Frills or no frills? What’s the deal with airline food? A points-based rewards programme that you can’t live without? Vote now for your favourite transatlantic airline!
With so many airlines competing for our attention, how do you pick the one that offer the best deal, but also won’t leave you regretting your life choices at 35,000 feet?
Well, we want to hear from you. This month, we’re opening up a vital part of any transatlanticists’ journey up to a public vote. So with no further ado—and in no particular order—here are the contenders!
1. Virgin Atlantic
Top pick for: Overall experience.
Virgin Atlantic is Sir Richard Branson’s brainchild, this airline knows how to keep passengers entertained and comfortable. Their Upper Class seats are legendary, with a bar on board for those who like to mingle at 30,000 feet. But they can also have very reasonable-priced seats for those on a budget.
Why Fly Virgin Atlantic?
- Value for money
- Great in-flight entertainment
- Onboard bar in Upper Class
Major routes: London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and more.
2. British Airways: The Quintessentially British Experience
Top pick for: Tradition
British Airways have always been a stalwart for the patriots amongst us. Whilst it might not be the gold plated experience that it used to be, BA are reliable and run a lot of services to the U.S. Plus, their in-flight entertainment is so good, you might forget you’re on a plane and not binge-watching in your living room.
Why Fly BA?
- Excellent service and friendly staff
- Extensive route network between major US and UK cities
- Delicious in-flight meals (yes, they do exist!)
Major routes: London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and more.
3. Delta Air Lines: The American Classic
Top pick for Deals.
Delta is the apple pie of the sky—comforting, reliable, and oh-so-American. Delta’s known for its punctuality, making it a favorite among frequent flyers. It’s also famous for its deals, particularly if you book well in advance or take advantage of their flash sales. They also have a robust frequent flyer program that can help reduce costs over time.
Why Fly Delta?
- Often has lower fares for early birds
- Good customer service
- Delta One suite for ultimate luxury
Major routes: London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), and more.
4. American Airlines
Top Pick for Extensive Route Network.
American Airlines (AA) is a staple in transatlantic travel, offering numerous flights between the UK and the U.S. With its robust network and comfortable cabins, AA is especially useful for when you need to get to fly in to one of the lesser-visited states, as its extensive and reliable route network almost certainly has you covered.
Why Fly American Airlines?
- Extensive network and frequent flights
- Comfortable seating options in all classes
- Reliable service and good in-flight entertainment
Major routes: London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK), Dallas (DFW), Chicago (ORD), and more.
5. JetBlue
Top pick for food; London – New York routes.
JetBlue has partered with New York restaurant group Dig to completely change its customers’ perception of airline foods. No more plastic trays of nondescript mush.
Instead, JetBlue customers can enjoy the foods of Manhattan hotspots like Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, Legacy Records and Bar Pasquale Sicilian Pizza to Mint on most flights.
What’s the deal with airline food? Well actually, it’s pretty good! JetBlue regularly offers great value-for-money on both Economy and Business Class flights so keep an eye out.
Why Fly JetBlue?
- Decent value for money
- Excellent food
- Great in-flight entertainment
Major routes: London (LHR, LGW) and Edinburgh to New York (JFK).
6. Norse Atlantic Airways
Top pick for no frills.
One of a number of ‘newcomer airways’ that have popped up over the last few years, Norse Atlantic makes the list because it has quickly made a name for itself in the budget travel market with competitive prices and a focus on providing a straightforward, no-frills flying experience. Set your expectations low and you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.
Why Fly Norse Airways?
- Flexible pricing: pay only for what you need
- Affordable fares with regular offers
- A modern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride
Major routes: London Gatwick (LGW) to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and more.
Ready to Fly?
So, there you have it, the best transatlantic airlines that’ll make your journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. Whether you’re looking for luxury, reliability, or a bit of both, these airlines have got you covered.
Now, all you need to do is book that ticket, pack your bags, and get ready to jet off on your next adventure. Why not start now?

Join the Conversation!
Excited to start a new life in the U.S. but unsure where to begin? Become a transatlanticist today for access to expert advice, exclusive discounts, and a community of friendly people who can help you cross the pond with confidence

You must be logged in to post a comment.