Cheap Flights to London
Some travelers have always dreamed of witnessing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Others simply want to savor a pint and some “pub grub” in a traditional British pub. Whatever your motivation may be, London is a world-class city waiting to welcome and enchant you. The frequency of visitors from the United States has made it possible for both British and American air carriers to provide cheap flights to London, making intercontinental travel attainable even on modest budgets. If you can already hear the chimes of Big Ben, start searching for flights now.
Which Airlines Fly to London?
The vast majority of flights from the U.S. to London land at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), one of the world’s busiest airfields. Nonstop flights to Heathrow depart from more than 25 cities spread throughout the U.S., and if your nearest airport is among the nation’s largest, there’s a good chance yours is on the list. Heathrow is the primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways, both of which offer service to U.S. airports, and other American carriers with service to London include American Airlines, Northwest, Continental and United.
London Flight Tips
Gatwick Airport (LGW), London’s secondary airport located south of the city, also receives incoming flights from the U.S., though far fewer than Heathrow. Most of these routes are serviced by British Airways.
Quick Travel Guide to London
A trip to London is a great way for American travelers to enjoy an international experience with a minimum hassle. As long as your passport is valid, you’ll have no problem getting there and back, and there’s no need to learn a new language or fuss with a phrasebook to get through your days (though you will have a fun new set of slang to familiarize yourself with). Furthermore, as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, you’ll feel less like a tourist in London than in many other international locales. First-time world travelers seeking to settle their nerves about flying overseas would be wise to make this their first trip abroad.
Must-see sights abound in London: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey are just the beginning in a city with more than two thousand years of history to share. To take in as much as you can at once, try a trip on the London Eye, a Ferris wheel that provides the best views in town from its nearly 450-foot peak. And if you choose one of the finer boutique hotels in London, you may find that the staff is happy to share their recommendations for excellent local restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues.