Europe-Bound? Here Are the 10 Airlines Frequent Flyers Recommend Most

When it comes to flying to Europe, not all airlines are created equal—and in 2024, one name has once again soared to the top. Turkish Airlines has been crowned the Best Airline in Europe by Skytrax for the ninth time, edging out competitors like Air France and Swiss with its blend of elevated service, expansive route network, and attention to passenger comfort.

But what makes an airline truly “the best” for crossing the Atlantic? For most travelers, it comes down to more than just a seat: you want reliable flight schedules, generous luggage policies, comfortable cabins, and a smooth, stress-free experience from check-in to landing.

This updated guide cuts through the noise to highlight the top European airlines worth your booking this year. We’re looking at everything from luxury touches in business class to economy perks, airport hubs, connectivity, and the airlines that make long-haul feel less long, all backed by the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards rankings and insights from frequent flyers.

Best Airlines To Fly To Europe

1. Turkish Airlines – leads the pack across comfort, gourmet business-class meals, and an expansive hub in Istanbul.

2. Air France – captures Western European charm with reliable schedules and chic lounges.

3. Swiss International Air Lines – excels in punctuality and calm efficiency.

4. British Airways – stand out for transatlantic reach and consistent service.

5. Iberia – offers stylish, cost-effective flights into Southern Europe.

6. Virgin Atlantic – stand out for transatlantic reach and consistent service.

7. Lufthansa – ensures Star Alliance connectivity paired with dependable operations.

8. Finnair –round out the list as solid, trustworthy carriers across the continent.

9. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 

10. Austrian Airlines 

Turkish Airlines Ranked The Best Airline In Europe

Crowned Best Airline in Europe by Skytrax for the ninth time, Turkish Airlines continues to impress with a rare blend of global connectivity, premium onboard service, and a hub that acts as a cultural and logistical bridge between East and West.

Why It Stands Out:

• Unmatched Network: With flights to over 340 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, Turkish Airlines offers the most extensive route network of any airline globally. It’s especially ideal for travelers heading to secondary European cities that are often underserved by other major carriers.

• Business Class That Rivals the Gulf Carriers: Flat-bed seats, chef-curated meals inspired by Turkish cuisine, and attentive service put their long-haul business class experience among the world’s best. Passengers rave about the Do&Co-catered mezze platters, inflight chefs, and elegant turn-down service on long-haul routes.

• Economy Done Right: Even in economy class, Turkish excels. Generous legroom, above-average meal service (still served with real cutlery), and individual entertainment screens are standard—offering comfort without the premium price tag.

• Istanbul Airport Advantage: Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkish’s modern mega-hub, offers seamless international connections, world-class shopping, and one of the best business class lounges in Europe. It’s a game-changer for travelers looking to avoid more congested airports like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle.

Best For:

• Travelers who want a premium experience without the ultra-luxury markup

• Business travelers connecting between continents

• Families and solo travelers seeking excellent economy service

• Anyone flying into or out of Eastern or Southern Europe

Travel Tip: Book Turkish if you’re heading to the Balkans, Eastern Europe, or Middle East where you’ll find direct routes and more convenient departure times than most other European carriers offer.

2. Air France 

Crowned Best Airline in Western Europe for the fourth consecutive year by Skytrax in 2024, Air France emobides Parisian elegance at 30,000 feet. With freshly upgraded cabins, world-class cuisine, and consistently high service standards, it strikes a balance between refinement and reliability, especially for travelers connecting through its efficient Charles de Gaulle hub.

What Makes Air France Shine:

• Effortless French sophistication: Whether you’re flying economy or reserving one of the lavish La Première suites, Air France delivers an unmistakably French aesthetic—made all the more enticing with Michelin-starred dining. The airline also took home Skytrax awards for Best First Class Lounge Catering and Best First Class Onboard Catering.

• Cabin upgrades and comfort: With its A350s and A220s rolling out revamped interiors, expect enhanced lighting, modernized seats, and thoughtful in-flight amenities—even in economy.

