21 Best Airlines To Fly To Spain From The USA

Planning a trip to Spain? Let’s get your flight right.

Whether you’re headed to Madrid for art and architecture, Barcelona for beachside tapas, or Andalusia for olive groves and flamenco, your experience begins the moment you book your seat. But not all airlines treat Spain-bound travelers equally and if you’ve ever found yourself squished in a middle seat with no charger or inflight meal on an 8-hour haul, you already know that.

This guide breaks down the best airlines flying from the U.S. to Spain based on real traveler reviews, nonstop routes, fleet comfort, and perks that actually make a difference. I’ve compared major carriers like Iberia, American, Delta, United, and even lesser-known gems you might not have considered (hello, Air Europa and Level).

If you’re looking for lie-flat luxury, budget-friendly basics, or the best value in economy, I’ll help you match the airline to your travel style. I’ve flown to Spain from both coasts, tested multiple cabins, and tracked what’s changed post-pandemic so you don’t have to guess what’s worth your money.

Let’s find the flight that gets you to Spain rested, happy, and maybe even a little spoiled.

Quick Look: Top Airlines Flying to Spain from the USA

Airline	Best For	Direct Routes	Highlights
Air Europa	Lie-flat value & SkyTeam perks	Miami, New York (JFK) → Madrid	787 Dreamliner, Michelin-curated meals, SUMA loyalty program
American Airlines	Flagship routes to major cities	JFK, MIA, DFW → Madrid, Barcelona	Flagship Business, Premium Economy
Delta Air Lines	Privacy and consistency	JFK, ATL → Madrid, Barcelona	Delta One Suites, SkyTeam network
United Airlines	Wide network and connections	EWR, IAD → Madrid, Barcelona (seasonal)	Polaris business class, MileagePlus program
Iberia Airlines	Seamless Spanish travel	JFK, MIA, ORD → Madrid	Strong domestic coverage, competitive pricing
TAP Air Portugal	Budget with a Portugal stopover	JFK, BOS, MIA → Madrid, Barcelona	A330neo fleet, free Lisbon/Porto stopover
Level	Low-cost flights to Barcelona	JFK, BOS, MIA, LAX, SFO → Barcelona	Ultra-low fares, solid Premium Economy option
British Airways	Premium service via London	Major U.S. hubs → Spain via LHR	New Club Suite in Business Class
Air France	Easy transfers via Paris	Multiple U.S. cities → Spain via CDG	Smooth European connections
Lufthansa	Access to wider Spain via Germany	U.S. hubs → Spain via FRA/MUC	Excellent beyond-Madrid options
Turkish Airlines	Luxury at competitive pricing	U.S. → Spain via Istanbul	Best-in-class onboard dining, lounge access

 

Best Airlines to Fly Directly to Spain from the USA

1. Air Europa

I flew Air Europa from JFK to Madrid on a whim after scoring a last-minute business class fare that undercut Iberia by hundreds. To my surprise, the Dreamliner cabin was sleek and quiet, and the meal service (designed by Spanish Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui) was actually memorable. I’ve flown dozens of transatlantic routes, and this one held its own.

Why Fly Air Europa

• Lie-flat business class on Boeing 787 Dreamliners

• Michelin-curated meals in J class

• SkyTeam loyalty perks (miles redeemable with Delta, Air France, KLM)

• Often lower fares than Iberia or U.S. legacy carriers

Best for: Travelers flying into Madrid who want a full-service experience without paying full-service prices. SkyTeam loyalty is a nice bonus.

2. Level

Level isn’t a name most U.S. travelers know, but it should b, especially if you’re Barcelona-bound. I booked a Premium Economy seat out of JFK to test it for a family travel story. The seat had real recline, the food came hot, and the cabin crew was friendlier than many full-service airlines I’ve flown. It’s a solid alternative if you want comfort on a budget.

Why Fly Level

• Nonstop service to Barcelona from major U.S. cities (JFK, BOS, MIA, LAX, SFO)

• Premium Economy includes meals, seatback entertainment, and more legroom

• Economy base fares among the lowest to Spain

• A330 aircraft with a clean, modern layout

Best for: Budget-savvy flyers headed to Barcelona who don’t mind paying for extras—or want to splurge on a better seat without blowing the budget.

