Flying long-haul on a budget used to mean taking a risk, uncomfortable seats, surprise fees, or unreliable operations. I’ve experienced all of that. So when I first saw Level Airlines offering transatlantic flights for less than half the price of traditional carriers, I was skeptical.
Could a low-cost airline actually deliver a smooth, safe, and comfortable journey from Europe to the U.S.? Or was it another brand making big promises with little behind it?
I decided to test it myself.
I’ve flown Level multiple times now, on both Economy and Premium cabins, across routes like Barcelona to New York and Paris to Montreal. This review is based on real experiences, not marketing spin. If you’re thinking about booking with Level, this is what you actually need to know, how it flies, where the value is, and where it falls short.
What Is Level Airlines and Who Owns It?
Level Airlines is a low-cost carrier launched by International Airlines Group (IAG) in 2017. While it flies under its own brand, most Level flights are operated by Iberia or other IAG affiliates, depending on the route. That means your flight might have a Level logo on the ticket, but the crew and aircraft are Iberia’s.
Level was designed to compete with budget long-haul carriers like Norwegian and PLAY. It mostly flies transatlantic routes from Barcelona and Paris to U.S. cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, and also serves some Caribbean and Latin American destinations.
The airline uses a simplified pricing model, focusing on unbundled fares: you pay for exactly what you need, and nothing else.
Where Does Level Airlines Fly?
Level focuses on long-haul flights from Barcelona (BCN) and Paris Orly (ORY) to destinations across the Americas.
Popular routes include:
- Barcelona – New York (JFK)
- Barcelona – Boston (BOS)
- Barcelona – San Francisco (SFO)
- Paris Orly – Montreal (YUL)
- Paris Orly – Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)
- Paris Orly – Fort-de-France (Martinique)
Level doesn’t operate a huge network, but if your origin or destination fits, the savings can be significant.
How Cheap Are Level Airlines Tickets Compared to Others?
Level Airlines offers some of the lowest long-haul base fares in Europe–U.S. travel. I’ve personally booked one-way flights from Barcelona to New York for under 160 euro, taxes included.
But those prices come with strings attached. The base fare (“LEVEL Light”) includes only your seat and a small underseat bag. Everything else, checked baggage, meals, seat selection, costs extra.
| Route | Level Base Fare (Euro) | Traditional Carrier Fare (Euro) |
| BCN – JFK | 160 | 400–550 |
| BCN – Boston | 190 | 450–600 |
| ORY – Montreal | 170 | 480–620 |
Even with paid add-ons, it’s still possible to complete a round-trip for under 400 euro, far below legacy airline pricing.
What’s the Cabin Like on Level Airlines?
I flew Economy from Barcelona to New York and Premium Economy on the way back. Here’s what I found:
Economy Class
The cabin is clean but basic. Seats are slimline with 30″–31″ pitch, meaning tight legroom for taller passengers. There are no seatback screens, so bring a device. USB charging is available, but full power outlets are limited.
Service is minimal, meals and drinks cost extra unless pre-ordered. Crew members were professional but clearly working within tight constraints.
Premium Economy
Worth the upgrade if you’re tall or flying overnight. Seats are wider, with 37″ pitch, more recline, and better food. You also get one checked bag and priority boarding.
For about 200 euro extra, Premium made a big difference in comfort and value, especially on a 9-hour flight.
Does Level Airlines Have In-Flight Entertainment?
No traditional IFE screens in Economy. Instead, Level offers a streaming service through its app. You’ll need to bring your own phone or tablet and headphones. Download the app before boarding, because Wi-Fi is spotty or unavailable on some flights.
In Premium Economy, a small tablet-style screen is included on certain aircraft, depending on the route operator.
What’s Included in a Level Airlines Ticket?
Only the basics. Level uses a true low-cost pricing model, so your fare covers only the seat and a small personal item. Here’s what you’ll need to pay extra for:
- Carry-on bag (over 10kg)
- Checked baggage
- Meal service
- Seat selection
- Wi-Fi access (on select flights)
If you’re used to flying budget airlines within Europe (like Ryanair or Vueling), you’ll feel at home. But for first-time long-haul travelers, this can be a surprise.
How Reliable Is Level Airlines?
This is where Level performs better than many expect. Because its flights are operated by Iberia and other IAG partners, on-time performance is stable. In 2024, its average OTP was around 81% across all routes.
However, Level has limited customer support, especially when disruptions occur. There’s no 24/7 hotline, and most customer service happens via online forms. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you’ll need patience, and possibly a backup plan.
That said, I’ve never had a major delay in three Level flights. Ground operations were efficient, boarding was structured, and flights left within 30 minutes of scheduled time.
Is Level Worth It for Budget Travelers?
If you’re looking for cheap transatlantic flights and don’t mind skipping frills, Level delivers real value. It’s a solid option for:
- Students and backpackers
- Digital nomads
- Flexible leisure travelers
- Price-sensitive flyers without checked bags
But it may not suit:
- Families needing baggage and seat selection
- Business travelers expecting lounge access or Wi-Fi
- Passengers connecting to other flights, since Level does not offer interline agreements
Just remember: the ticket price is just the starting point. Add up extras before booking so you’re not caught off guard.
Should You Fly Level Airlines?
Yes, if you value price over perks and understand what’s included.
Level Airlines isn’t luxurious, but it’s safe, efficient, and surprisingly comfortable for a budget airline. On the right route, it can cut your travel cost in half. Just don’t expect free meals, entertainment, or premium service unless you pay for it.
As a frequent flyer, I now include Level in my transatlantic search rotation. It’s not for every trip, but for the right traveler, it’s a very smart choice.
FAQs About Level Airlines
Is Level Airlines a low-cost airline?
Yes. Level is a budget long-haul airline offering cheap transatlantic flights.
Is Level Airlines safe?
Yes. It’s operated by IAG airlines like Iberia, which follow EU safety standards.
Do Level Airlines tickets include baggage?
No. Only a small personal item is included. Bags cost extra.
Does Level Airlines have in-flight entertainment?
No seatback screens. Use their app to stream content on your own device.
Are meals included on Level flights?
Not in basic fares. Meals must be purchased or included in a bundle.
Is Premium Economy on Level worth it?
Yes. It offers more space, meals, baggage, and better comfort for longer flights.