Flying to London is one of my favorite travel experiences—after all, I’ve flown there over 10 times! Based on years of firsthand experience and extensive research, I’ve created this list of the top 8 airlines to fly to London in 2025. These airlines stand out for their comfort, service, and value, whether you’re flying economy, premium, or business class. To narrow it down, I considered key factors like on-time performance, seat quality, inflight amenities, and pricing. Let’s dive into the best airlines to ensure your trip to London starts off in style.
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Now, let’s dive into the 8 best airlines to London in 2025.
1. British Airways
- 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club World), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios) – part of Oneworld
- ☕ Perks: Afternoon tea in-flight, solid airport lounges, stylish business class
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Avios flights with low surcharges using Iberia or transfer points from Amex/Chase for better value
British Airways is not just the national flag carrier of the UK, but it’s also one of the most iconic names in global aviation. BA offers a wide range of daily nonstop flights to London Heathrow (LHR) from major U.S. hubs like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and more. They fly modern wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A350, 787 Dreamliner, and the 777.
If you’re flying World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy), expect a real step up: wider seats, a deeper recline, and upgraded dining. Their Club World (Business Class) now features the sleek Club Suite on most long-haul routes — a private pod with lie-flat seats, a sliding door, direct aisle access, and luxe bedding by The White Company. First Class? Think designer amenity kits, pre-flight champagne, and access to the exclusive Concorde Room at Heathrow.
British Airways is known for adding a British flair to the in-flight experience. Think complimentary afternoon tea, English breakfast, and even scones on select flights. Wine and spirits are complimentary in all long-haul cabins. Baggage-wise, economy passengers can check one free bag on transatlantic flights.
The airline’s Executive Club loyalty program is especially rewarding when you know how to work it. You can use Avios to book reward flights, upgrades, and even partner flights on airlines like American, Iberia, and Qatar. Booking with Avios via Iberia or BA’s own site during “Reward Flight Saver” promos can unlock major savings (especially off-season).
- Read next: Top Experiences in Europe
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2. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Flagship Business), First (Flagship First)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage Miles program with OneWorld benefits
- ☕ Perks: Flagship lounges, premium dining in business/first, complimentary snacks in all cabins
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book partner awards on Qatar Airways or Japan Airlines for exceptional value with AAdvantage miles
American Airlines is America’s aviation giant, connecting London to the US with that unmistakable Stars and Stripes flair. While British Airways brings afternoon tea, AA counters with Texas-sized hospitality from its DFW fortress. Their London routes from Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX) are operated by those gorgeous Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners that actually have decent legroom.
If you’re flying Premium Economy, you’re in for a treat that doesn’t require a second mortgage. Think wider seats that don’t make you play elbow wars with your neighbor, legroom that accommodates actual human legs, and meal service that won’t have you raiding airport shops beforehand. Their Flagship Business is where things get seriously luxe: fully lie-flat beds dressed in Casper bedding that’ll make you forget you’re hurtling through the stratosphere at 500mph.
What makes AA stand out is their unique brand of American hospitality. Flight attendants who’ve mastered the art of the perfectly timed drink refill, those addictive warm cookies that perfume the cabin mid-flight, and that signature Texan “y’all” that somehow makes even turbulence seem friendlier. Their entertainment systems also now feature exclusive Apple TV+ content that’ll keep you bingeing across the Atlantic.
The AAdvantage program is a points collector’s dream. Those miles stack up faster than you’d think and unlock everything from premium cabin upgrades to partner flights. Watch for those “Web Special” flash sales where you can score business class seats for the price of economy miles.
- Read next: American Airlines First Class Guide
- Read More: 7 Cheapest Places to Fly from Chicago
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3. 🇺🇸 JetBlue Airways
- 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy (Core), Mint (Business Class)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue points with no blackout dates
- ☕ Perks: Free high-speed Wi-Fi, live TV, unlimited snacks in all cabins
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Mint Studio (first row) for extra space and a buddy seat at minimal upcharge
JetBlue Airways is the plucky newcomer to the transatlantic scene, shaking up the London market since 2021. Operating from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS) to both Heathrow and Gatwick, their sleek Airbus A321LR aircraft prioritize passenger comfort over sardine-can economics.
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The Core cabin redefines economy travel across the pond. Gone are the days of suffering in silence as JetBlue delivers industry-leading legroom, unlimited brand-name snacks, and genuinely usable Wi-Fi that streams without constant buffering. Their signature Terra blue chips and locally-sourced artisanal snacks from New York vendors add hometown flair you won’t find elsewhere.