3. American Airlines

I’ve flown American to Spain more than once, most recently from Miami to Madrid in Premium Economy. The cabin felt roomy, and I appreciated the separate check-in line and upgraded meal service, especially on an overnight flight with kids. Their Flagship Business cabin (which I’ve tested on other routes) also makes long-haul feel luxe.

Why Fly American

• Nonstop to Madrid and Barcelona from multiple U.S. hubs

• Flagship Business offers lie-flat seats and lounge access

• AAdvantage loyalty perks and Oneworld connections

• Premium Economy with larger seats, meals, and priority boarding

Best for: Travelers loyal to American or looking for nonstop options from the U.S. with a polished long-haul product.

4. Delta Air Lines

I’ve flown Delta’s JFK–Madrid route and also booked it for my parents because I trust Delta’s consistency. Delta One Suites offer true privacy (with closing doors) and an elevated service experience from check-in to landing. Their Sky Club at JFK also makes the pre-departure experience easier to enjoy.

Why Fly Delta

• Direct flights to Madrid and Barcelona

• Delta One Suites with privacy doors, Saks bedding, and elevated service

• Excellent operational reliability

• Strong SkyTeam network for onward European travel

Best for: Travelers who prioritize polished service, stylish cabins, and loyalty perks across the SkyTeam network.

5. United Airlines

I’ve taken United from Newark to Madrid during shoulder season when Polaris upgrades were easier to snag. The Polaris seats are comfortable, the bedding is genuinely cozy, and the pre-flight dining at EWR made up for a late departure. It’s a solid bet, especially if you’re flying out of the Northeast.

Why Fly United

• Polaris business class with direct aisle access and upscale dining

• Seasonal service to Barcelona from major hubs

• Convenient East Coast departures

• MileagePlus program benefits

Best for: East Coast-based travelers or MileagePlus members looking for reliable long-haul service and a chance at an upgrade.

6. Iberia Airlines

I’ve flown Iberia more times than I can count often because it offers the best connections across Spain. My most recent trip was a short hop from Madrid to San Sebastián, but I’ve also flown Iberia long-haul. Service is efficient, food is classic Spanish (think olive oil and manchego), and their Premium Economy strikes a good balance.

Why Fly Iberia

• Direct flights to Madrid from major U.S. cities

• Easy onward connections to Spanish islands and small cities

• Competitive Premium Economy pricing

• Local airline experience, from wine to announcements

Best for: Travelers heading beyond Madrid and Barcelona, or those who want a Spanish carrier with broad domestic reach.

7. TAP Air Portugal

I flew TAP through Lisbon en route to Valencia and built in a two-day stopover to explore the city. The Lisbon airport is small and manageable, and TAP’s fares were the lowest I found for that route. It’s not luxury, but it’s comfortable—and the stopover added value I wasn’t expecting.

Why Fly TAP

• Affordable transatlantic fares

• Free Lisbon or Porto stopovers up to five nights

• A330neo aircraft with mood lighting and quieter cabins

• Good option for travelers open to a short layover

Best for: Budget travelers or those who want to add Portugal to their itinerary for free.

Other Airlines Worth Considering for Spain Flights

Not every traveler needs a direct route. Sometimes a short layover unlocks better seats, lower fares, or more flexible arrival options. These European and international carriers are worth a look—especially if you’re connecting from a U.S. city without nonstop service to Spain or aiming for smaller Spanish destinations.

British Airways (via London Heathrow)

I’ve flown British Airways across the Atlantic several times—most recently in their new Club Suite. The upgrade was noticeable: private sliding doors, direct aisle access, and improved bedding made a long overnight flight feel civilized. Layovers in Heathrow are easier than expected when you use their lounges.

Why Consider It

• Brand-new Club Suites in Business Class (rolling out fleet-wide)

• Easy onward connections to cities across Spain

• Great partner redemptions if you collect Avios or AAdvantage miles

Best for: Travelers connecting through the U.K. or loyal to Oneworld partners like American Airlines.

