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London Airports Guide

London is served by six major airports, each with its own advantages and transportation options. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best airport for your London trip.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

LHR

Location: West London, 15 miles from central London

Best for: International flights, business travelers

Transport: Heathrow Express (15 min to Paddington), Tube (Piccadilly Line), buses, taxis

Airlines: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, major international carriers

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

LGW

Location: South of London, 30 miles from central London

Best for: European flights, budget airlines

Transport: Gatwick Express (30 min to Victoria), Thameslink, buses, taxis

Airlines: EasyJet, British Airways, Norwegian

Stansted Airport (STN)

STN

Location: Northeast of London, 40 miles from central London

Best for: Budget European flights, charter flights

Transport: Stansted Express (47 min to Liverpool Street), buses, taxis

Airlines: Ryanair, Jet2, TUI

Luton Airport (LTN)

LTN

Location: North of London, 35 miles from central London

Best for: Budget European flights, domestic UK flights

Transport: Thameslink (35-50 min to central London), buses, taxis

Airlines: EasyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair

London City Airport (LCY)

LCY

Location: East London, 6 miles from central London

Best for: Business travelers, short-haul European flights

Transport: DLR (22 min to Bank), taxis

Airlines: British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa

Best Time to Book Flights to London

When to Book for the Best Prices

Book international flights 2-3 months in advance for the best deals
For peak season (June-August), book 4-6 months in advance
Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower prices
Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred dates
Be flexible with your travel dates by a few days to find better deals

Best Time to Visit London

Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming parks, fewer crowds
Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, festivals, but most crowded and expensive
Fall (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage, fewer tourists
Winter (December-February): Lowest prices, Christmas markets, but shorter days and colder weather

Airlines That Fly to London

London is served by numerous airlines from around the world. Here are the major carriers:

Major International Airlines

British Airways (Flagship carrier with extensive global network)
Virgin Atlantic (Popular for transatlantic flights)
American Airlines (Multiple daily flights from US hubs)
Delta Air Lines (Direct flights from major US cities)
United Airlines (Services from US hubs to London)
Emirates (Connections via Dubai)
Qatar Airways (Connections via Doha)

Budget Airlines

EasyJet (Extensive European network)
Ryanair (Budget flights across Europe)
Norwegian (Transatlantic and European routes)
Wizz Air (Central and Eastern European routes)
Jet2 (Leisure destinations across Europe)

London Flight Travel Tips

Before You Fly

Check passport and visa requirements well in advance
Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
Check baggage allowances to avoid extra fees
Pre-book airport transfers or research public transport options

At the Airport

Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights
Have boarding passes and passports readily accessible
Be prepared for security checks (liquids in clear bags, electronics out)
Know which terminal your flight departs from
Consider airport lounges for longer layovers

Frequently Asked Questions About London Flights

Which London airport is closest to the city center?

London City Airport (LCY) is the closest, located just 6 miles from central London. However, Heathrow (LHR) has the best transport connections to central London.

What is the cheapest month to fly to London?

January and February typically offer the lowest airfares to London, as these are the off-peak travel months with fewer tourists.

How early should I arrive at London airports for international flights?

For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. For European flights, 2 hours is usually sufficient.

Which airlines offer direct flights to London from the US?

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta, and United all offer direct flights from various US cities to London.

Is it cheaper to fly into a different UK airport and take a train to London?

Sometimes flying to Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh and taking a train to London can be cheaper, especially during peak seasons. Always compare total travel costs.

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