Best Airlines With Flights from the US to Bali: Top Picks for 2024

Bali is a dream destination for many travelers, known for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture. For travelers in the United States, getting to this Indonesian paradise requires some planning. There are no nonstop flights from the US to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), so all journeys involve at least one stop. Choosing the right airline can make your trip smoother, more comfortable, and even a bit more affordable. This guide explores the best airlines with flights from the US to Bali, what sets each apart, and how to make the most of your long journey.

Why Choosing The Right Airline Matters

Traveling from the US to Bali is a long-haul journey, often taking 20-30 hours including layovers. Your airline choice can affect everything from comfort and price to how easy your connections are. Some airlines offer better seats, food, and entertainment. Others have more convenient layovers, or allow you to stop for a day or two in another exciting city. For such a long trip, small differences can make a big impact.

Many travelers focus only on price, but factors like layover location, total travel time, and airline reputation are just as important. A cheaper ticket with a 10-hour layover in a small airport can be far less pleasant than spending a bit more for a smooth, well-timed connection in a major hub.

How Most Flights From The Us To Bali Work

No airline currently flies nonstop from the US to Bali. Most routes require at least one stop in Asia, Australia, or the Middle East. The most common connecting cities are:

• Singapore (SIN)
• Hong Kong (HKG)
• Tokyo (NRT or HND)
• Seoul (ICN)
• Taipei (TPE)
• Doha (DOH)
• Dubai (DXB)
• Sydney (SYD)
• Jakarta (CGK)

You’ll usually fly from a US city like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), or Seattle (SEA) to one of these hubs, then transfer to a regional flight into Bali.

Credit: upgradedpoints.com

Best Airlines Flying From The Us To Bali

Let’s look at the best airlines for this route, considering comfort, service, connection options, and value.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is widely considered one of the best airlines in the world. For US travelers to Bali, it’s a top choice for several reasons.

• Route: Major US gateways (LAX, SFO, JFK, SEA) to Singapore (SIN), then a short flight to Bali (DPS).
• Reputation: Known for excellent service, comfortable seats, and great food.
• Connection: Changi Airport in Singapore is often voted the world’s best. It’s clean, easy to navigate, and packed with things to do during layovers.

Singapore Airlines offers generous checked baggage, high-quality in-flight entertainment, and consistently high safety ratings. The layover in Singapore can also be a highlight; the airport has gardens, lounges, and even a swimming pool.

Non-obvious insight: If you want to break up the long journey, Singapore’s Stopover Holiday program lets you spend 1-3 days in Singapore at a discount, including hotel and attractions.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific connects the US to Bali through its hub in Hong Kong.

• Route: Flights from LAX, SFO, JFK, BOS, and ORD to Hong Kong (HKG), then to Bali.
• Strengths: High service standards, comfortable seats, and a well-organized Hong Kong airport.
• Loyalty: Part of the Oneworld alliance, so you can earn and redeem miles with partners like American Airlines.

Cathay Pacific is often praised for the quality of its business class, but economy travelers also enjoy better-than-average meals and seat comfort. Hong Kong airport is efficient, with easy transfers and good amenities.

Eva Air

EVA Air is a favorite among experienced travelers for its reliability and comfort.

• Route: US cities (LAX, SFO, SEA, IAH) to Taipei (TPE), then onward to Bali.
• Highlights: Strong safety record, clean planes, and often lower prices than competitors.
• Special Touch: Unique “Hello Kitty” themed planes on some routes, which are a fun bonus for families or fans.

EVA Air is part of the Star Alliance, so you can use United or Air Canada miles. Their economy class is above average, and premium economy offers a significant upgrade for a reasonable price.

Pro tip: Taipei airport has free showers and comfortable lounges for long layovers.

Korean Air

Korean Air is another strong choice, connecting via Seoul.

• Route: Direct flights from LAX, SFO, SEA, ATL, and JFK to Seoul (ICN), then to Bali.
• Perks: Spacious cabins, good food, and friendly service.
• Airport: Seoul’s Incheon Airport is modern, with fast free Wi-Fi and plenty of restaurants.

Korean Air often runs sales and has good award seat availability if you’re using miles. Their transit process is smooth, and layovers are usually short.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways offers a unique route, connecting through Doha in the Middle East.

• Route: US cities (JFK, PHL, ORD, DFW, ATL, LAX) to Doha (DOH), then to Bali.
• Best for: Those seeking luxury. Qatar’s business class (“Qsuite”) is often rated the world’s best.
• Experience: DOH is a huge, modern airport with excellent lounges and amenities.

Qatar Airways’ flights are longer than Asian routes but can offer great deals, especially in premium cabins. The airline has a reputation for attentive service and comfortable seating, even in economy.

Non-obvious insight: Some travelers find Middle East layovers more restful because of less crowded airports during off-peak hours.

Emirates

Emirates flies via Dubai, offering daily options from several US cities.

