What’s in This Article
Crossing the Atlantic doesn’t have to cost a fortune — but most budget options come with trade-offs you only discover at the gate. Level Airlines fills a specific gap: it flies long-haul from Barcelona at prices that undercut legacy carriers by a wide margin, without sacrificing modern planes or in-seat entertainment. The catch is that almost every extra costs you separately.
Level is part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), the same group behind British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. It launched in June 2017 and has grown steadily since. A major milestone came in December 2025, when Level began flying as a fully independent airline under its own IATA code “LL” — a shift that gives it more control over its own operations and growth. Based in Barcelona, the airline targets travelers who want a modern transatlantic experience at a lower price.
Note: As of December 2025, Level flights appear under the IATA code “LL” — not Iberia’s “IB” code as in prior years. When booking, look for “LL” designators to confirm you’re flying Level.
Level operates a fleet of seven Airbus A330-200 aircraft out of its hub at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. It connects Barcelona directly to major cities in North and South America. If you value low base fares and don’t mind paying for add-ons, Level is worth a close look.
Quick Answer
Level Airlines is a low-cost, long-haul carrier owned by IAG, flying direct from Barcelona to major cities in the U.S. and South America. Base fares are cheap but don’t include meals, seat selection, or checked bags. It’s a solid pick for budget-conscious travelers who know what they’re buying — just read the fare details before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Focus: A low-cost carrier flying long distances, mainly between Barcelona and the Americas under its own IATA code “LL” since December 2025.
- Pricing: Base fares can be very competitive, but meals, checked bags, and seat selection each cost extra.
- Routes: Year-round destinations include New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. San Francisco operates seasonally and was suspended in early 2026 due to an engine shortage.
- Cabins: Seven Airbus A330-200 planes with both Economy and Premium Economy sections; an eighth aircraft is on order.
- Value: Most travelers enjoy the low cost and clean aircraft — but comparing the total bundled fare against the base fare before booking is key.
Pricing and Cost Comparison
Level uses a flexible pricing model where fares shift with demand and the time of year. This approach lets the airline offer some of the most competitive prices on transatlantic routes. You can sometimes find one-way fares from Barcelona to New York for under €200, making it a strong option for budget travelers.
Base fares are unbundled. Services like choosing your seat, checking a bag, or eating a meal usually cost extra. Standard airlines often include these services in the ticket price. Level gives you the choice instead, letting you pay only for what you actually need.
Pro tip: Add up the total cost of your chosen fare plus any bags and meals before buying — a bundled fare sometimes works out cheaper than stacking extras onto the cheapest base ticket.
You can pick different fare levels — Light, Comfort, or Extra — depending on what you need and your budget. Each tier bundles more services, so it pays to compare them carefully at checkout.
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Understanding Level’s Fare Classes
Choosing the right ticket can save you money later. Level offers three main options in Economy. The Light fare is the cheapest and only includes a carry-on and a personal item. It’s best if you travel light and don’t need a meal.
The Comfort fare sits in the middle; it usually includes one checked bag and lets you choose your seat. If you want the most flexibility, the Extra fare adds a meal and lets you change your flight for a smaller fee. Premium Economy is a separate class. It comes with larger seats, included meals, and two checked bags.
Always check which fare you’re buying to avoid paying more at the airport. Change and cancellation fees vary by fare tier, so read the fare rules before confirming your booking.
Flight Routes and Destinations
Level has built its routes to connect Barcelona with major cities in the Americas. Its Barcelona hub works well for Europeans visiting the U.S. or South America. Year-round destinations include:
- New York (JFK)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Boston (BOS)
- Miami (MIA)
- Buenos Aires (EZE)
- Santiago de Chile (SCL)
Warning: Level’s San Francisco (SFO) route is currently suspended due to an engine shortage affecting its A330 fleet. San Francisco operates seasonally only — confirm availability before booking for any upcoming travel.
Level shifts its schedule based on the season, adding frequencies during summer and winter holidays. This flexibility helps the airline stay competitive in the long-haul low-cost market.
In-Flight Amenities and Services
| Amenity/Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Meal Service | Included in Premium Economy. Economy passengers must pre-order or buy on board. |
| Entertainment | Screens at every seat with movies, TV, and music included. |
| Wi-Fi | Satellite Wi-Fi is available for a fee. |
| Seat Comfort | Economy (2-4-2 layout) and Premium Economy (2-3-2 layout) with more legroom and space. |
| Onboard Shopping | Duty-free items and travel kits are available for purchase. |
Level’s seven Airbus A330-200s feel modern inside. Economy Light passengers don’t get a free meal, but you can pre-order hot food or buy snacks during the flight. Every seat has a screen for movies and shows. You can also pay to use the Wi-Fi.
