Cheap Flights to USA from UK

Flights to USA from London and Across the UK

There's a reason the United States tops so many UK travel wish lists. It's one country with a dozen different holidays in it: big-city weekends, family theme parks, desert road trips, coastal drives, national parks, music festivals and sports fixtures that are worth crossing an ocean for. The good news is that getting there has never been more straightforward, with a wide range of flights to USA from London and regional UK airports operating all year round.

The tricky part is choosing. Prices swing by season, by day of the week and by airline, and the cheapest-looking fare isn't always the best one once baggage, seat choice and connection times come into play. That's where we come in. At Book For You we compare your options, explain the small print in plain English and help you book cheap flights to USA from UK that actually suit your trip.

Whether you're after a quick city break, a two-week family holiday or a business trip with a tight schedule, this guide covers the destinations, timings, airports, tips and questions people ask us most. Read on, then call us when you're ready to book.

Popular Destinations in the USA

These are the cities our customers ask about most. Flight times are approximate and depend on the route and wind conditions on the day.

Around 8 hours from London

New York

The classic first trip to America. Think Central Park, Broadway, the Brooklyn Bridge and food from every corner of the world. With a huge number of daily departures, New York is usually the easiest place to find a good fare and a convenient time.

Around 11 hours from London

Los Angeles

Beaches, film studios, hiking trails and a food scene that deserves its own trip. Los Angeles is also the starting point for road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway and out to the desert.

Around 9 hours from London

Miami

Warm water, Art Deco streets and lively nightlife. Miami is perfect for a winter sun escape and a handy gateway to the Florida Keys and the Everglades.

Around 11 hours from London

San Francisco

Cable cars, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and easy day trips to Napa and Sonoma wine country. Compact and walkable, it's ideal for first-time visitors to California.

Around 8.5 hours from London

Chicago

Striking architecture, deep-dish pizza, jazz clubs and a lakefront that feels like a seaside. Chicago is also a major hub if you plan to continue to other US cities.

Around 11 hours from London

Las Vegas

Shows, restaurants and spectacle, plus easy trips to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. It's a favourite for celebrations and group holidays.

At a Glance: Routes, Times and Seasons

Which UK Airport Should You Fly From?

London Heathrow is the main gateway, with the widest choice of airlines, destinations and departure times. London Gatwick adds a good selection of routes too, and if you live outside the south-east, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham and some other airports offer direct or one-stop flights to US cities.

When you're comparing flights from UK to USA, don't look at the fare in isolation. Flying from a closer airport can save a train ticket, a hotel night and several tiring hours. On the other hand, a London departure may give you a direct flight and a better schedule. We'll weigh both for you, based on where you live and what you value most.

It's also worth being flexible about your US arrival airport. Flying into one city and home from another, known as an open-jaw ticket, works brilliantly for road trips and multi-stop holidays, and can save you backtracking.

How to Find the Best Fares to the USA

There's no secret trick that works every time, but a few habits tend to pay off.

Book early for busy periods

Summer, Easter, half-term and Christmas are the most popular times to travel. Booking several months ahead gives you more choice of flights and prices, and more chance of sitting together if you're travelling as a group.

Aim for shoulder season

April to early June and September to November often combine good weather with calmer crowds and gentler fares. January and February can be quieter still, though some places are cold.

Be flexible by a day or two

Midweek flights are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures. Moving your trip by a single day can sometimes make a noticeable difference.

Think about connections

A one-stop route can lower the fare, especially to smaller US cities. A well-planned connection of two to three hours is comfortable. Very short layovers carry a risk, particularly with US immigration queues, so we avoid them.

Compare the total, not just the headline

Check baggage allowance, seat selection fees, meals and change conditions. A fare that looks cheap can end up costing more by the time you add the extras. Our team lays all of this out so you can compare like with like.

Ask a human

Price comparison sites are useful, but they don't always show combinations or the quirks of specific airlines. A quick call can unlock options that aren't obvious online.

Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class?

The cabin you choose affects comfort far more than most people expect on a long flight. Here's how to think about it.

Not sure which suits you? Tell us about your trip and we'll recommend the cabin that gives you the best value, even if that means telling you economy is plenty.