• Route: From JFK, LAX, SFO, BOS, SEA, and others to Dubai (DXB), then to Bali.
• Highlights: Famous for luxurious cabins, even in economy. Dubai airport is a massive shopping and dining hub.
• Loyalty: Emirates Skywards miles can be valuable, especially for upgrades.

Emirates is a great pick if you want a stopover in Dubai, or if you’re looking for a wide range of flight options and timings.

Ana (all Nippon Airways)

ANA connects the US to Bali through Tokyo.

• Route: LAX, SFO, SEA, and IAH to Tokyo (NRT or HND), then to Bali.
• Strengths: Consistently ranked among the world’s safest and cleanest airlines.
• Service: Excellent Japanese hospitality and well-designed cabins.

ANA’s flights often have short layovers, and Tokyo airports are easy to navigate. Their food and in-flight entertainment are highly rated. If you have Star Alliance miles, ANA is a smart choice.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL), another top Japanese carrier, also offers connections via Tokyo.

• Route: From LAX, SFO, SEA, JFK, BOS, DFW, ORD to Tokyo, then to Bali.
• Features: Spacious seating, high-quality meals, and exceptional service.
• Extras: Free Wi-Fi on many long-haul flights.

JAL works well for Oneworld alliance members and has a reputation for reliability and comfort.

China Airlines

China Airlines flies through Taipei and offers good deals on US–Bali routes.

• Route: LAX, SFO, JFK, and SEA to Taipei (TPE), then to Bali.
• Benefits: Lower fares, reliable service, and a modern fleet.
• Note: Some travelers prefer China Airlines for its smooth transfer process in Taipei.

China Airlines is part of the SkyTeam alliance, so you can use Delta miles for these flights.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines offers a convenient West Coast option.

• Route: LAX and SFO to Manila (MNL), then onward to Bali.
• Perks: Often the fastest total journey from California, with short layovers.
• Experience: Friendly staff and improved in-flight entertainment.

Philippine Airlines is not part of a major alliance, but its direct flights to Manila are very popular with West Coast travelers looking for a quick transfer.

Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia, the national airline, doesn’t fly directly from the US, but often partners with Delta or Korean Air for seamless connections.

• Route: US city to Jakarta (usually via Tokyo or Seoul), then to Bali.
• Highlight: Known for genuine Indonesian hospitality.
• Tip: Garuda offers some unique local meals and amenities on the Jakarta–Bali segment.

If you want a fully Indonesian experience from your connecting city onward, Garuda is a great pick.

Comparing Key Airlines For Us–bali Flights

To help you decide, here’s a side-by-side comparison of some of the top airlines on this route:

Airline	Main US Gateways	Connection City	Alliance	Known For
Singapore Airlines	LAX, SFO, JFK, SEA	Singapore (SIN)	Star Alliance	Top service, best stopovers
Cathay Pacific	LAX, SFO, JFK, BOS, ORD	Hong Kong (HKG)	Oneworld	Great business class, smooth transfers
EVA Air	LAX, SFO, SEA, IAH	Taipei (TPE)	Star Alliance	Reliability, value, unique themes
Korean Air	LAX, SFO, SEA, ATL, JFK	Seoul (ICN)	SkyTeam	Spacious cabins, friendly service
Qatar Airways	JFK, PHL, ORD, DFW, ATL, LAX	Doha (DOH)	Oneworld	Luxury, best business class
Emirates	JFK, LAX, SFO, BOS, SEA	Dubai (DXB)	None	Luxury, wide route options
ANA	LAX, SFO, SEA, IAH	Tokyo (NRT/HND)	Star Alliance	Cleanliness, hospitality

Credit: www.flightsfrom.com

Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Airline

1. Total Travel Time

Some airlines offer shorter layovers, which can shave hours off your journey. Use flight search engines to compare total journey times, not just departure and arrival dates.

2. Price Vs. Comfort

While economy class tickets can vary by several hundred dollars, sometimes paying a bit more for a better airline or seat is worth it. For such a long trip, seat comfort, in-flight food, and entertainment matter more than on shorter flights.

3. Layover Experience

Not all layovers are equal. Major airports like Singapore Changi, Hong Kong International, and Seoul Incheon offer showers, good food, and places to rest. Smaller airports may lack these, making long waits uncomfortable.

4. Frequent Flyer Programs

If you collect miles, try to book with an airline in your preferred alliance:

• Star Alliance: Singapore, ANA, EVA Air, United (partners)
• Oneworld: Cathay Pacific, JAL, Qatar, American Airlines (partners)
• SkyTeam: Korean Air, China Airlines, Delta (partners)

This way, you can earn or redeem points for upgrades or future trips.

5. Stopover Opportunities

Some airlines let you add a stopover for little or no extra cost. For example, Singapore Airlines and Emirates offer programs to enjoy their hub cities. This can turn a long transfer into a mini-vacation.