Premium Economy passengers get a noticeably better experience: meals, drinks, and checked bags are all included. The 2-3-2 seat layout also gives more space between you and your neighbors.
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Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
Reviews for Level tend to be positive when it comes to value. Many travelers appreciate the low prices and the fact that the planes feel well-maintained. Crew members consistently earn praise for being friendly and professional.
Criticism centers on extra fees. Travelers used to full-service airlines are sometimes caught off guard by paying for water or headphones. Read the details of your ticket when you book, so you know exactly what’s included before you reach the airport.
Safety and Reliability
Level Airlines follows the strict safety rules of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). As a member of IAG, it applies the same maintenance standards used by British Airways and Iberia. Its A330-200s carry the latest safety technology and undergo regular airworthiness checks.
The airline also works hard to stay on schedule. Flying direct routes with a single aircraft type reduces complexity and limits delay risk. Its fleet of seven A330-200s — with an eighth on order and future A330neo aircraft planned — points to a carrier investing in its own long-term reliability.
Check-in and Boarding Process
Checking in online is the easiest option. The website and app open for check-in 24 hours before your flight. Doing this early gets you your boarding pass and lets you skip queues at the airport.
If you have bags to check, drop them at the airport counters. Boarding happens in zones to keep things organized. Have your digital boarding pass and passport ready, and the process moves quickly.
Baggage Policies and Fees
Understanding the baggage rules saves you money. The Light fare allows one carry-on bag and one small personal item, like a laptop bag, for free. Checking a bag costs extra unless your fare bundle includes it.
Warning: Adding a bag at the airport costs significantly more than adding it online at the time of booking. Always pre-purchase any extras before you arrive.
To save money, add any extra bags when you first book your flight. Prices rise the closer you get to departure, and airport add-ons carry the highest fees of all.
Loyalty Programs and Rewards
Level doesn’t run its own rewards program, but it uses Avios. You earn and spend Avios points on Level flights — a real advantage because those same points work with British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling.
Note: Avios points earned on Level flights transfer across all IAG partner airlines, so they’re useful even if you only fly Level occasionally.
Environmental Impact
Level Airlines is working to operate more sustainably. Its Airbus A330-200s use less fuel than older long-haul planes. The airline also optimizes flight paths to cut fuel burn. IAG has set a target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and Level’s fleet choices and route efficiency feed directly into that goal.
Conclusion and Final Recommendations
Level Airlines delivers exactly what it promises: direct, low-cost transatlantic flights from Barcelona, backed by one of the world’s most experienced airline groups. You need to budget for extras, but the base experience — modern aircraft, reliable schedule, friendly crew — holds up well against airlines charging twice the price.
Tip: Compare the total cost of your flight. A bundled fare is sometimes cheaper than adding a bag and a meal separately to a basic ticket.
Now a fully independent airline under its own “LL” code, Level has more room to grow its network and frequencies from Barcelona. If you’re planning a transatlantic trip and price matters, it’s one of the strongest options flying today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Level airline?
Level is a low-cost, long-haul airline owned by IAG. It launched in June 2017 and flies directly from Barcelona to North and South America. As of December 2025, it operates as a fully independent airline under its own IATA code “LL.”
Is Level a good airline?
It’s a strong choice if you want to save money on transatlantic travel. The planes are modern, safe, and well-maintained. Keep in mind it’s a no-frills carrier, so extras like food and checked bags cost more than the base fare includes.
What destinations does Level airline serve?
Level flies year-round from Barcelona to New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Buenos Aires, and Santiago de Chile. San Francisco is a seasonal route and was suspended in early 2026 due to an engine shortage — check availability before booking.
What type of aircraft does Level operate?
Level flies seven Airbus A330-200 aircraft as of March 2026, with an eighth on order. These wide-body planes have both Economy and Premium Economy cabins.
Does Level offer amenities on its flights?
Yes — every seat has a personal screen for movies, TV, and music. Paid Wi-Fi is available on board. Premium Economy passengers also receive meals, drinks, and checked baggage as part of their ticket.
Is food free on Level Airlines?
Food isn’t free in standard Economy. You can pre-order a hot meal before your flight or buy snacks on board. Meals are included for passengers flying in Premium Economy.
Does Level Airlines have its own flight code?
Yes. Since December 1, 2025, Level operates flights under its own IATA code “LL” — for example, LL2627 for the Barcelona to New York JFK route. Previously, Level flights appeared under Iberia’s “IB” code. The airline’s radio callsign is “Dalí,” a nod to Catalonia.
References
- Level (airline) — Wikipedia, March 2026
- LEVEL Suspends San Francisco Flights Over Engine Shortage — Aerospace Global News, April 2026
- LEVEL Enters a New Phase: Begins Operating Under Its Own IATA Code “LL” — Aviation24.be, December 2025