Travel Tips
Your first international flight: a simple checklist
Passports, visas, arrival times and what to pack in your carry-on: the essentials, in order.
September 15, 2026, 6 min read
Flights to London
London has several airports. Heathrow is the main long-haul hub, Gatwick has both long-haul and European flights, and Stansted and Luton focus on short-haul flights within Europe.
LondonUnited Kingdom
Major airports
- LHR, Heathrow Airport
- LGW, Gatwick Airport
- STN, Stansted Airport
- LTN, Luton Airport
Airlines you'll often see
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United, Delta. Routes and schedules change, so search your dates to see who flies when.
Popular flight routes
- New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
- Newark (EWR) to London (LHR)
- Los Angeles (LAX) to London (LHR)
- Chicago (ORD) to London (LHR)
- Washington (IAD) to London (LHR)
- San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR)
Best time to visit
May to September offers the longest days and mildest weather. Winter is cheaper and quieter, apart from the holiday period.
Getting from the airport
Heathrow: Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express or the Tube. Gatwick: Gatwick Express or Thameslink trains.
Travel tips
- U.S. flights mostly arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick; compare both.
- The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express link Heathrow to central London.
- Check UK entry rules, including any electronic travel authorization, before you go.
Related travel articles
Flight Booking
One-way or round-trip: which flight should you book?
Round trips aren't always cheaper. Here's how to decide, and when two one-way tickets make more sense.
September 20, 2026, 4 min read
Baggage
Carry-on vs. checked bags: the basics before you fly
What usually counts as a personal item, a carry-on and a checked bag, and how to avoid surprise fees at the airport.
September 18, 2026, 5 min read