Level Airlines is International Airlines Group’s low-cost long-haul carrier, built to compete on transatlantic routes using an unbundled fare model.
It operates primarily from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) and Vienna International Airport (VIE), targeting price-sensitive travelers crossing the Atlantic.
This guide covers Level Airlines’ cabin specs, baggage fees, fare classes, in-flight experience, and an honest comparison against Norse Atlantic Airways, Condor, and French Bee.
What Is Level Airlines
Level Airlines is a low-cost long-haul carrier launched in 2017 by International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent group of Iberia and British Airways.
The airline was created specifically to compete with full-service transatlantic carriers on price, using an unbundled model where the base fare is stripped of bags, meals, and seat selection.
Level operates under IAG’s umbrella but functions as a separate brand. It is not affiliated with Iberia’s frequent flyer program, Iberia Plus, for most ticket types.
The airline targets leisure travelers and budget-conscious passengers who prioritize a lower base fare over in-flight comfort or service.
Budget travelers should understand that the base fare on Level Airlines rarely includes a checked bag. Adding one bag, a meal, and a seat assignment can significantly close the gap against a full-service competitor’s economy fare.
Insider Tip:
- Compare the total out-of-pocket cost on Level Airlines after adding your bag and seat against Iberia’s or TAP Air Portugal’s economy fare on the same route.
- The base fare difference often narrows to under $100 once ancillaries are added.
- First-time international travelers especially benefit from running this full cost comparison before booking.
Who Owns Level Airlines and the IAG Connection
International Airlines Group (IAG) owns Level Airlines outright, making it a sibling brand to Iberia, British Airways, Vueling, and Aer Lingus.
IAG launched Level as its answer to the growing low-cost long-haul market pioneered by Norwegian Air Shuttle on transatlantic routes.
IAG’s ownership means Level Airlines benefits from IAG’s engineering, maintenance, and safety infrastructure. It does not, however, share frequent flyer reciprocity with British Airways Executive Club or Iberia Plus in most base fare ticket categories.
Vueling, another IAG subsidiary, handled some of Level’s operational functions during its early years.
Business and frequent flyers should note that flying Level Airlines will not typically earn miles in British Airways Executive Club or American Airlines AAdvantage under most fare conditions. Verify the current earning rules directly with Level Airlines before booking if miles matter to your decision.
According to IAG’s published corporate structure, Level Airlines operates as a standalone low-cost brand designed to address the transatlantic budget market segment without cannibalizing Iberia’s full-service routes.
Level Airlines Routes and Destinations
Level Airlines serves transatlantic routes primarily from Barcelona (BCN) and Vienna (VIE) to North American destinations.
North American cities served have included Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), though route availability changes seasonally.
| Hub | Destination | Approx. Flight Time | Route Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona (BCN) | Boston (BOS) | ~8.5 hours | Operated seasonally |
| Barcelona (BCN) | Los Angeles (LAX) | ~11 hours | Operated seasonally |
| Vienna (VIE) | Boston (BOS) | ~9 hours | Check current schedule |
| Vienna (VIE) | Los Angeles (LAX) | ~12 hours | Check current schedule |
Route availability, frequency, and destinations change without advance notice. Verify the current schedule directly on the Level Airlines website or through Google Flights before planning any itinerary around these routes.
Families with children should note that Level Airlines does not operate a hub-and-spoke network. If your connection requires a separate booking through another carrier, a missed Level flight will not generate automatic rebooking on a partner airline.
Level Airlines Airbus A330 Cabin
Level Airlines operates the Airbus A330-200 on its transatlantic routes, configured in a 3-3-3 seating layout in economy across most of its long-haul fleet.
The A330-200 is a twin-aisle wide-body aircraft with a typical range of approximately 13,400 kilometers, making it suitable for transatlantic crossings in the 8 to 12 hour range.
Economy class on Level’s A330-200 uses standard recliner seats. They do not lie flat.
Seat pitch in Level’s economy cabin is typically reported at approximately 31 inches, with seat width around 17 to 18 inches. Verify your specific aircraft configuration on SeatGuru or the Level Airlines seat map tool before booking, as configurations can vary.
Business travelers expecting a lie-flat product will not find one on Level Airlines. The airline has no dedicated business class cabin on its transatlantic A330-200 fleet.
SeatGuru documents the Level Airlines A330-200 configuration with the 3-3-3 economy layout as the standard configuration on transatlantic routes.
Key Takeaway: Level Airlines flies the Airbus A330-200 in a 3-3-3 economy layout with recliner seats only. There is no lie-flat option on any Level Airlines transatlantic route.
Level Airlines Economy Class Seat Review
Level Airlines economy class offers a standard recliner seat with no lie-flat capability on flights that typically run 8 to 12 hours transatlantic.
Seat pitch of approximately 31 inches is tight by any standard on a long overnight transatlantic crossing. Passengers over 5’10” will feel the constraint on flights exceeding 9 hours.
The 3-3-3 configuration means middle seats exist in every row. Traveling as a pair, you can book a window-aisle combination in the same row but will share the middle with a stranger unless you pay for all three seats.
Headrests are adjustable on most A330-200 configurations. Lumbar support varies by seat age and aircraft.
Solo travelers fare better than families on Level’s economy product. A window seat on a red-eye transatlantic crossing is manageable for a single passenger who sleeps well in reclined seats.
The honest limitation: 31 inches of pitch on a 10-hour overnight flight is a genuine endurance test for anyone over average height. Travelers who struggle to sleep in upright positions should price out TAP Air Portugal or Condor’s economy product on the same route before committing.
Level Airlines Premium Economy Review
Level Airlines’ Level Plus cabin offers an upgraded seat product relative to standard economy, positioned as the carrier’s premium offering.
Level Plus seats typically feature increased pitch and width compared to the standard economy cabin, though the product does not match the fully lie-flat standard of full-service premium economy products from carriers like Air France or TAP Air Portugal.
The Level Plus fare generally includes perks unavailable in basic economy, such as priority boarding, a checked bag allowance, and sometimes a meal. Verify the current Level Plus inclusions directly with the airline, as bundled benefits change without notice.
For a transatlantic overnight flight, Level Plus offers a meaningfully better experience than the base economy product. It does not, however, compare favorably to premium economy products on full-service carriers.
Business travelers considering Level Plus as a business class substitute should note that the seat still reclines only. For a 10-plus hour flight, the price gap to a genuine premium economy product on TAP Air Portugal or Condor may be worth the comparison.
The value question on Level Plus comes down to route length. On shorter transatlantic segments like Barcelona to Boston at roughly 8.5 hours, Level Plus can represent solid value. On longer routes to Los Angeles at 11-plus hours, the calculus shifts toward a full-service premium economy product.
Level Airlines Food and Drinks
Level Airlines operates a buy-on-board meal service in economy class. No complimentary hot meal is included in the base economy fare.
Pre-ordering meals before your flight typically costs less than purchasing onboard. The Level Airlines website allows meal pre-orders during the booking process or afterward through the manage-my-booking section.
Meal options have historically included a limited selection of hot dishes, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The selection is functional rather than impressive.
Water is provided at no charge on most Level Airlines flights. Verify the current complimentary beverage policy directly with Level Airlines before your flight, as this can change.
Budget travelers should factor the cost of at least one meal and a drink into their total fare comparison. A transatlantic flight without eating for 9-plus hours is not realistic for most passengers.
Level Plus passengers typically receive a complimentary meal as part of the fare bundle. Confirm current inclusions when booking, as fare bundle contents are subject to change.
Key Takeaway: Level Airlines economy class is buy-on-board only. Pre-order your meal at booking to pay less than the onboard price on a transatlantic route.
Level Airlines IFE and WiFi
Level Airlines provides in-flight entertainment through seatback IFE screens on its Airbus A330-200 fleet, offering a selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
The IFE screen quality and content library on Level Airlines is functional but limited compared to the IFE systems on full-service carriers like Iberia or TAP Air Portugal. Passengers accustomed to Emirates’ ICE system or Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld will notice the difference immediately.
WiFi availability on Level Airlines has been reported as limited or unavailable on certain aircraft. Do not plan to work or stream personal content over the aircraft’s WiFi on a Level Airlines transatlantic flight without verifying current connectivity availability directly with the airline.
Bringing downloaded content on a personal device is the most reliable approach for entertainment on any Level Airlines flight.
Solo travelers and frequent flyers who rely on WiFi for productivity during long-haul flights should treat Level Airlines’ WiFi as an uncertain bonus rather than a dependable feature.
Noise-canceling headphones are not provided. Bring your own for any overnight transatlantic crossing on Level Airlines.
Level Airlines Baggage Policy and Fees
Level Airlines’ base economy fare typically does not include a checked bag, making it an unbundled fare model where every non-seat item costs extra.
