Thinking of visiting the Azores from the U.S.? Azores Airlines is one of the most affordable airlines to get there.
With nonstop flights from Boston and New York City to Ponta Delgada, the airline offers a convenient link to this stunning Atlantic archipelago.
But before you book, it’s worth knowing what to expect in terms of routes, fares, booking tips, and the onboard cabin experience.
Where Do Azores Airlines Fly in the U.S.?
As of April 2025, Azores Airlines connects two major U.S. cities directly to Ponta Delgada. For travelers in New York City and Boston, you have convenient options for reaching this Atlantic paradise.
While the options of U.S departure cities are limited, both these cities historically serve as international gateways to Europe. But Boston and New York City weren’t the only cities Azores Airlines flew from at first.
Azores Airlines previously served the New England area via Providence and even Northern California through Oakland. However, these routes are no longer active.
Nonstop U.S. Cities Served
Boston
From Boston Logan International Airport, Azores Airlines offers seasonal daily flights to Ponta Delgada–João Paulo II Airport. What’s even better is that on some Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, they add an extra flight, giving you more flexibility for your travel plans.
Considering the roughly 2,400-mile journey, expect flight times to be around five hours or more, depending on the wind and direction.
To handle this distance comfortably, Azores Airlines typically uses their Airbus A321 aircraft on these routes. The aircraft is designed for this longer distance, international travel.
Boston holds significant importance for many European transatlantic carriers, and it’s especially crucial for Azores Airlines.
Given that they wet-lease only one wide-body aircraft in their fleet, having a closer East Coast city like Boston helps minimize the overall flight time on their narrow-body Airbus A321 planes.
New York City
Similar to Boston, New York City is a key departure point for European airlines due to its proximity to the continent.
Azores Airlines provides a daily flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Ponta Delgada–João Paulo II Airport.
However, the service from JFK isn’t as frequent as what’s available from Boston.
If you’re based in New York or connecting from somewhere out West, you’ll find that Azores Airlines operates this route a few times per week, unlike the near-daily service from Boston.
The distance between New York City and Ponta Delgada is comparable to the Boston route, so you can anticipate a flight duration of five hours or more. Azores also utilizes their Airbus A321 aircraft for these New York flights.
Connecting to Mainland Portugal and Beyond
The Azores boasts a strategic location between the United States and mainland Portugal, making it an ideal stopover point. If you’re planning a longer European vacation, consider flying to the Azores first and then continuing your journey to Portugal. Or vice versa.
Azores Airlines conveniently offers connecting flights from the Azores to various destinations across Europe.
It will be interesting to see if the airline expands on this concept, perhaps mirroring Icelandair’s strategy of using Iceland as a hub for travelers flying between the U.S. and Europe. The Azores certainly has the potential to serve a similar role for budget-conscious travelers.
What to Expect When Booking Azores Airlines
When it comes to Azores Airlines, their booking process is pretty straightforward.
You have the option to book directly through their website.
Booking Options on Azores Airlines Website
You can find their official website at https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en. The homepage is clean and direct, with a prominent flight booking form right at the top.
To give you a practical idea, let’s simulate booking a round-trip flight from both Boston and New York to Ponta Delgada on September 6th, 2025, returning on September 13th.
From New York – JFK, a nonstop economy flight to Ponta Delgada was priced at $350. Their premium economy offering, “Comfort” seating, was significantly more at $1719.
Booking from Boston showed more flight options, but the base economy fare was a bit higher, ranging between $500 and $620.
Comfort seating wasn’t available on all flights, likely due to the airlines’ use of Airbus A320neo aircraft on some routes instead of the A321s. For flights with Comfort class, seats started at $874.
Interestingly, when searching for return flights a week later (September 13th), there were no nonstop flights from Ponta Delgada back to JFK. The only options involved a layover in Tenerife.
However, nonstop return flights to Boston were available, with economy fares ranging from $700 to $750. Comfort class on these return flights was approximately $1000 more.
Fare Classes and What’s Included
Azores Airlines provides two main cabin options, each with several fare bundles offering different levels of service.
The more budget-friendly option is Economy Class. Within this class, you can choose from four bundles: Simple, Basic, Flex, and Top, each offering increasing levels of flexibility and included amenities.
For a more premium experience, Comfort Class offers two tiers: Light and Plus.
| Feature | Simple | Basic | Flex | Top | Light | Plus |
| Carry On | 1 bag up to 17 pounds | 1 bag up to 17 pounds | 1 bag up to 17 pounds | 1 bag up to 17 pounds | 1 bag up to 17 pounds | 1 bag up to 33 pounds |
| Checked Baggage | Fee | 1 bag up to 50 pounds | 1 bag up to 50 pounds | 2 bag up to 50 pounds | 2 bags up to 50 pounds | 2 bags up to 70 pounds |
| Same Day Changes | Fee | Fee | Included | Included | Fee | Included |
| Refund | No | No | Fee | Yes | Fee | Yes |
| Award Miles | 10% | 50% | 100% | 125% | 150% | 200% |
| Seat Choice | Fee | Fee | Fee | Included | Include | Included |
| Cabin Upgrade | Fee | Fee | Fee | Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Priority Check In | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Baggage Priority | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Boarding | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Track | Fee | Fee | Fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lounge | Fee | Fee | Fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best Time to Book for Lower Fares
The prime travel season for the Azores is generally between May and September, offering the best weather for exploring the islands.
If you’re traveling from the U.S., it’s wise to aim to book your tickets at least two months in advance to have the best chance of securing lower fares.
Additionally, consider purchasing flights during the week, as these often tend to be less expensive than weekend departures.
Azores Airlines In-Flight Experience
Aircraft Types
Azores Airlines primarily uses two aircraft types for their U.S. to Azores routes: the Airbus A320neo and their longer-range Airbus A321 variants.
For passengers, the main difference you’ll notice is the seating capacity. The A320neo has a shorter fuselage, meaning it accommodates fewer seats than the A321.
| Feature | Airbus A320neo | Airbus A321LR | Airbus A321NEO |
| Economy Seats | 168 seats | 170 seats | 170 seats |
| Comfort Seats | 0 | 16 seats | 16 seats |
| Seat Pitch – Economy | 29 inches | 36 inches | 36 inches |
| Seath Pitch – Comfort | N/A | 36 inches | 36 inches |
| Seat Width – Economy | 18 inches | 18 inches | 18 inches |
| Seat Width – Comfort | N/A | 22 inches | 22 inches |
However, it’s highly likely you’ll be flying on one of their Airbus A321s, as this is the preferred aircraft for their international routes.
A positive aspect of flying Azores Airlines on these transatlantic routes is that you’ll likely be on relatively new aircraft. You can expect the cabins to be modern and well-maintained.
That being said, the overall cabin product is fairly standard compared to what other airlines offer on narrow-body transatlantic flights.
A good comparison for Azores Airlines is JetBlue Airways, which also uses their Airbus A321NEOs on U.S. to Europe routes. Comparing their economy products, the legroom and seat width are quite similar. The same holds true for their respective business classes.
There’s a limit to how much airlines can differentiate their seating arrangements on narrow-body aircraft.
Meals and Beverage Service
On longer Azores Airlines flights, such as those between the U.S. and the Azores, meals are provided complimentary, and drinks are also included.
The cuisine you can expect onboard often reflects the local flavors of the Azores. It’s a good idea to check the menu on their website before your flight.
If you have any dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, diabetic, or children’s meals), Azores Airlines does offer options. However, availability may be limited, so it’s best to contact the airline in advance to make arrangements if you have specific needs or allergies.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi Options
Since you’ll likely be on an Airbus A321, you’ll have access to in-flight entertainment through your personal devices. You can enjoy a selection of movies and TV shows.
Wi-Fi is also available for purchase on these aircraft. Azores offers four different Wi-Fi plans based on the duration of access you need (1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, or the entire flight). Prices range from approximately $6 USD to $23 USD.
Azores Airlines vs. Other Carriers
At Ponta Delgada–João Paulo II Airport, Azores Airlines faces limited direct competition on its U.S. routes. Only one other airline currently offers nonstop flights between these regions: United Airlines.
Azores Airlines vs. United Airlines
It’s understandable why many Americans might initially lean towards United Airlines, given its reputation and extensive international network.
