From Sweden to the U.S: The Airlines I Keep Coming Back To

Booking flights to the U.S. isn’t just about finding the best price for me. It’s something about the whole experience – how everything flows from start to finish. And I do have a clear favorite: Scandinavian Airlines.

I can’t fully explain it, but I always feel good flying SAS. There’s just something about the way you’re treated – whether it’s customer service, check-in, or onboard, it’s always friendly, smooth, and easy. Effortless in that very Scandinavian way. So yes, SAS is definitely my go-to airline.

I also really like the food and drinks. It feels fresh and thoughtfully put together – not just something you’re handed. The entertainment is good too, even though I sometimes miss that massive selection you get on some American airlines. They really spoil you with endless movies and TV shows.

A big reason why we often fly SAS is also because we collect points through our SAS Mastercard. We actually run most of our everyday purchases through that card, and the points add up faster than you’d think. It’s kind of become a habit.

We usually book economy, and then a few days before departure we place a bid for an upgrade. And honestly? It goes through more often than you’d expect. Suddenly you’re sitting in Plus or Business… and yeah, that feels pretty great.

So when I start looking at flights, SAS is almost always my first choice.

That said, there are a few other airlines I really enjoy flying with too. Finnair is definitely one of them. I love their planes, the crew, the food – and that blueberry juice that just feels like a little signature thing. The layover in Helsinki is also super smooth, even if it looks like a detour on the map. And they fly to Dallas, which is a great destination and a fun airport to connect through. Finnair has honestly become a new favorite.

KLM and Lufthansa are two other airlines I keep coming back to. Nothing fancy – just solid flights, good service, and exactly what you expect.

And I really have to mention British Airways.

The best thing about them – and the reason they’ve become a real favorite for me – is their direct flight from London to Nashville.

I love that.

Not having to do an extra connection in the U.S. when you’re heading to Nashville makes such a difference. The whole trip feels smoother, calmer, and more direct. For me, since I really love Nashville, that’s almost a dealbreaker in the best possible way.

At the same time, I’m still pretty pragmatic when I book flights. I always look at the best route and the price first. But if SAS is a good option… I’ll choose it more often than not.

I also think it’s interesting to look at what other travelers think – not just my own experience. If you look at larger surveys like Skytrax 2025 (often called the “Oscars of the airline industry”), British Airways actually ranks ahead of both Lufthansa and KLM in Europe right now.

The differences aren’t huge, but it still says something. All three are established, full-service airlines with a solid standard – but it’s kind of fun to see British Airways climbing again.

And honestly… that matches my own experience pretty well too. Because in the end, it’s all about the details. A small gesture, a moment of great service, a trip that just flows. That’s what you remember.