• First-class innovation: This year, Air France unveils ultra-private La Première suites on select Boeing 777-300ERs, complete with 32-inch 4K screens, chaise lounges that convert into full beds, and sliding privacy doors.

• Streamlined connections: Paris Charles de Gaulle remains one of Europe’s most connected hubs, and Air France has made notable improvements to transit flow, SkyTeam partner integration, and digital passenger support.

Air France remains the go-to for travelers who appreciate design-forward details, a strong culinary program, and a calm, curated experience from check-in to touchdown.

3. Swiss International Airlines

Ranked #3 Best Airline in Europe by Skytrax in 2024, Swiss International Air Lines is the quiet achiever among Europe’s top carriers, valued by frequent flyers for its punctuality, understated service, and crisp, clean design ethos. Operating out of Zurich, Swiss offers a gateway to the Alps and beyond with the kind of polished efficiency you’d expect from a country known for timekeeping and chocolate.

Why Swiss Earns High Marks:

• Operational reliability: Swiss continues to lead in on-time performance and baggage handling. For travelers wary of delays or missed connections, it’s one of the safest bets in Europe.

• Refined simplicity: Cabins are elegant without being flashy. Expect neutral tones, attentive but unobtrusive service, and thoughtful inflight extras like Swiss chocolate and high-quality bedding in business class.

• Fleet and upgrades: With a focus on wide-body Airbus aircraft for long-haul routes and fuel-efficient narrow-bodies within Europe, Swiss balances comfort with sustainability goals. The introduction of new cabin designs across its A330s and A350s promises a more personalized and modern flying experience by 2025.

• Zurich Airport advantage: Zurich’s compact layout and smooth customs experience make layovers and transfers less chaotic than major hubs like Heathrow or Frankfurt. Swiss also boasts a well-reviewed business class lounge with fresh food, quiet zones, and direct tarmac views.

While it may not shout luxury, Swiss excels in exactly what many travelers value most: consistency, calm, and an experience that runs like—well, clockwork.

4. British Airways

Skytrax ranks British Airways as the 4th Best Airline in Europe for 2024, and it’s also been certified as a solid 4-Star airline—noted for its consistent service and ongoing product enhancements.

Operating from its flagship hub at London Heathrow, BA balances classic British sophistication with contemporary improvements:

• Fleet Rejuvenation
  BA is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar upgrade program. A380s, 777s, and long-haul fleet are being retrofitted with next-gen seats across First, Club World (business class), Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.

• Airport & Lounge Experience
  At Heathrow, BA delivers premium check‑in and boarding, with its Concorde Room and Club lounges frequently praised though peak-hour congestion can still test capacity.

• Service That Scores
  BA not only earned high marks for staff efficiency and cabin service but also took home the Most Family-Friendly Airline award in 2024. They’ve fine-tuned every step from family boarding to child-friendly entertainment and amenity kits

• Operational Reliability
  While traditionally not as punctual as Swiss or Lufthansa, BA maintains a dependable schedule and a robust transatlantic network, especially with its A380-superjumbo flying to destinations like Boston, Los Angeles, and Singapore.

British Airways today anchors itself as a bridge between nostalgia and innovation: an airline you can trust for a refined, family-accommodating journey bolstered by refreshed cabins, evolving lounges, and a long-term vision to enhance the flying experience.

5. Iberia

Iberia flies confidently into 2024, securing 5th place and winning the Best Airline Staff Service in Europe for its dedication to exceptional frontline hospitality.

Madrid’s flagship carrier fuses Iberian charm with modern reliability, delivering a sun-drenched gateway to Spain and easy connections onward.

What Makes Iberia Shine:

• Friendly, Award-Winning Service
  Iberia’s cabin and ground teams were voted best-staff in Europe at the 2024 awards—lauded for their warmth, language skills, and consistent, attentive care from check-in to arrival .

• Solid 4-Star Quality Across the Board
  Skytrax maintains Iberia’s 4-star rating, citing strong offerings in seats, catering, inflight entertainment, and cabin staff, particularly on its modern A350s.