6. Baggage Rules

Check the baggage allowance—most international flights include at least one checked bag, but some cheaper tickets may not. Always confirm before booking.

7. Visa And Entry Rules

If your layover is overnight or you change airports, check if you need a transit visa. For example, US citizens don’t need a visa for short stays in Singapore, Japan, or South Korea, but rules can change.

Price Comparison: Typical Fares For Us–bali Flights

Prices for flights between the US and Bali can vary widely depending on season, how early you book, and the airline.

Season	Economy (Round-trip)	Premium Economy	Business Class
Low (Feb–May, Sep–Nov)	$900–$1,300	$1,500–$2,400	$3,000–$5,500
High (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan)	$1,300–$2,000	$2,200–$3,200	$5,000–$8,000

Insider tip: Booking 3-6 months in advance usually gets the best fares. Sometimes, last-minute deals pop up, but they’re rare for Bali.

Non-obvious Tips For Booking Us–bali Flights

• Mixed-carrier itineraries can be cheaper. For example, book United to Tokyo, then Garuda to Bali. Just be careful about baggage transfers and minimum connection times.
• If you have flexibility, try flying into Jakarta and taking a separate local flight to Bali. Domestic flights in Indonesia are frequent and cheap, though this adds complexity.

Many travelers overlook the value of splitting tickets, but this can sometimes save hundreds of dollars, especially if you’re comfortable managing your own connections.

What To Expect Onboard: Long-haul Comforts

For flights from the US to Bali, you’ll spend 12-16 hours on your first leg, plus another 2-5 hours to Bali. Here’s what to look for:

• Seat pitch: Look for 31–33 inches in economy for better legroom.
• In-flight entertainment: Most top airlines offer movies, TV, and games at every seat.
• Meals: Expect at least two full meals on transpacific flights. Some airlines offer snacks and drinks throughout.
• Wi-Fi: Increasingly available, but sometimes expensive.
• Amenity kits: Economy passengers may get a pillow, blanket, and headphones. Premium cabins offer extras like slippers and eye masks.

Pro tip: If you’re tall or value space, consider paying extra for an exit row or bulkhead seat.

Sample Itineraries From Major Us Cities

Here’s how a typical journey might look from three popular US gateways.

US City	Airline	Connection	Total Travel Time
Los Angeles (LAX)	Singapore Airlines	Singapore (SIN)	22–27 hours
San Francisco (SFO)	Cathay Pacific	Hong Kong (HKG)	21–28 hours
New York (JFK)	Qatar Airways	Doha (DOH)	24–32 hours

Actual times depend on layover length and time of day.

Common Mistakes When Booking Us–bali Flights

• Booking separate tickets without enough time for connections: Always leave at least 2-3 hours between flights if you’re changing airlines.
• Ignoring airport transfer rules: Some connecting airports require you to clear immigration and re-check bags, especially on split tickets.
• Forgetting about travel insurance: For such a long trip, insurance protects against missed connections, lost bags, or delays.
• Overlooking local holidays: Indonesian festivals (like Nyepi Day) or big events can make flights much more expensive or cause schedule changes.

Credit: finnsbeachclub.com

The Value Of Reviews And Research

Before booking, check recent reviews on sites like Skytrax or TripAdvisor. Even top airlines can have off days, and recent passenger feedback can highlight if there are issues with a specific route or class.

For official details on visa policies, always check with an authoritative source like US Department of State.

Making The Most Of Your Layover

If you have a long connection, some airports offer free city tours, showers, or even short hotel stays. Singapore, Seoul, and Doha are famous for these perks. Always check what’s available before you fly—you might be able to turn a wait into an enjoyable part of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take To Fly From The Us To Bali?

Most flights from the US to Bali take 20 to 30 hours, including layovers. The total time depends on your departure city, airline, and length of your stopovers.

Which Us Cities Have The Best Connections To Bali?

Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), and Seattle (SEA) are the main US gateways with frequent connections to Asia and the Middle East, making them the most convenient starting points for Bali flights.

Is It Better To Fly Through Asia Or The Middle East To Reach Bali?

Both options are good. Asian routes (through Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, etc.) usually offer shorter total travel times. Middle Eastern routes (via Doha or Dubai) may have longer flights but can provide better deals in business class and high-quality service.

Can I Use Airline Miles To Book Flights From The Us To Bali?

Yes, most major airlines flying to Bali are part of global alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam. You can use miles from partners (like United, American, or Delta) to book tickets on these airlines.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Book Cheap Flights To Bali?

The cheapest months are usually February to May and September to November. Booking 3–6 months in advance gives you the best chance at low fares.

Traveling from the US to Bali is a big journey, but picking the right airline can make the trip much more enjoyable. From top-rated carriers like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific to unique options like EVA Air or Emirates, you have many great choices. Think about comfort, layover cities, price, and your own travel style. With good planning, your flight can be the start of an unforgettable Bali adventure.