Direct Skies: Unlocking the Best Routes to Greece from the USA in Summer 2024 with 4 Top Airlines!

The availability of direct flights from the USA to Greece remains somewhat limited, despite Greece's enduring popularity as a top European tourist spot. The explanation lies in the complex dynamics of the aviation industry across the continent. Greece lacks a major intercontinental carrier, resulting in fewer direct options for travelers from the US to Athens compared to other major European hubs like Paris, Frankfurt, or London.

However, despite this constraint, four airlines are facilitating direct journeys between the US and Greece in the upcoming summer of 2024. Let's delve into these carriers and assess their passenger capacities for the season.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines emerges as a major transatlantic player at Athens International Airport, offering services from three different US locations: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

Delta stands out with plans for a twice-daily service between JFK and Athens, a unique offering among its American counterparts. The airline will operate predominantly using Airbus A330-300 jets for its New York and Boston routes and the Airbus A350-900 for Atlanta.

American Airlines

American Airlines, the second-largest player in long-haul transatlantic travel to Athens, serves the Greek capital from three U.S. hubs: JFK, Chicago-O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). However, its frequency of flights is notably lower than Delta's, with half the available seats despite covering the same number of destinations. American Airlines will use its Boeing 777 aircraft for JFK flights and the Boeing 787-9 for Chicago and Philadelphia routes.

United Airlines

United Airlines, the third U.S. legacy carrier in this lineup, operates nonstop flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Athens. Surprisingly, United stands as the sole carrier offering direct flights between Washington D.C., and Athens. The airline employs Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 aircraft for these routes, primarily utilizing the 787-10 for Newark and the smaller 787-8 for Washington D.C.

Emirates

Emirates, based in the United Arab Emirates, provides an unexpected connection with a nonstop flight between Newark and Athens. Operating as a fifth freedom service, this flight forms part of a broader route terminating at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Despite not being based in either the US or Europe, Emirates manages this service in collaboration with United Airlines, using the Boeing 777-300ER for the route.

While these airlines bridge the gap between the US and Greece, each presents unique offerings and frequencies, catering to diverse traveler needs. Notably, Emirates' service, amid competition from United Airlines, raises questions about its long-term feasibility, given the fluctuating history of this particular route.