• Business Class That’s Getting Better
  Long-haul Business Plus now features lie-flat seating and enhanced IFE on A350s. It strikes a middle ground between indulgence and affordability. Short- and mid-haul business class blocks the middle seat, offering extra room and lounge perks.

• Strong Economy Experience
  Economy class on long-haul routes includes standard catering, while short-haul ‘Tu Menú’ a la carte service adds flexibility. Personal entertainment screens on all aircraft enhance the journey—even if not the flashiest class in the sky.

• Lounge Network & Hub Efficiency
  Madrid-Barajas continues to improve its lounge experience; many VIP and business lounges offer quiet zones, tapas-style menus, and private workspaces. The airport’s layout and Iberia’s service help mitigate common transfer stress.

Travelers bound for Spain, Latin America, or hop on Oneworld connections across Europe and the Americas will appreciate Iberia’s thoughtful service, solid on-time record, and quietly luxurious touches. It offers reliable comfort and warm hospitality, just what travelers want when the destination charm starts in the sky.

6. Virgin Atlantic

Skytrax ranked Virgin Atlantic as the 6th Best Airline in Europe in 2024, marking a solid return to the top 20 globally, where it rose to 17th place this year, surpassing its sister airline BA in passenger reviews.

Based at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, Virgin plays to its strengths as the UK’s most adventurous long-haul carrier, blending British charm with a touch of glamor and modern flair.

What Makes Virgin Atlantic Stand Out:

• Upper Class Flair with Flair
  Its signature Upper Class (business class) cabin offers direct aisle access, lie-flat beds, and exclusive “Clubhouse” lounges with chauffeur transfers. The new A330neo and A350s introduce sliding-door suites, mood lighting, Bluetooth-enabled IFE, and a chic social area called “The Loft,” raising the bar in comfort and privacy.

• Premium Economy Excellence
  Virgin’s Premium Economy was recently named the 2nd Best in the World by Skytrax. Seats with 38″ pitch, calf rests, and upscale finishes like walnut side tables provide a noteworthy step up—without the premium business price.

• Economy Refresh
  While Economy offers competitive fares, recent cabin refreshes include improved Wi-Fi, personal seat-back IFE, and generous baggage allowances up to 23 kg making long-haul feel far more comfortable .

• Atmosphere Counts
  Virgin doesn’t take itself too seriously but its vibrant style, spirited crew, and social spaces are a hit, especially with couples and groups. Reviewers often highlight the balance between efficiency and fun, noting how staff go the extra mile even for solo travelers with hidden disabilities.

• Fleet & Future Focus
  Committing $17 billion to upgrade its long-haul aircraft, Virgin is refreshing A330s, adding A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9s, aiming to reduce cabin age while enhancing comfort and efficiency.

Why Travelers Choose Virgin Atlantic

For those boarding in the UK, Virgin offers a compelling blend: stylish cabins, standout Premium Economy, personable service, and a playful atmosphere, especially for business or leisure trips to North America, the Caribbean, or beyond. With new suites and upgraded aircraft arriving, it’s evolving into a modern contender against traditional premium transatlantic airlines.

8. Finnair

Skytrax once again named Finnair the Best Airline in Northern Europe in 2024, a remarkable fourteenth consecutive win and awarded it both Best Cabin Crew in the region and Cleanest Airline in Europe.

Flying out of Helsinki, Finnair offers what many travelers crave: simplicity, efficiency, and a touch of Finnish minimalism.

Why Finnair Holds Strong:

• Champions of Cleanliness and Service
  There’s an undeniable sense of calm and care aboard Finnair. From spotless cabins to welcoming staff, the airline conveys warmth through small gestures—think genuine smiles, clear communication, and that Nordic efficiency—from takeoff to touchdown .

• Seamless Hub Connectivity
  Helsinki Airport is more intimate and easier to navigate than larger European hubs. With all terminals merged into one in mid‑2022, transfers are frictionless saving precious time and reducing stress.

