changi Airport, often considered one of the world’s best airports.
Singapore Airlines is known for its spacious and comfortable seats, delicious inflight dining, and attentive cabin crew. Whether you’re flying in Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class, the experience is designed to be as pleasant as possible. Premium cabins feature lie-flat beds and direct aisle access.
Pros:
- Excellent service and inflight dining.
- Changi Airport offers easy and comfortable connections.
- Spacious seats and top-notch inflight entertainment.
Cons:
- Long flight times for U.S.-bound passengers due to geographic distance.
- Premium prices for Business and First Class.
3. Qatar Airways: Best for Middle Eastern Connections
Another highly regarded airline in the Middle East is Qatar Airways, which connects travelers to the U.S. through its hub in Doha. The airline has a vast network that spans Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an excellent choice for those seeking convenient connections.
Qatar Airways flies to several major cities in the U.S., including New York, Chicago, and Dallas. The airline is known for its luxurious Qsuite, often considered the best Business Class product globally. Even in Economy Class, passengers are treated to comfortable seating and a wide range of inflight entertainment options.
Qatar Airways also boasts one of the youngest fleets in the industry, ensuring passengers travel on modern, state-of-the-art aircraft. The airline’s Doha hub is efficient and luxurious, making layovers relatively painless.
Pros:
- Excellent Business Class product (Qsuite).
- Convenient connections from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Modern aircraft with advanced amenities.
Cons:
- Long layovers in Doha for some routes.
- Business and First Class can be expensive.
4. British Airways: Best for Travelers from Europe
For travelers flying to the U.S. from Europe, British Airways is a top choice, offering direct flights from London to nearly every major city in the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. The airline operates a large number of flights to the USA, making it a convenient option for European travelers.
British Airways offers a range of cabins, from Economy to First Class, with its Business Class (Club World) providing fully flat beds and direct aisle access. Its premium economy class (World Traveller Plus) is a great option for those looking for extra comfort without the price tag of Business Class.
The airline’s strong presence at London Heathrow Airport ensures smooth connections for travelers coming from other parts of Europe or beyond. However, British Airways can sometimes be more expensive than competitors, especially during peak travel periods.
Pros:
- Wide range of flight options from Europe to the U.S.
- Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) offers great value.
- Extensive network of routes to the USA.
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Some aircraft in the fleet are older and less modern compared to competitors.
5. Delta Air Lines: Best for U.S. Domestic Connectivity
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest airlines in the United States and offers an extensive network of domestic and international flights. If you’re flying to the USA from Europe, Asia, or Latin America, Delta is an excellent choice, offering direct flights to many major U.S. cities such as Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles.
What sets Delta apart from its U.S.-based competitors is its consistent focus on customer service and its well-maintained fleet of aircraft. Delta also offers a range of cabin classes, including Delta One (Business Class), which features lie-flat seats on long-haul flights.
Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer program is one of the best in the industry, and its partnership with airlines such as Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Korean Air makes it a good option for travelers seeking a broader network of destinations.
Pros:
- Extensive domestic network within the U.S.
- Excellent partnerships with other airlines for global connectivity.
- Consistently good customer service.
Cons:
- Some routes can be expensive.
- Limited inflight amenities compared to some international competitors.
6. United Airlines: Best for Flights from Asia and Europe
United Airlines is another major U.S. carrier, offering a vast number of international and domestic flights. United has strong hubs in cities like Chicago, Newark, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, which makes it a convenient option for travelers flying to different parts of the United States.
United is known for its Polaris Business Class, which offers lie-flat seats and direct aisle access on long-haul flights. United also has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with flights from Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, making it a solid choice for travelers coming from Asia.
One advantage of flying United is its Star Alliance membership, allowing seamless connections with other partner airlines globally.
Pros:
- Extensive domestic and international network.
- Strong presence in Asia and Europe.
- Star Alliance membership for added connectivity.
Cons:
- Inconsistent customer service and inflight experience.
- Older aircraft on some routes.
7. Turkish Airlines: Best for Inflight Dining
If you prioritize inflight dining, Turkish Airlines is a fantastic choice for traveling to the USA. Turkish Airlines has earned a reputation for its delicious onboard meals, especially in Business Class. The airline flies to several U.S. destinations, including New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, with connections through its hub in Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines is also known for its excellent inflight entertainment and comfortable seats. The airline’s Business Class features lie-flat seats and excellent service, making long-haul flights more enjoyable.
Pros:
- Excellent inflight dining and service.
- Convenient connections through Istanbul.
- Comfortable Business Class with lie-flat seats.
Cons:
- Long layovers in Istanbul for some routes.
- Economy Class can feel cramped on long-haul flights.
Conclusion
Choosing the best airline for your trip to the USA depends on your starting location, budget, and travel preferences. For those seeking luxury and comfort, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines offer world-class service. If you’re looking for affordability and a wide range of options, Delta and United provide extensive domestic connectivity along with international routes. European travelers may find British Airways or Turkish Airlines to be the most convenient and enjoyable choices.
Ultimately, the best airline for you will depend on your individual needs, but any of the airlines listed above will provide a quality experience for your journey to the USA.