LEVEL Is Now an Independent Airline: What Travelers Need to Know

LEVEL Airlines now operates as an independent airline with its own IATA code, “LL,” rather than operating as a commercial brand under Iberia. The Barcelona-based long-haul carrier began flying under its own code on December 1, 2025, following a multi-year transition toward operational independence.

For passengers, one of the most visible changes is the flight number shown on reservations and travel documents. Travelers who previously booked certain LEVEL services associated with Iberia may also encounter updated booking details as the airline completes its transition.

LEVEL remains part of International Airlines Group (IAG), the airline group that also includes major carriers such as Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling.

Here is what LEVEL’s new airline status means and what passengers should check before traveling.

What Changed With LEVEL?

LEVEL began in 2017 as a commercial brand whose flights were operated under Iberia airline license. That arrangement meant travelers could purchase LEVEL-branded flights even though Iberia was responsible for the underlying airline operation.

The situation has now changed.

LEVEL obtained its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in December 2024, allowing it to move toward operating independently. Throughout 2025, it worked on obtaining the necessary operational permissions for the international markets it serves, including the United States, Argentina, and Chile.

The next major milestone arrived on December 1, 2025, when LEVEL began operating flights under its own LL IATA code.

Before the Transition	After the Transition
LEVEL operated as a commercial brand	LEVEL operates as an airline
Flights operated under Iberia’s license	LEVEL holds its own AOC
Iberia was the underlying operator	LEVEL manages its own operations
Reservations could display Iberia-related flight details	LEVEL flights use the LL airline code
LEVEL was already part of IAG	LEVEL remains part of IAG

The change is therefore more substantial operationally than simply replacing letters on a boarding pass.

What Is LEVEL’s New Airline Code?

LEVEL’s IATA airline code is LL.

Travelers can now see flight numbers beginning with LL on LEVEL reservations and official flight documentation. LEVEL says this is the main way customers will visibly notice the operational change.

For example, the airline’s first flight under the new code was:

LL2627 — Barcelona (BCN) to New York (JFK)

The flight departed Barcelona on December 1, 2025, marking the beginning of LEVEL’s operations under its own IATA code.

Therefore, passengers familiar with seeing different operating information on older LEVEL reservations should not be surprised when newer bookings display an LL flight number.

Why Did LEVEL Become Its Own Airline?

Becoming an independent airlines gives LEVEL greater control over its operations and supports its longer-term expansion plans.

Before obtaining its own AOC, LEVEL relied on Iberia’s operating license. IAG’s 2024 reporting described receiving the AOC as a significant milestone for LEVEL and linked the development with its growth strategy and position at Barcelona Airport.

The transition involved more than securing one certificate.

LEVEL subsequently needed operational permissions for the individual countries it serves. According to the airline, that process continued through 2025 for markets including the U.S., Argentina, and Chile.

In June 2025, LEVEL also obtained registration under the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program.

Is LEVEL Still Part of Iberia?

LEVEL is no longer simply a commercial brand operating under Iberia’s airline license.

However, both LEVEL and Iberia remain within International Airlines Group (IAG).

IAG’s corporate reporting identifies Fly Level entities alongside other companies within the group, including Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling.

So, LEVEL becoming operationally independent does not mean it has left IAG.

A useful distinction is:

Previously: LEVEL brand + Iberia operating license
Now: LEVEL’s own airline operation + continued IAG ownership

What Does LEVEL Becoming an Airline Mean for Passengers?

For many passengers, the journey itself may not feel dramatically different simply because LEVEL now holds its own operating certificate.

LEVEL says the change is mainly visible to customers through reservations and official flight documents, where flights now carry the LL code.

Nevertheless, travelers should pay attention to several details.

Check Your Flight Number

Do not rely entirely on an older flight number stored in notes, screenshots, or previous emails.

Open your latest booking confirmation and verify:

• Airline code
• Flight number
• Departure airport
• Departure date
• Departure time
• Arrival airport
• Passenger names

This is particularly worthwhile if the ticket was purchased before the operational transition.

Review Updated Booking Information

If LEVEL or the original booking channel has updated a reservation, use the latest confirmation rather than an older itinerary.

A changed airline code does not necessarily mean the destination or travel date has changed.

LEVEL specifically states that the customer-facing effect of its new operating status is primarily reflected in reservations and official flight documents.

Check Where You Originally Booked

How you manage your reservation can depend on where it was purchased.

LEVEL currently states, for example, that passengers who booked through Iberia.com, a travel agency, or another third party should request eligible voluntary date changes through the original booking channel.

Therefore, keep your original booking confirmation and payment records until the trip is complete.

What If My LEVEL Booking Details Have Changed?

Start by comparing your original reservation with the most recent confirmation sent by the airline or booking provider.

Look for differences involving:

• Flight number
• Operating carrier
• Departure time
• Arrival time
• Travel date
• Booking reference
• Airport
• Purchased extras

A flight-number change alone should not automatically be treated as a cancellation.

LEVEL says that if passengers have not received a notification that their reservation has been affected, their flight is scheduled to operate as planned. If restrictions or operational changes affect a flight, LEVEL says it will notify passengers by email and provide applicable options.

For this reason, travelers should make sure the email address attached to their reservation is current.

Will Existing LEVEL Tickets Still Work?

Passengers should follow the most recent booking documentation issued for their trip.

LEVEL’s transition to its own LL code changes how its flights are identified, but the airline describes the customer-visible effect primarily as a change appearing in reservations and official flight documents.

If you have an older booking, retrieve the latest itinerary before traveling rather than assuming that the flight number shown when you originally purchased the ticket is still the one you should use at the airport.

You should also check your flight status shortly before departure.

Can Passengers Change a LEVEL Flight?

Yes, but LEVEL’s current rules depend on the booking conditions.

LEVEL states that an eligible flight-date change can generally be made up to 24 hours before scheduled departure, provided the passenger retains the same route and cabin and the new flight is available.

Current conditions distinguish between bookings with and without a Flexible Ticket.

Booking Type	Current Date-Change Rule
Flexible Ticket	First eligible date change has no change fee; fare difference may apply
Without Flexible Ticket	€150 change fee per flight plus any applicable fare difference

LEVEL says Flexible Ticket is included with Economy Extra and Premium Extra fares and can be purchased during booking with other eligible fares.

These are voluntary-change rules and should not be confused with the options available when the airline itself cancels or substantially disrupts a flight.

What Happens If LEVEL Cancels a Flight?

LEVEL provides different options when it cancels a flight.

Its current refund information says passengers can request a refund or voucher when their flight is canceled. The same options may apply if a flight is delayed by more than five hours and the passenger decides not to travel.

A refund returns the eligible amount to the original form of payment, while a voucher provides credit that can be used for a future LEVEL purchase according to its applicable validity conditions.

These circumstances differ from a passenger voluntarily deciding not to travel. LEVEL states that its fares generally do not permit refunds except under specified circumstances.

Does LEVEL Still Fly From Barcelona?

Yes. Barcelona remains central to LEVEL’s long-haul operation.

The airline describes itself as Barcelona’s leading long-haul operator and said it held approximately 16% of the airport’s long-haul market when it announced the transition to its LL code in December 2025.

Its first independently coded flight also departed from Barcelona for New York-JFK, reinforcing the importance of the city to LEVEL’s network.

Travelers should still verify current routes and schedules directly before booking, as airline networks can change seasonally or over time.

Does LEVEL Becoming Independent Affect Safety?

LEVEL’s new status means it now operates using its own Air Operator Certificate rather than Iberia’s.

The airline obtained that AOC in December 2024. LEVEL also announced that it achieved IOSA registration in June 2025.

An AOC is an important regulatory requirement allowing an airline to conduct commercial air operations under the applicable aviation authority’s oversight.

LEVEL’s transition therefore represents a change in operational responsibility, rather than simply a marketing rebrand.

What Should LEVEL Passengers Do Before Their Flight?

Passengers with an upcoming LEVEL trip should complete a few checks before heading to the airport.

• Open the latest booking confirmation rather than relying on the original email.
• Look for the LL airline code and current flight number.
• Confirm the departure time, date, airport, and destination.
• Make sure your contact information is current.
• Review any emails concerning booking or schedule changes.
• Check the flight status close to departure.
• Keep records of any seats, baggage, meals, or other extras purchased.
• If you booked through a third party, check whether changes must be handled through that provider.

These steps are especially useful for reservations made before or during LEVEL’s transition to independent operations.

Final Thoughts

LEVEL Airlines move from an Iberia-operated brand to an independently operating airline marks a significant change behind the scenes. The carrier now holds its own Air Operator Certificate and operates flights under the LL IATA code while remaining part of IAG.

For passengers, the most obvious difference is likely to be found on booking confirmations and flight documents. Travelers with an existing reservation should therefore check their latest itinerary, verify the current flight number and schedule, and pay attention to communications from LEVEL or the company through which they originally booked.

The transition does not mean every passenger needs to take actin 9on. If your reservation has not been affected, LEVEL says the flight should operate as scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions