When planning a trip to Spain, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: best airline to fly to Barcelona Spain Since Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited cities, numerous airlines operate direct and connecting routes from the United States and beyond. Among these, Iberia Airlines is generally considered the best airline to fly to Spain, thanks to its nonstop routes, frequent schedules, and position as the national carrier of Spain. However, American Airlines, Delta, United, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, Air Europa, and Air France are also excellent choices, depending on your budget, departure city, and travel style.

In this guide, we break down the 10 best airlines to fly to Spain, highlighting their direct and connecting routes, onboard services, and reasons why they may be the best fit for your trip to Barcelona.

Airlines Flying Directly to Barcelona, Spain from the USA

If saving time is your priority, flying with a carrier that offers nonstop routes is the most convenient option. These airlines operate frequent flights to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN):

1. American Airlines

As one of the largest U.S. carriers, American Airlines offers direct flights to both Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN). A popular route is from New York City (JFK) to Barcelona, which takes about 7–8 hours.

• Starting price: from $353 (one-way, economy class)
• Onboard amenities: Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment, USB power outlets
• Best for: Travelers seeking a reliable U.S. airline with solid transatlantic connectivity

2. Iberia Airlines

If you’re looking for the best airline to fly to Barcelona Spain, Iberia stands out. It offers a wide network of nonstop flights from multiple U.S. cities directly to Spain.

• Strengths: Affordable fares, extensive connectivity within Spain and Latin America, modernized aircraft
• Weaknesses: Customer service complaints and inconsistent cabin quality on some routes
• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want direct flights with minimal layovers

3. Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is another excellent choice for direct flights to Barcelona. The airline operates nonstop services from Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), and Boston (BOS).

• Travel classes: Main, Comfort+, Premium Select, and Delta One (business class)
• Best for: Passengers who value comfort, flexibility in cabin choice, and strong loyalty rewards

4. United Airlines

United offers one of the widest networks of flights from the U.S. to Spain, with seasonal and year-round service to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Valencia, and more.

• Example fares to Spain (round trip, economy):
• Barcelona (BCN): $349
• Madrid (MAD): $353
• Valencia (VLC): $628
• Best for: Travelers looking for flexible destinations beyond Barcelona

Airlines Offering Flights to Barcelona with One Stopover

If you’re willing to make a quick layover, these European carriers provide affordable and premium options to Spain.

5. Lufthansa

Known for its reliability and premium cabins, Lufthansa operates flights to Spain with one stopover in Frankfurt or Munich.

• Best for: Travelers seeking luxury, punctuality, and smooth connections

6. Air Europa

A great budget-friendly option, Air Europa connects the U.S. (New York, Miami, Boston) to Spain with a layover in Madrid (MAD) before continuing to Barcelona.

• Best for: Price-sensitive travelers who don’t mind a short stop in Madrid

7. TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal is well-regarded for its affordable fares and Lisbon stopover program.

• Stopover: Lisbon (LIS)
• Best for: Travelers looking for the lowest fares and the option to explore Portugal en route

8. Air France

For a premium travel experience, Air France connects U.S. cities to Barcelona via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

• Best for: Passengers who value French hospitality, luxury cabins, and SkyTeam benefits

Why Iberia is Often Considered the Best Airline to Fly to Barcelona Spain

While multiple airlines serve Barcelona, Iberia Airlines is often ranked as the best airline to fly to Barcelona Spain because:

• It offers frequent nonstop flights from the U.S. and other international destinations.
• As Spain’s national airline, it provides strong domestic connections to other Spanish cities.
• It has competitive fares, making it attractive for both budget and business travelers.

However, travelers who prioritize onboard service, luxury cabins, or seamless connections may prefer Delta, Lufthansa, or Air France instead.

FAQs

What airlines fly direct to Barcelona, Spain?
American Airlines, Iberia, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all operate nonstop flights to Barcelona from various U.S. cities.

Which U.S. cities have direct flights to Barcelona?
New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Atlanta (ATL), and Miami (MIA) are among the top cities offering direct service to Barcelona.

What is the best airline to fly to Barcelona Spain?
Iberia Airlines is generally considered the best airline to fly to Barcelona due to its nonstop service, affordability, and extensive connections within Spain.

Which airline has the most flights to Spain?
Currently, Iberia Airlines operates the largest number of flights to Spain, covering both international and domestic routes.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best airline to fly to Barcelona Spain depends on your travel style and priorities. For nonstop convenience, Iberia, Delta, American, and United are excellent choices. If you’re seeking luxury or competitive fares with a layover, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, Air Europa, and Air France are strong contenders. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or seeking a first-class experience, these airlines provide a variety of options to make your journey to Spain comfortable and stress-free.