Entry Requirements for Visiting the USA

Most UK passport holders travelling to the United States for tourism or short business visits use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, usually called ESTA. It's an online application that should be completed well before you fly. Fees, processing times and eligibility rules can change, so always check the official US government website rather than relying on third-party sites, some of which charge extra fees.

Your passport must be valid for the period required by US authorities, and travellers on longer stays, study, work or with certain travel histories may need a visa. We can't offer immigration advice, but we're happy to point you in the right direction. Check your documents as soon as you book, not the week before you travel.

Three Trip Ideas to Get You Started

Seven days on the East Coast

Fly into New York, spend three or four nights soaking up Manhattan, then take the train to Washington DC or Boston for history, museums and waterfront walks. It's a compact route that needs no car and works well in spring or autumn.

Ten days on the California coast

Land in Los Angeles, then drive north along the coast through Santa Barbara and Big Sur to San Francisco, flying home from there. An open-jaw ticket saves you the long drive back and makes this one of the great road trips of the world.

A family fortnight in Florida

Base yourselves near Orlando for theme parks, then head to the coast for a few lazy beach days. Florida is easy to navigate with children, and travelling in a shoulder season can ease both the crowds and the cost.

Have your own idea? Share it and we'll shape the flights around it.

A Season-by-Season Guide to Visiting the USA

The country is so large that there's almost always somewhere perfect to be, whatever the month. Matching the season to the region is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your trip and keep an eye on costs.

Spring (March to May)

Cherry blossom in Washington DC, mild days in New York and comfortable temperatures across California. Spring is excellent for city breaks and a popular window for first-time visitors.

Summer (June to August)

The busiest season for UK families, with long days, national parks at their best and festivals everywhere. Expect high temperatures in the south and west, and book early because flights and hotels fill up quickly.

Autumn (September to November)

Many people's favourite time. New England's foliage is spectacular, the weather is pleasant in most cities and the summer crowds have thinned. Florida and California are still warm, and fares can be kinder than in July and August.

Winter (December to February)

New York at Christmas is magical, ski resorts in Colorado and Utah open up, and Florida offers a reliable escape from the British gloom. Winter can be cold in the north, so pack accordingly.

Choosing a Destination by Interest

Getting Around Once You Land

Distances in the USA are much bigger than they look on a map, so it pays to think about how you'll move around before you book your flights.

In New York, Boston, Chicago and Washington DC, public transport and walking go a long way, and you won't need a car. In California, Florida and the desert Southwest, a hire car is usually essential. Remember that you drive on the right, and that many rental companies charge extra for drivers under 25.

For longer hops between cities, domestic flights are often quicker and sometimes cheaper than long drives or train journeys, especially across the country. If you want to add a domestic flight to your itinerary, ask us to price it together with your main ticket so your baggage and connections are easier to manage.

Finally, check where your return flight departs. If you plan to drive from one city to another, a one-way car rental fee may apply, and this can affect whether an open-jaw ticket is the best choice.

Before You Fly: Practical Tips

• Check your passport. Make sure it's valid and undamaged, and keep a digital copy somewhere safe.
• Get travel insurance. Healthcare in the US can be very expensive, so good medical cover is essential rather than optional.
• Tell your bank. Let them know you're travelling and check the fees on overseas card payments.
• Plan for tipping. Tipping is a normal part of dining and services in the US, so budget for it.
• Pack adaptors. American sockets differ from UK ones, and voltage is different too, so check your devices.
• Manage jet lag. Adjust your sleep a little before you leave, drink plenty of water and get outside in daylight when you arrive.
• Allow time at the airport. US immigration and security can be slow, so leave generous gaps for connections.

How Booking with Book For You Works

Our consultants know the UK to USA market well and will tell you honestly when a fare is good, when it's merely average, and when it's worth waiting. If you've already found a quote elsewhere, send it over and we'll compare it fairly.

Why Travellers Choose Book For You

• Straight answers. We explain what's included, what isn't and what to watch for before you commit.
• Choice across cabins. From a simple economy seat to business class, we help you compare what each option really offers.
• Support that picks up the phone. Questions about dates, baggage or connections go to a real person on +44 203-836-6667.
• Trips built around you. One-way, return or open-jaw, solo, couples or large groups, we shape the booking to fit your plans.

Planning a trip is exciting, and finding the right flight shouldn't feel like a chore. Let us handle the searching so you can start looking forward to the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions