Are you looking for the best airlines to fly to London? Whether you’re looking for the best economy flight to London or want to travel comfortably, Look no further! We’ve scanned the internet for the best carriers and flight deals to take you to this iconic city in England. These top airlines include carriers from the United States, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. Keep reading to learn more about these popular airlines!
London is a city that needs no introduction. As the capital and largest city of England and the UK, London is vibrant, diverse, and home to a rich cultural heritage. Between its many iconic landmarks, world-class theater, and vibrant food and drink scene, it’s no wonder that London is among the biggest travel destinations in the world.
Whether you want to tour the Tower of London, watch a Shakespearean play at the famous Globe Theatre, or enjoy a shopping spree at Harrods, there’s something for everyone here. Of course, to enjoy the city’s many attractions and delicacies, you have to get there first. And if you want to travel to London comfortably in first class or on a budget, I have you covered.
Here is my list of the seven best airlines to fly to London in 2023!
Quick tip for finding cheap flights to London
Finding the best airlines to fly to London is only part of planning a great trip. For many of us, the other part is finding a good deal. No one wants to overpay for airfare. If you’re looking for cheap flights to London from the best carriers, you’ll want to pay attention.
For the past three years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find the best flight deals every time I travel. It’s simple to use, and I promise it won’t add any extra research time to your trip-planning process. All you have to do is sign up for their free email alerts! You add your departure airport and where you’d like to go. Going will then send you cheap flight deals directly to your inbox!
I love that you can take advantage of these amazing flight deals with a free account. However, if you plan on traveling a lot, it’s worth looking into a premium membership. For just $49/year, you’ll get even more perks like mistake fares, weekend getaways, and the best domestic and international deals.
With the amount of money I’ve saved on my flights across the US and abroad, it’s been more than worth the membership fee. Since I started using Scott’s Cheap Flights, I’ve saved thousands of dollars per year.
Now without further ado, here are the best airlines to London in 2023!
1. British Airways
When it comes to the best airlines to fly to London, it’s hard to beat British Airways (BA). This global airline is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom and is headquartered in none other than London Town.
British Airways’s main hub is at London Heathrow (LHR), the second busiest international airport in the world. So, if you want to book an international flight to London, you can’t go wrong with British Airways. They also fly to destinations throughout Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond.
No matter where you’re departing from, BA offers year-round low fares to London. They also currently have one of the largest and most modern fleets compared to any other airline. Their fleet is primarily made up of Airbus and Boeing jets, with their newest addition being the Airbus A320neo.
You’ll love flying with British Airways, thanks to their world-class standards and superior customer service. BA has generous baggage allowances with free carry-ons. Additionally, all children over two have the same allowances as adults. You don’t even have to worry about bringing your car seats and strollers, as these are included, too.
Enjoy the many amenities of British Airways in the air and on the ground with their great quality in-flight British food and drink, including recipes by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge. When waiting for a flight, eligible travelers can enjoy access to dedicated British Airways departure lounges and partner lounges.
2. American Airlines
If you are looking for the best airline to fly from the US to London, American Airlines is a great option. From my own experience, there are several reasons why American Airlines stands out as one of the best US-based airlines to fly into London.
For one, American Airlines has an excellent fleet of aircraft, with a variety of planes to choose from. From the smaller and more intimate Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the larger and more spacious Boeing 777, American Airlines has a range of planes to suit different preferences and travel needs. All of the planes in American Airlines’ fleet are modern and well-maintained, which ensures a comfortable and safe flying experience.
Once in the air, you don’t have to worry about boredom. American Airlines will keep you entertained during your flight. Each seat has its own personal entertainment system, with movies, TV shows, and music. Additionally, American Airlines offers Wi-Fi on all of their flights, so you can stay connected with friends and family or get some work done while in the air.
Another reason American Airlines is one of the best airlines to fly into London is its focus on customer service. The airline has a team of customer service representatives available 24/7 to help with any issues or questions you may have. For frequent fliers, American Airlines’ loyalty program, AAdvantage, has several perks, such as upgrades, lounge access, and priority boarding. No matter where you want to go, AA can take you there on flights to nearly 50 countries, from Argentina to Australia and, of course, London.
3. KLM
Do you prioritize reliability when looking for the best airlines to fly to London? Then why not go with the oldest operating airline in the world? KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) is headquartered in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and currently operates flights to over 170 destinations around the world, including London, Los Angeles, Dubai, and the Caribbean.
If you value sustainability and prioritize supporting sustainable businesses, KLM is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future for aviation. They add 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (made from used cooking oil) for every flight departing from Amsterdam. Their goal is to increase that to 10% by 2030. KLM also supports reforestation projects in Panama, Uganda, and Colombia to help reduce existing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Not only is KLM one of the most sustainable airlines today, but they are also highly regarded across the airline industry. IN 2022, KLM received the 2022 APEX World Class Award as the best airline for passengers for their achievements in safety, well-being, and sustainability.
