The top 10 airlines operating Europe to USA flights by scheduled seat capacity for summer 2023 are:

• Delta Air Lines: 4.4 million seats
• United Airlines: 3.8 million seats
• American Airlines: 3.7 million seats
• British Airways: 2.9 million seats
• Lufthansa: 2.6 million seats
• Air France: 2.1 million seats
• Virgin Atlantic: 1.8 million seats
• Norwegian Air Shuttle: 1.7 million seats
• Iberia: 1.6 million seats
• KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines: 1.6 million seats

If you are planning to travel from Europe to the USA in 2023, you may be wondering which airline offers the best value and comfort for your money. There are many factors to consider when choosing an airline, such as prices, legroom, food and beverages quality, and services for disabled passengers. To help you make an informed decision, we have compared the first ten airlines operating Europe to USA flights on AirlineRatings.com for 2023, based on these criteria.

Prices and their shifting

Airfare prices are influenced by many factors, such as demand, supply, seasonality, fuel costs, competition, and taxes. According to various sources, flight prices to Europe have soared since the pandemic, well beyond the rate of inflation in Europe. The average summer 2023 round trip from the U.S. to Europe costs $1,167, while Asia trips are at an average price of $1,817. Europe flights are 36% more expensive than 2019, when the average price was $8614. In Asia, the No. 2 most-popular destination for Americans, average prices are 64% higher than pre-pandemic levels5.

However, some airlines may offer lower fares or more flexibility than others. For example, Turkish Airlines offers a “Peace of Mind” policy that allows passengers to change their tickets without penalty or fare difference until December 31, 20236. Lufthansa also offers free rebooking options and low fares for selected destinations. On the other hand, some airlines may charge extra fees for baggage, seat selection, or meals. Therefore, it is important to compare the total cost of your flight, not just the base fare.

Legroom

Legroom is another important factor for many travelers, especially on long-haul flights. Legroom is measured by seat pitch, which is the distance from the back of your seat to the distance of the back of the seat in front or behind. The global seat pitch standard is 31 inches (nearly 79 centimeters), but some airlines offer more. According to Forbes, Japan Airlines has the most legroom in economy class among international airlines, with 33-34 inches of seat pitch. Other airlines that offer above-average legroom include ANA, Emirates, EVA Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air China, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Korean Air.

Among U.S. airlines, JetBlue fares well in economy class with distances ranging from 32 to 34 inches. Its more expensive seat options also offer up to 41 inches of legroom. Other U.S. airlines that offer decent legroom include Southwest Airlines (32 inches), Silver Airlines (31-33 inches), Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Hawaiian Airlines (31-32 inches). American Airlines and United Airlines offer the standard 31 inches of legroom.

Food and beverages quality

Food and beverages quality may vary depending on the airline, the cabin class, and the flight duration. During the pandemic, many airlines reduced or suspended their in-flight catering services to minimize contact and risk of infection. However, some airlines have resumed or improved their food and drink offerings on board.

For example, United Airlines provides non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and juice for free on every flight. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased on domestic U.S., Latin America, and Canada flights. Wine and beer are free in United Economy on long-haul international flights, with liquor available for purchase. In United Premium Plus, all alcoholic drinks are complimentary. Regarding food, complimentary snacks are not provided on flights under 800 miles, but passengers can bring their own. Flights over 500 miles offer additional items like snack boxes for purchase, and flights 1500 miles or longer have Bistro on Board items available. On international flights of 800 miles or more in United Economy, passengers receive an entrée, salad with dressing, snack, and (on some flights) ice cream and a hot pre-arrival meal.

Lufthansa has also resumed its normal in-flight services, offering passengers the usual amenities and options. On short-haul flights within Europe, passengers in economy class can choose from a selection of snacks and drinks for purchase from the Lufthansa Onboard Delights menu. On long-haul flights, passengers in economy class can enjoy a hot meal with a choice of two main courses, a cold snack before landing, and a range of beverages including wine and beer. Passengers in premium economy class can also enjoy a welcome drink, a second hot meal, and a wider selection of beverages. Passengers in business class can savor a gourmet menu with a choice of four main courses, a cheese plate, a dessert, and a range of premium beverages. Passengers in first class can indulge in a caviar service, a selection of appetizers and main courses from the à la carte menu, and a range of fine wines and spirits.

Services for disabled passengers

Each country has its own laws regarding accessibility for, or discrimination against, persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. However, all disabled people flying within the European Union (EU) and the U.S. are entitled to support free of charge. Airlines are required to provide assistance to disabled passengers at the airport and on board the plane, such as priority boarding, wheelchair assistance, accessible seating, and special equipment.

Some airlines may offer additional services or amenities for disabled passengers, such as dedicated staff, special meals, or extra legroom. For example, Qantas Airways provides a meet and service option that you can request during booking. With this, Qantas will provide dedicated assistance staff to help you move from the check-in to the departure gate, claim baggage, and deliver your wheelchair on arrival. Onboard, Qantas will provide a wheelchair to help you access the restroom, torso harness seats to protect you during take-off and landing, and staff to meet your needs during the entire flight.

American Airlines also offers a range of services and accommodations for disabled passengers, such as pre-boarding assistance, onboard wheelchairs and aisle chairs, accessible lavatories, individual safety briefings, and Braille or large-print cards. American Airlines also allows service animals to travel in the cabin with their owners at no charge.

Conclusion

Choosing the best airline for your Europe to USA flight in 2023 depends on your personal preferences and budget, combined with an attentive evaluation of the most important personal preferences while traveling. Make sure you always compare prices based on services, offers on board and quality, this way you won’t experience a bad situation while not expecting something. We hope this article has helped you find the best airline for your trip. Happy flying!