March 18 (UPI) — The parent company of British Airways said it will launch a new trans-Atlantic budget carrier with one-way fares starting at $149.
The airline will be called Level and will be based out of Barcelona. It will begin with flights to Los Angeles, Oakland, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, the company said.
IAG already operates British Airways, the Irish airline Aer Lingus, as well as Iberia and Veuling airlines. Iberia is based out of Barcelona, allowing travelers throughout Europe to connect with the budget Level trans-Atlantic flights.
Iberia flight crews will also staff Level flights.
The prevalence of long-haul budget carriers has increased recently. Domestic budget carriers like Southwest have attracted cost-conscious travelers, but are now expanding into what has traditionally been the territory of legacy carriers.
Last month, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA announced it expanded trans-Atlantic flights to various East Coast cities with one-way fares starting as low as $65.
Budget carriers offer no-frills travel options. Travelers have to pay extra for perks such as in-flight WiFi, movies and meals.
Level flights will begin in June, IAG said.