However, when specifically looking at the service between the U.S. and the Azores, Azores Airlines offers a compelling product that can certainly rival United.
| Category | Azores Airlines | United Airlines | Winner |
| Seasonality | All Year Round | June to October | Azores Airlines |
| Daily Flights Offered | Once Daily | Once Daily | Tie |
| Aircraft Flown | Airbus A321LR | Boeing 737 Max 8 | Azores Airlines |
| Economy | 170 Seats | 96 Seats | Azores Airlines |
| Premium Economy | 16 Seats | 54 Seats | United Airlines |
| First Class | N/A | 16 Seats | United Airlines |
| Business | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Overall Leg Room (avg) | 36 inches | 33.5 inches | Azores Airlines |
| Prices (Economy) | $$$ | $$$$ | Azores Airlines |
| Inflight Entertainment | Personal Device | IFE System + PD | United Airlines |
| WIFI | Yes for fee | Yes for fee | Tie |
| Food | Complimentary | Complimentary | Tie |
What Travelers Say About Azores Airlines
No airline is without its flaws, and while many excel in certain areas, all are subject to customer feedback. Azores Airlines is no exception.
Common Praise
- Hospitality of Cabin Crew: Numerous flight reviews highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the cabin crew on Azores Airlines flights between the U.S. and the Azores. On Kayak.com, their crew receives an impressive 8.3 rating, the highest score among all rated categories for the airline on that platform.
- Money Value: A significant advantage of Azores Airlines is their pricing strategy. They often offer more affordable fares compared to other transatlantic carriers, a fact that resonates well with budget-conscious travelers. Passengers on sites like flight-report.com frequently praise the value they receive for their money.
- Overall Convenience: Given that no other American airlines provide consistent year-round nonstop service to the Azores, travelers appreciate Azores Airlines for filling this crucial gap. Even for those heading to mainland Europe, a stopover in the Azores can make transatlantic travel more accessible and affordable, similar to the role Icelandair plays.
Common Complaints
- Flight Cancellations & Delays: A recurring concern among customers is the occurrence of flight delays and occasional cancellations. While these issues are common across the airline industry, they are particularly challenging when traveling to or from an isolated destination like the Azores, where alternative options may be limited. This likely stems from the airline’s relatively small fleet size, making it difficult to replace aircraft in case of breakdowns.
- Gate Side Customer Service: Some reviews mention dissatisfaction with the customer service provided by gate agents, with complaints of staff being unhelpful or rude when addressing issues such as lost luggage. It’s important to remember that individual negative experiences don’t necessarily reflect the overall quality of an airline’s customer service.
Is Azores Airlines Worth Booking from the U.S.?
Azores Airlines is a fantastic option if you’re planning a trip between the United States and the Azores.
Who It’s Best For:
- Off-season travelers: If you’re visiting the islands outside the peak summer months, Azores Airlines is often your only choice for a nonstop flight from the U.S.
- Budget-conscious travelers: Azores Airlines typically offers more competitive fares than United for nonstop flights, making it an attractive option if price is a key factor. If you’re willing to forgo some of the premium amenities offered by larger transatlantic carriers, you’ll likely have a satisfactory experience.
- Travelers looking for a European stopover: If you’re interested in combining your trip to the U.S. with a visit to mainland Portugal or other parts of Europe, the Azores makes a wonderful intermediate destination. Azores Airlines offers convenient connections to numerous European and African cities. Think of the Azores as the “Hawaii of Europe” – a perfect opportunity to add another unique stop to your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Azores Airlines Flights from the U.S.
Is Azores Airlines a budget airline?
While not officially classified as a budget airline, Azores Airlines offers prices that are generally lower than those of major transatlantic carriers, making it appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
What U.S. cities does Azores Airlines fly from?
Currently, Azores Airlines operates flights from Boston Logan International Airport and New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
How long is the flight from the U.S. to the Azores?
The flight duration between the United States and the Azores typically ranges from 5 to 6 hours.
Do Azores Airlines offer stopovers in the Azores?
Yes, one of the advantages of flying with Azores Airlines is their network of connecting flights to Europe from the Azores, making it easy to incorporate a stopover into your travel plans.
Is it safe to fly with Azores Airlines?
Yes, Azores Airlines has a solid safety record with no major incidents involving aircraft loss in its 10 years of operation. They operate a modern fleet of Airbus aircraft equipped with advanced safety technologies.
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