Baggage fees on Level Airlines vary by route, booking window, and fare class. Adding a checked bag at the time of booking is almost always cheaper than adding it later or at the airport. Verify the current baggage fee schedule directly on the Level Airlines website before booking, as fees change without notice.
| Baggage Type | Included in Base Fare | Typical Add-On Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Yes (verify current policy) | N/A |
| Carry-on bag | Not always included | Varies by fare |
| 1st checked bag | Not included in economy | Verify at booking |
| 2nd checked bag | Not included | Higher fee |
| Overweight bag | Not included | Significant surcharge |
Families with children traveling with a checked bag each, a stroller, and a car seat will find Level Airlines’ total baggage cost can approach or exceed the cost of a full-service economy fare that includes bags. Run the full numbers before booking.
Always verify the current baggage policy directly on the Level Airlines official website or by contacting customer service before your travel date.
Level Airlines Carry-On Rules
Level Airlines’ carry-on allowance depends on the specific fare class purchased. The base economy fare may not include an overhead bin carry-on bag.
The personal item allowance is typically included in all fare classes, but size restrictions apply. Verify the current personal item and carry-on dimensions directly on the Level Airlines website before packing, as these dimensions are subject to change.
- Personal item: Must fit under the seat in front of you
- Carry-on bag: May require purchase as an add-on in base economy fares
- Laptop bags and small backpacks: Generally qualify as personal items if within size limits
- Hard-shell carry-on rollers: May incur a fee depending on fare class
Gate enforcement of carry-on restrictions on low-cost carriers varies. Budget for the possibility of a carry-on fee at the gate if you are flying on a base fare and arrive with a bag that exceeds the personal item allowance.
Budget travelers who pack light and travel with only a personal item will get the most competitive total fare from Level Airlines. Adding any carry-on or checked bag changes the value equation significantly.
Key Takeaway: Level Airlines base fares may not include overhead bin carry-on access. Verify your fare’s baggage inclusions at the time of booking, not at the gate.
Level Airlines Fare Classes Explained
Level Airlines uses a tiered fare structure, with the basic economy equivalent at the lowest price point and Level Plus as the premium tier.
The basic fare strips the ticket to the minimum: a seat and, typically, a personal item. Everything else, including carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, and meals, is an add-on cost.
The Level Plus fare bundles several extras: typically a carry-on bag, a checked bag, a meal, and priority boarding. The exact bundle varies by route and booking period. Always verify the current bundle contents at the time of booking.
Choosing the right fare level at booking rather than adding extras individually almost always saves money. The Points Guy has noted that unbundled low-cost long-haul fares often reach full-service pricing once all standard travel needs are added.
First-time international travelers should price the Level Plus fare alongside the basic fare with all necessary add-ons before assuming the cheaper base fare is the better deal.
To choose the right Level Airlines fare:
- List every item you need: carry-on, checked bag, seat selection, meal
- Price the basic fare with each add-on individually on the Level Airlines website
- Price the Level Plus fare on the same route and date
- Compare the total all-in cost of both options
- Book whichever total is lower, not whichever base fare is lower
Level Airlines Check-In and Seat Selection
Level Airlines offers online check-in through its website, typically opening 24 to 48 hours before departure. Verify the exact check-in window directly with the airline before your flight.
Seat selection is an additional fee for base fare passengers. Seats at the front of the cabin, window seats, and exit-row seats carry a higher fee than standard middle or rear seats.
Passengers who do not pay for seat selection will be assigned a seat automatically at check-in. There is no guarantee of being seated with your travel companion if neither of you pays for seat assignment.
Online check-in closes several hours before departure. Arriving for airport check-in after the online check-in deadline may result in additional fees at the airport counter. Verify the exact deadline with Level Airlines before traveling.
Families with children must pay for seat selection to guarantee seating together. Automatic assignment will not reliably place a parent next to a young child on a Level Airlines flight without paid selection.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued guidance encouraging airlines to seat children with their accompanying adults without extra fees. Check whether this guidance applies to your booking conditions directly with Level Airlines before paying for family seat assignments.
Level Airlines Safety Record
Level Airlines is certified under European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, the primary aviation safety authority governing European-based carriers.
IAG’s maintenance and engineering infrastructure supports Level Airlines’ fleet operations, which is a meaningful operational advantage for a relatively young low-cost carrier.
Level Airlines holds an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, which is the aviation industry’s standard safety audit. IOSA certification is a credible benchmark for airline operational safety standards.
No major accident or hull loss event is associated with Level Airlines in its operational history. The airline operates the Airbus A330-200, a mature and extensively certified wide-body platform.