When you fly with KLM, you’ll be on one of their fleet of 110 aircraft, which are primarily Airbus and Boeing jets. For short “city hopper” flights, you may fly on one of their Embracer aircraft. Regardless of which aircraft you travel in, you will do so in comfort. Even economy seats are offered a snack, sandwich, or warm meal, depending on the flight length. Additionally, many of their flights have inflight wifi, so you can message your friends and family for free.
4. Norwegian Air
Another of the best airlines to fly to London is Norwegian Air, especially if you’re looking for an affordable European option. This low-cost airline is the second-largest airline in Norway and the fourth-largest low-cost carrier in Europe. If you don’t mind forgoing the bells and whistles, Norwegian is a great affordable airline to London.
Norwegian provides a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience that is hard to match, especially for the price. Norwegian’s state-of-the-art fleet includes modern and fuel-efficient Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Not only do these short-haul aircraft contribute to their long-term sustainability targets, but they also offer good legroom for all passengers.
When it comes to other Norwegian amenities, you can also access free wifi on most flights with the option to upgrade to high-speed internet. If you’re looking for a bite, you can buy snacks and drinks on most of their flights. Additionally, you can order a meal ahead of time on international flights over 2 hours and 15 mins.
Norwegian Air’s commitment to providing a high-quality flying experience has not gone unnoticed, and the airline has won several awards. In 2018, the airline was named “Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline” at the World Travel Awards, and it has also won several other awards for its customer service and in-flight experience.
Since the pandemic, Norwegian no longer offers long-haul flights, but they continue to offer shuttle service to the United Kingdom and many European counties, including France, Germany, Spain, and Poland. If you’re looking for a flight from Europe to London, Norwegian may be one of your most affordable options.
5. Emirates
Are you looking to prioritize comfort on your next trip abroad? Well, then, Emirates is certainly among the best airlines to fly to London. This Dubai-based carrier is the largest international airline in the world, flying to 158 destinations across 85 countries. Known for its luxurious amenities and fleet, you can expect every flight to be a positive experience.
Not only does Emirates have the most luxurious fleet, but they also have one of the youngest fleets in the world, made up of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. The iconic A380 is the largest commercial passenger aircraft in the world, with two decks, and accommodates over 500 passengers. A flight on this jet is spacious and comfortable.
For in-flight amenities, Emirates offers a range of luxurious features to ensure passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable journey. These first class cabins are a bucket list item for many travelers. They feature private suites with doors, personal mini-bars, and flat-screen TVs with over 4,500 channels of entertainment. Business class offers lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, as well as access to the airline’s exclusive lounges. Even economy class passengers have a premium experience, with spacious seats and personal seatback screens.
Emirates’ commitment to providing a high-quality flying experience has not gone unnoticed, and the airline has won numerous awards in recent years. In 2020, Emirates was named “Best Airline in the World” by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. It has also won awards for its in-flight entertainment, customer service, and business class offering. Emirates truly offers a unique flying experience to London and beyond.
6. Virgin Atlantic
For an alternative to British Airways, you can catch a flight to London via Virgin Atlantic. Headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, Virgin brands itself as a low-cost airline with services comparable to premium airlines. And they have the awards to back up this claim. For example, in 2021, they received a 5-star Global Airline Rating in the 2021 APEX Official Airline Ratings for the 4th year running.
One thing that sets Virgin apart is its stylish and modern fleet designed with passenger comfort in mind. The airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners have features like adjustable mood lighting, oversized windows, and quieter engines, making for a more relaxing journey. They also operate the Airbus A350, which boasts spacious cabins, advanced technology, and fuel-efficient engines, further enhancing the passenger experience.
For in-flight amenities, Virgin offers a range of entertainment options, including seatback screens with hundreds of hours of movies, TV shows, and music. The airline’s WiFi is also among the best in the industry, making it easy for passengers to stay connected while in the air. In addition, Virgin Atlantic offers a range of premium amenities, such as plush bedding, noise-canceling headphones, and toiletry kits with high-quality skincare products.
The airline also has a reputation for its innovative approach to in-flight dining, with menus designed by renowned chefs and celebrity foodies. You can enjoy crab cakes, beef Wellington, and a range of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as premium beverages. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic offers an “Afternoon Tea” service, complete with scones, clotted cream, and jam, which is a lovely touch for those who appreciate British tradition whilst enjoying a flight to London.
7. Aer Lingus
If you appreciate a punctual airline, you will appreciate Aer Lingus. This Ireland-based airline is the second-largest in the country, with flights to over 120 destinations within Ireland and throughout Europe and the United States. In addition to its many international flights from Dublin, Aer Lingus flies from many major airports worldwide, including Paris, Boston, Germany, Spain, and Washington, D.C.
Aer Lingus operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, which are among the most modern and efficient planes in the industry. These aircraft feature spacious cabins with comfortable seating and generous legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey. The planes are also equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems with various movies, TV shows, and music to enjoy during the flight.
In terms of other in-flight amenities, Aer Lingus offers blankets, pillows, and noise-canceling headphones to ensure maximum comfort during the flight. The airline also offers a selection of magazines and newspapers to keep passengers entertained and informed.
One of the things that makes Aer Lingus stand out from other airlines is its commitment to sustainability. They have implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of biofuels and the implementation of recycling programs on their flights.
If you’re looking for the best airline to London that is sustainable and comfortable, it’s hard to beat Aer Lingus. They’ve won numerous awards, including “Best Airline Staff in Europe” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Their exceptional customer service, with friendly and attentive staff who are always willing to go the extra mile, ensure passengers have an enjoyable journey.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best airlines to fly to London
Even after going through this post on the seven best airlines to fly to London, you may still have many questions. Choosing an airline can be overwhelming, especially in this day and age when you’re stuck between affordability and amenities. It can be especially overwhelming if this is your first international flight. But don’t worry! I am here to help.
Which airlines offer direct flights to London?
If you’re already going to be experiencing a long flight, you probably don’t want to extend your travel time further with a lot of layovers. Cut out some of the stress of managing connected flights by booking a direct flight to London.
Here are some of the airlines that currently offer direct flights to London:
- Aer Lingus
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- AirFrance
- Air New Zealand
- British Airways
- CopaAirlines
- Delta
- Finnair
- Iberia
- JetBlue
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- Martinair
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Swiss
- United
- Virgin Atlantic
How long is a flight to London from the United States?
Since the United States is such a large country, how long your flight will be is entirely dependent on where you are departing from. For example, a flight from JFK in New York would arrive at Heathrow much quicker than a flight from LAX on the West Coast.
Here are some of the most popular flights from the US to London and approximately how long they take:
- New York to London: 7 hours
- Chicago to London: 8 hours
- Atlanta to London: 8.5 hours
- Denver to London: 9.5 hours
- Los Angeles to London: 11 hours
It’s important to remember that none of these flight times include takeoff/landing times or any other flight delays. Flight times may take longer depending on weather conditions, air congestion, and flight path, so none of these times are guaranteed.
What is the best airport to fly into London?
When looking to book a flight to London, the best airport to fly to is London Heathrow Airport (LHR). It is one of the world’s busiest airports and the biggest in the United Kingdom. If you’re on a long-haul international flight, more likely than not, this is the airport where you will likely land.
Heathrow is one of the six airports serving London and since it is so busy, it’s the best airport to choose. Just about every major airline flies into Heathrow and it has a wide selection of shopping and dining options. The other major point awarded to naming Heathrow the best airport to fly into London is its convenience to the city center. It’s only a 15-minute train ride from the airport to Paddington train station. You can also take the TfL Rail, or coach bus service, or the cheapest option is the London Underground.
What’s the cheapest month to fly to London?
The cheapest time to London will depend on several factors, including your departing city. However, it is generally cheapest to fly in the Fall, such as October or November. January is also one of the cheaper months to travel to London.
To avoid higher airfare costs and larger crowds, avoid flying in July. The summer is a more popular (and therefore more expensive) time of year to go.
What is the main airline of London?
British Airways is the main airline of London, England. They are headquartered in London, close to its main hub at Heathrow. BA is a major airline in England and provides service to over 200 destinations worldwide. Whether you’re flying to London from abroad or are looking to fly out of the country, British Airways can take you there.
Which airlines fly from the US to London?
Looking to book a trip from the United States to London, England? It’s important to know which airlines fly this route so you can make an informed choice. Your chosen carrier can affect your airfare cost, luggage restrictions, in-flight amenities, and more.
Some of the major carriers that fly between the US and London include American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Iberia, British Airways, Finnair, PLAY, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, JetBlue, and more.
What is the best way to travel to London?
As one of the largest and most important cities in the world, there are many ways to get to London. If you’re coming from North America, the best way is to fly to one of London’s airports. You can arrive at Gatwick Airport (LGW), Heathrow Airport (LHR), London City Airport (LCY), Luton Airport (LTN), Stansted Airport (STN), or London Southend Airport (SEN).
If you’re in Europe and want alternatives to flying or driving yourself, the quickest way is to take a train. You can catch a train from Europe to London via Bebra Bahnhof, Bebra, Fulda Bahnhof, Frankfurt, Bruxelles Midi, and Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi. The ride will take you approximately 10 hours.