• Smart Fleet and Routes
  Finnair is modernizing its fleet with reconfigured A330s and A350s featuring refreshed cabins. The airline’s strategic “polar route” to Asia, reminiscent of its first nonstop flights over the North Pole in 1983, is now more fuel-efficient and time-saving than ever.

• Efficiency People Notice
  While Skytrax ranks them highly in cleanliness and crew service, passenger reviews occasionally highlight inconsistent communication and delays. However, their core passengers, especially business travelers and Scandinavia-bound guests consistently praise the brand for reliability and polish.

Finnair may not dazzle with flashy lounges or luxe interiors, but its clean, calm cabins, efficient Helsinki hub, and commitment to service make it a dependable choice for travelers who value simplicity done right.

9. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 

With over a century of experience in the skies, KLM has quietly mastered the art of long-haul travel. It may not be the flashiest airline in Europe, but for travelers who value consistency, smooth transfers, and a touch of Dutch charm, KLM remains a trusted favorite. Backed by continued Skytrax recognition in 2024, the airline pairs heritage with modernization, earning praise for everything from fleet upgrades to its famously friendly cabin crew.

What Sets KLM Apart:

• Heritage & Reliability
  As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name (founded in 1919), KLM has honed a reliable service ethos over its 104-year legacy. Its SkyTeam alliance roots (in partnership with Air France since 2004) ensure smooth connectivity, consistent loyalty perks, and seamless transfers across Europe.

• Comfortable Class Configurations
  KLM offers tailored experience across cabins:

  • World Business Class features fully flat seats (on older setups) or reverse‑herringbone pods (newer 777s), with globally coveted amenity kits by Viktor & Rolf and chef-designed meals served on Marcel Wanders tableware.

  • Premium Comfort adds extra legroom and enhanced IFE on long-haul.

  • Economy & Economy Comfort provide personal entertainment screens and free stroopwafels—a sweet touch of home.

• Fleet Investments & Modernization
  KLM is refurbishing its long-haul fleet, installing privacy-enhancing reverse‑herringbone seats on 777s and refreshing cabins across 787s and A330s, ensuring comfort on par with top-tier competitors.

• Efficient Hub at Schiphol
  Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is easy to navigate, with centralized terminals that reduce connection times. KLM’s use of self-service baggage drops and a professional ground team smooths airport throughput.

Today’s KLM is a dependable and polished choice, offering professional Dutch service, a strong SkyTeam network, and new cabin upgrades to rival its European peers, ideal for both business and leisure travelers seeking familiarity paired with thoughtful enhancements.

10. Austrian Airlines 

As the flag carrier of Austria and a proud member of the Lufthansa Group, Austrian Airlines brings a distinctly Viennese spirit to its services marked by gracious hospitality, sleek efficiency, and a dash of local charm.

What Sets Austrian Airlines Apart:

• Exemplary Cabin Crew Recognition
  Awarded Best Cabin Crew in Europe and Western Europe 2024 by Skytrax, Austrian’s flight attendants stand out with their warm professionalism and welcoming demeanor.

• Consistent 4-Star Quality Across the Fleet
  Certified as a 4-Star Airline, Austrian delivers solid quality across seats, inflight catering, entertainment, and cleanliness in both long- and short-haul travel.

• Stylish Business-to-Economy Experience
  Business class offers refined comfort with plush seating and Viennese-inspired meals, while premium economy bridges elegance and practicality. Economy passengers can expect efficient service, clean cabins, and value-centric amenities.

• Vienna Airport Hub: A Model of Efficiency
  Operating from Vienna International Airport, Austrian benefits from smooth transfers, dedicated lounges, and efficient ground operations. Its frequent front-of-wagon presence—46% of departing traffic in 2024—means better connectivity and convenience.

• Fleet Modernization Underway
  Austrian is refreshing its long-haul fleet with new Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners and retiring older 767s and 777s. Short- to mid-haul routes run on efficient Airbus jets and Embraer aircraft bringing comfort and sustainability into balance.

Austrian Airlines charms travelers who appreciate attentive service, reliable schedules, and the ease of navigating Vienna’s modern airport delivered with a graceful touch that reflects its Austrian roots.