JetBlue’s secret weapon lies in their thoughtful attention to detail. Every seat features ingenious device holders, accessible power ports, and that magical free Wi-Fi that actually works above the clouds. Unlike competitors, they offer the innovative “Pantry” concept in transatlantic flights: a self-service snack station where passengers can grab extras between meal services without awkwardly buzzing flight attendants.
The TrueBlue program breaks the mold of complicated loyalty schemes. No point expiration, no blackout dates, and family pooling options make collecting and redeeming straightforward. Their transparent pricing strategy frequently undercuts legacy carriers on London routes by hundreds of dollars, democratizing premium travel for a new generation of flyers. The Points Matchmaker feature helps passengers find the optimal dates for redemptions, a digital tool uniquely JetBlue.
- Read next: JetBlue Mint Class Guide
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- For more reading: JetBlue Winter Sale
4. 🇳🇱 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (Economy Comfort), Business Class (World Business)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue miles with SkyTeam alliance benefits
- ☕ Perks: Delft Blue houses for business class, stroopwafel treats, sustainable practices
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Connect through Amsterdam for one of Europe’s most efficient and pleasant transfer experiences
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines isn’t just old. It’s positively ancient by aviation standards. Born in 1919 when most airlines were still twinkles in their founders’ eyes, this Dutch institution has been connecting London to Amsterdam since your grandparents were young. Their bright blue birds hop across the North Sea multiple times daily, making this short hop feel more like a pleasant bus ride than international travel.
Economy class on KLM comes with a delightful surprise: actual environmental consciousness. While other airlines greenwash, these folks serve meals that won’t destroy the planet (and taste pretty good too). The real treasure, though? Business travelers collecting those adorable blue-and-white Delft houses. These miniature ceramic buildings filled with Dutch genever have become highly collectible, with passengers often planning trips specifically to add to their collection.
The cabin vibe feels quintessentially Dutch: pragmatic, unfussy, and surprisingly pleasant. No over-the-top luxury, just thoughtful touches that actually improve your journey. Their Boeing and Embraer fleet quietly gets the job done without drama. Much like the Netherlands itself. The crews somehow maintain that perfect balance between professional and genuinely friendly that so many airlines miss.
Flying Blue might not win awards for simplicity, but their monthly “Promo Rewards” can score you business class seats for economy prices if you time it right. And don’t skip their quirky “Meet & Seat” feature that lets you choose seatmates based on social profiles. Only the Dutch would think turning your flight into LinkedIn-meets-Tinder was a good idea. And somehow, they make it work.
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5. 🇳🇴 Norwegian Air
- 🏠 Hub: Oslo (OSL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium (Premium Economy)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Norwegian Reward with CashPoints
- ☕ Perks: Affordable fares, newer aircraft, free basic Wi-Fi
- 🧠 Pro Tip: The “LowFare+” ticket includes seat selection, meals, and checked bag for less than competitors’ basic economy
Norwegian Air started with just two planes and seven employees back in 1993. This scrappy underdog grew into the airline that revolutionized budget travel across the Atlantic, proving that affordable doesn’t have to mean terrible. Today, they connect London Gatwick (LGW) to Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and other Nordic capitals with seriously competitive fares. Unlike other budget airlines flying ancient jets, Norwegian operates a young fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with surprisingly better environmental credentials.
The onboard experience delivers genuine Scandinavian quality. Clean, minimalist cabin design with comfortable slim-line seats and actually usable legroom makes economy feel less punishing. Their Premium cabin hits the sweet spot for value hunters: wider seats with substantial recline, proper meals, priority services, and fares that often undercut what legacy carriers charge for their restrictive basic economy.
Norwegian brings rare honesty to flying. No sneaky fees or gotcha charges here. Just clear pricing and even free basic Wi-Fi on most flights. The cabin crews basically nail that perfect Nordic balance: helpful when you need them, not hovering when you don’t.
The Norwegian Reward program works differently than traditional miles. Passengers earn straightforward CashPoints: 2% back on LowFare tickets and 10% on Flex fares. Unlike restrictive airline miles, these points have no blackout dates, work for partial payment on any seat, and never expire for active members. Their smart “Reward Flight Finder” tool makes spotting the cheapest redemption options remarkably simple, ideal for budget-conscious travelers exploring Northern Europe.
- Read next: Cheapest Airlines in Europe
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- For more reading: Budget-Friendly Destinations from the UK
- Keep reading: Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe
- Also worth reading: Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Spain
6. 🇦🇪 Emirates Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Dubai (DXB)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards miles
- ☕ Perks: Complimentary chauffeur service for premium cabins, extensive entertainment, generous baggage allowance
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book fifth freedom flights between London and Australia for excellent service at competitive prices
Emirates Airlines didn’t just build an airline. They transformed Dubai from an unknown desert city into a global travel hub. Now up to six massive A380s fly daily between London and Dubai, each offering luxury that makes even seasoned travelers take notice. While competitors cut back on service, Emirates keeps raising the bar with touches like onboard showers for first class and a stylish sky lounge where premium passengers mingle over cocktails.