First-time international travelers concerned about flying a low-cost carrier on a transatlantic route can take confidence from the EASA certification and IOSA registration. These are not marketing claims. They are independently verified regulatory requirements.
Safety on Level Airlines is not a material concern that should factor into a booking decision. The more meaningful concerns are comfort, baggage cost, and operational reliability on your specific route.
Key Takeaway: Level Airlines holds EASA certification and IOSA registration. Safety is not a distinguishing factor between Level Airlines and full-service transatlantic carriers.
Level Airlines vs Norse Atlantic vs Condor
Choosing between Level Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Condor Airlines, and French Bee depends on your departure city, route, and what you value beyond the base fare.
| Airline | Base Hub | Aircraft | Seat Pitch (Economy) | Bag Included | Meal Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level Airlines | Barcelona (BCN), Vienna (VIE) | Airbus A330-200 | ~31 inches | No | No | Light packers, fare deals from Spain/Austria |
| Norse Atlantic Airways | Oslo (OSL), London (LGW) | Boeing 787-9 | ~31 inches | No | No | Travelers connecting through Scandinavia |
| Condor Airlines | Frankfurt (FRA), various | Airbus A330-900neo | ~31-32 inches | Varies by fare | Varies | Travelers from Germany seeking flexibility |
| French Bee | Paris Orly (ORY) | Airbus A350-900 | ~31 inches | No | No | Paris-originating travelers, premium economy seekers |
Norse Atlantic Airways operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which many travelers find a better long-haul aircraft than the A330-200 due to higher cabin humidity and larger windows.
French Bee operates the Airbus A350-900, widely considered one of the most passenger-friendly wide-body platforms for long-haul travel. French Bee’s premium economy product is a genuine step up from Level’s Level Plus.
Budget travelers comparing these carriers should run the total all-in cost on each for their specific route and travel date. Norse Atlantic’s routes through Oslo (OSL) or London Gatwick (LGW) may add connection complexity for US East Coast travelers.
Condor Airlines has historically offered more flexible fare bundles with bag inclusions built into mid-tier fares. Verify current Condor fare class contents directly with the airline, as these change seasonally.
Is Level Airlines Worth It
Level Airlines is worth booking for specific traveler profiles under specific conditions. It is genuinely not the right airline for every transatlantic traveler.
Level Airlines is worth it if:
- You are a solo traveler or couple traveling with carry-on bags only
- You can book far enough in advance to secure a meaningfully lower total fare than Iberia or TAP Air Portugal economy
- You are flying from Barcelona or Vienna and do not need a connection
- You accept a no-frills long-haul experience and have realistic expectations
- You can sleep in a standard recliner seat on overnight flights
Level Airlines is not worth it if:
- You are traveling with a family that needs adjacent seats and checked bags
- You are a business traveler who needs WiFi, a lie-flat seat, or miles earning
- You are flying the Los Angeles route at 11-plus hours and struggle to sleep upright
- You value flexibility and need a refundable or changeable fare without significant fees
- You assume the base fare is your total cost without checking bag and meal add-ons
The honest verdict: The value case for Level Airlines is real but narrow. It requires traveling light, booking early, and having genuinely flexible expectations about long-haul comfort.
Frequent flyers accustomed to earning miles, accessing lounges, and sleeping flat on transatlantic routes will find Level Airlines a poor substitute. The savings rarely justify the comfort trade-off at that traveler’s standard.
Level Airlines Booking Tips for Budget Travelers
The best way to book Level Airlines is directly through the Level Airlines official website, where the full ancillary pricing is visible before you commit to a fare.
Google Flights is useful for identifying which Level Airlines routes have available dates. Click through to the Level Airlines website to see the full all-in cost before comparing to full-service alternatives.
To book Level Airlines correctly and avoid avoidable extra costs:
- Open the Level Airlines website and search your route and dates
- Select your fare class and note exactly what is included before proceeding
- Add every item you will need: carry-on, checked bag, seat selection, meal
- Record the all-in total cost for the Level Airlines itinerary
- Open Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, or your preferred full-service carrier and price the same dates
- Compare the all-in totals, not the base fares
- Book the option with the lower total, factoring in connection complexity
Book as far in advance as possible. Level Airlines’ lowest fares are typically available 3 to 5 months before departure on high-demand transatlantic routes.
Budget travelers who wait until 4 to 6 weeks before departure on peak summer transatlantic routes will often find that full-service carriers like TAP Air Portugal offer lower total fares than Level Airlines at that booking window.
Verify all current policies, fees, and inclusions directly with Level Airlines before completing any booking. Fare class inclusions, baggage fees, and available routes are subject to change without notice.
Important Accuracy Notes for Level Airlines Policies and Fares
Level Airlines operates as a low-cost carrier with an unbundled pricing model. Policy details, baggage fees, and fare inclusions change frequently and without public announcement.
Verify the following directly before traveling:
- Current baggage fees and carry-on allowance dimensions: check the Level Airlines official website
- Current Level Plus fare inclusions: verify at the time of booking, not from a third-party source
- Current route availability and flight frequency: confirm on the Level Airlines website or Google Flights
- Current WiFi availability on your specific aircraft: contact Level Airlines customer service directly
- Current check-in window and seat selection fee structure: verify on the Level Airlines website before your travel date
The single most important action before departure: open the Level Airlines manage-my-booking portal and confirm your baggage allowance, seat assignment, and check-in deadline no later than 48 hours before your flight.
Key Takeaway: Always compare the all-in total cost of Level Airlines against full-service economy fares. The base fare alone is not a meaningful price comparison for any transatlantic booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Level Airlines
What is Level Airlines and who owns it?
Level Airlines is a low-cost long-haul carrier owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of Iberia, British Airways, Vueling, and Aer Lingus.
IAG launched Level in 2017 to compete on transatlantic routes using an unbundled fare model where bags, meals, and seat selection are sold separately.
The airline operates primarily from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) and Vienna International Airport (VIE) to North American destinations.
What aircraft does Level Airlines fly on transatlantic routes?
Level Airlines operates the Airbus A330-200 on its transatlantic routes between Europe and North America.
The A330-200 is configured in a 3-3-3 economy layout in the standard cabin, with no lie-flat seating available on any Level Airlines transatlantic flight.
Verify your specific aircraft configuration on the Level Airlines seat map tool or SeatGuru before booking.
Does Level Airlines include baggage in the base fare?
Level Airlines’ base economy fare typically does not include a checked bag or, in some fare classes, a carry-on bag beyond a personal item.
Adding a checked bag at the time of booking costs less than adding it at the airport or after booking on most Level Airlines routes.
Verify the current baggage inclusion and fee schedule directly on the Level Airlines official website before completing your booking, as these details change without notice.
How does Level Airlines compare to Norse Atlantic Airways?
Level Airlines and Norse Atlantic Airways are both low-cost long-haul transatlantic carriers with similar seat pitch and unbundled pricing models.
The primary difference is aircraft: Norse Atlantic operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which offers higher cabin humidity and larger windows than Level’s Airbus A330-200.
Your departure hub is often the deciding factor: Level Airlines suits travelers flying from Barcelona or Vienna, while Norse Atlantic suits travelers connecting through Oslo (OSL) or London Gatwick (LGW).
Is Level Airlines safe to fly?
Level Airlines is certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and holds IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration.
The airline operates under IAG’s maintenance and engineering infrastructure, which meets the safety standards of a major international airline group.
Safety is not a material concern when comparing Level Airlines to full-service transatlantic carriers. The relevant comparison points are comfort, reliability, and total cost.
Is Level Airlines worth it for a transatlantic flight?
Level Airlines is worth booking for solo travelers or couples who travel with carry-on bags only, book well in advance, and fly from Barcelona or Vienna without needing a connection.
It is not worth booking for families with checked bags, business travelers who need a lie-flat seat or WiFi, or passengers flying routes over 10 hours who struggle to sleep in standard recliner seats.
Always compare the all-in total cost, including bags, meals, and seat selection, against a full-service economy fare on Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, or Condor on the same route before deciding.
The Honest Verdict on Level Airlines
Level Airlines fills a genuine gap in the transatlantic market. It offers real price competition on specific city pairs from Spain and Austria that full-service carriers cannot always match at the base fare level.
The airline is not a comfortable long-haul experience by any standard. A 31-inch pitch recliner seat on an 11-hour Los Angeles flight is an endurance event, not a rest.
The traveler who gets the most from Level Airlines books early, packs light, pre-orders a meal, and arrives with realistic expectations about what a budget transatlantic crossing actually delivers.
Policies, routes, fees, and fare inclusions on Level Airlines change without notice. Verify every detail directly on the Level Airlines official website before booking and again before departing.
The single most actionable step: run the all-in cost comparison, base fare plus every add-on you will actually need, against TAP Air Portugal, Condor, or Iberia on your exact route and dates. Book whichever number is lower, not whichever headline fare looks smaller.