Air France (via Paris Charles de Gaulle)

I’ve used Air France to connect into Spain more than once—most recently flying from Vancouver to Bilbao via CDG. The service was polished, and the in-flight meal from JFK to Paris rivaled any fine-dining airport lounge. Bonus: CDG is surprisingly efficient when you know your gate.

Why Consider It

• Elegant Business and Premium Economy cabins

• Broad Spain access via short-haul partner flights

• Seamless Flying Blue loyalty program integration

Best for: Travelers starting from cities without direct Spain routes or those using Flying Blue miles.

Lufthansa (via Frankfurt or Munich)

Lufthansa has been my go-to when I want to fly into less common cities—like Seville or Valencia. Their route network is vast, and I appreciate the German efficiency even if the cabin feels more business-formal than boutique.

Why Consider It

• Wide access to smaller Spanish destinations

• Reliable service, especially in Business Class

• Frankfurt and Munich offer smooth EU transfers

Best for: Travelers connecting into smaller Spanish cities or flying from the Midwest.

Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)

Turkish Airlines often ranks among the best in the world for Business Class—and after flying them to another European destination, I can see why. The food, the amenity kits, and the lounge in Istanbul were all next-level. Even Economy felt elevated.

Why Consider It

• Often lower Business Class fares than direct competitors

• One of the best onboard dining programs globally

• Lavish lounge in Istanbul for connecting passengers

Best for: Travelers who want luxury service at a mid-range price—and don’t mind a longer routing.

Tips for Booking Flights to Spain 

After flying to Spain regularly from both coasts—and booking for extended family, group press trips, and solo escapes—I’ve learned a few things that make a big difference when planning your transatlantic flight. These are the strategies I always use before hitting “confirm.”

Book early—especially for summer and fall
Spain fills fast. If you want nonstop flights, better seats, or points availability in premium cabins, book at least 3–5 months out. I’ve seen Level’s Premium Economy and Air Europa’s business class sell out weeks before Iberia or Delta.

Midweek flights = better deals
Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer lower fares and less crowded flights. It’s not always dramatic, but even $75–$100 off can free up budget for tapas in Barcelona or a splurge night in San Sebastián.

Travel in shoulder season
April–May and September–October are my favorite months for Spain. Fewer crowds, more temperate weather, and better flight deals especially on carriers like TAP and Air Europa. You’ll also have better luck with hotel upgrades and reservations.

Watch for fare sales in January and August
Major airlines drop Europe deals during New Year’s sales and again late summer. I’ve nabbed Flagship Business on American and TAP Air Portugal layover fares for a fraction of high-season rates just by keeping alerts on.

Know what’s included (and what’s not)
Level’s fares don’t include food or bags in economy. Air Europa includes more in business than many expect. Always check the baggage policy, seat selection, and meal inclusions before comparing prices especially with budget airlines.

Use loyalty programs to your advantage
Whether you fly SkyTeam (Delta, Air Europa), Oneworld (Iberia, American, British Airways), or Star Alliance (United, Lufthansa, Turkish), these routes are ideal for earning and redeeming miles. I’ve flown to Spain on points more times than I’ve paid cash.

Final Take: The Best Flight to Spain Is the One That Fits You

There’s no single “best airline” to Spain, only the best one for how you like to travel. Maybe it’s Air Europa’s lie-flat business class that gets you to Madrid rested and ahead of schedule. Maybe it’s Level’s Premium Economy that keeps costs low without sacrificing comfort. Or maybe it’s a reliable Delta nonstop, a well-timed American flight with AAdvantage perks, or an Iberia connection that gets you to a lesser-known Spanish gem.

I’ve flown most of these routes myself, some with kids, some on solo assignments, some chasing shoulder-season deals. The common thread? Picking the right airline for the trip I wanted to have, not just the cheapest fare.

Book early. Fly smart. And get ready for churros, cava, coastlines, or whatever Spain means to you.

¡Buen viaje!