The economy experience feels like other airlines’ premium cabins. You’ll get multicourse meals that actually taste good, an entertainment system with more options than your Netflix account, complimentary wines, and flight attendants who somehow remember your drink preference. Their new Premium Economy hits that sweet spot between “I can still afford rent” and “I’ll arrive feeling human.”
What makes Emirates special is their obsessive eye for details others ignore. The warm scented towels. The Arabic coffee service. The Bulgari toiletries that passengers routinely pocket. Business travelers get fully-flat beds and access to an actual cocktail lounge at 40,000 feet, while First Class passengers enjoy private suites with closing doors and the chance to take a proper shower before landing.
The Skywards loyalty program plays nicely with partners like Qantas and JetBlue, and smart travelers use their family pooling feature to combine points. For London flyers willing to connect through Dubai, Emirates delivers a taste of genuine luxury that makes other airlines’ “premium” offerings look decidedly average.
- Read next: Emirates Business Class Guide
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- For more reading: How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights
- Keep reading: Air Travel Updates
7. 🇬🇧 Virgin Atlantic
- 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy (Light, Classic, Delight), Premium, Upper Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Virgin Flying Club with Virgin Points
- ☕ Perks: Stylish design, award-winning entertainment, distinctive clubhouses, free seat selection in all cabins
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book via Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with Delta to access competitive fares and more US-London route options
When Richard Branson got stuck in the Caribbean after his flight was canceled in 1984, he didn’t just complain. He chartered a plane, scribbled “Virgin Atlantic” on a blackboard, and sold tickets to fellow stranded travelers for $39. Talk about making lemonade. Now this upstart airline flies gorgeous Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s between London and major US cities like New York, Boston, and LA, giving stuffy legacy carriers a run for their money.
The onboard experience screams distinctively Virgin. Economy cabins pop with signature red accents, mood lighting, and surprising touches like complimentary ice cream during movies. Premium offers roomier seats and enhanced dining with proper china. Upper Class wows with its innovative social space “The Loft” where passengers mingle, work, or enjoy cocktails in stylish surroundings.
Virgin Atlantic stands apart through sheer personality. The red-uniformed crew brings cheeky British charm that creates an atmosphere more akin to a hip hotel than an airline. Their Heathrow Clubhouse lounge ranks among aviation’s finest with its spa, cocktail bar, and restaurant dining. Even the safety videos feature animation and humor that passengers actually want to watch.
The Flying Club program offers solid value through partnerships with American Express and Chase. Their points never expire, and off-peak Upper Class awards deliver exceptional value. For travelers seeking a refreshing alternative to British Airways on London routes, Virgin’s combination of style, substance, and sass makes it a standout choice.
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8. 🇮🇪 Aer Lingus
- 🏠 Hub: Dublin (DUB)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (coming 2025), Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: AerClub with Avios points
- ☕ Perks: US Pre-clearance in Dublin, competitive fares, shorter airport lines
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Dublin as a stopover to London and clear US customs before flying home
Aer Lingus has a secret that savvy travelers love. Their name means “air fleet” in Irish, but they’re really selling a clever hack to London. While technically Ireland’s flag carrier, they’ve mastered the art of the convenient connection. Fly Aer Lingus from Boston, New York, or Chicago to Dublin, then hop over to London on their frequent connecting flights. The bonus? You’ll bypass those notorious Heathrow immigration queues and often save hundreds on your fare.
The flying experience delivers that legendary Irish hospitality without unnecessary frills. Economy cabins offer decent legroom, complimentary meals with a taste of Ireland, and service that feels genuinely warm rather than robotically polite. Business class provides fully-flat beds without the usual price premium, proving you don’t need gold-plated everything to get a good night’s sleep in the sky.
What sets Aer Lingus apart is their perfect middle ground between budget and luxury carriers. You get free checked bags, assigned seats, and meals while paying fares that regularly undercut the big names. Their trump card? On your return journey, you clear US customs and immigration while still in Dublin, meaning you arrive stateside as a domestic passenger and walk straight out of the airport.
The AerClub program flies under the radar but offers solid value. Using the same Avios currency as British Airways but with much lower fees makes redemptions genuinely worthwhile. Their free stopover policy in Dublin on award tickets is perfect for travelers who want to sample Irish hospitality before continuing to London. Sometimes the best way to reach your destination isn’t the most obvious route.
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