Book Your Flight
Here's my take on getting the best flight prices for your trip to London
Pro Tip
Pay attention to baggage fees on economy seats. The price to check a bag may be as much as the next class of seat that includes a bag. Plus, the next class up may let you pick your seat at the time of booking.
April is the driest month of the year in London.
Yes, you want travel insurance. It is peace of mind and protection from the mishaps that could end up costing you a lot out of pocket.
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If you are planning a trip to London from the US, finding the best airfare is crucial to your budget. Second to your hotel, it will be the most expensive thing about your trip. With so many airlines and travel websites offering different deals and discounts, it can be overwhelming to find the right flight at the right price. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can easily find affordable airfare to London.
Use Flight Search Engines
One of the best ways to find cheap airfare to London is by using flight search engines. These websites aggregate flight options from various airlines and travel websites, making it easier for you to compare prices and find the best deal. Some popular flight search engines include CheapOAir and Google Flights.
Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare. If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates and times. Flights tend to be cheaper during the weekdays, so consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Also, early morning or late night flights tend to be less expensive than mid-day flights. Time of year matters, too. January to March and September through December will often be cheaper than Summer travel. According to some, the best time to check flight prices is Sunday morning and the best time to fly is Wednesday. The airlines constantly play with the costs. They can go up and down all day long.
Book in Advance
Booking your flight in advance can also help you save money. The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it tends to be. Aim to book your flight at least three to four months in advance, or even earlier if possible. Google flights will have a graph that tells you when the airfare tends to be cheaper.
Consider Connecting Flights
Direct flights from the US to London tend to be more expensive than flights with layovers. Consider booking a connecting flight to London, which can save you hundreds of dollars. However, keep in mind that connecting flights can add travel time to your trip.
Sign Up for Email Alerts
Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts for flight deals and promotions. Sign up for these alerts to stay informed of any discounts or special offers for flights to London. Going.com is one I subscribe to.
Check Alternative Airports
When searching for flights, consider checking alternative airports. For example, if you are flying from New York, consider flying out of Newark or JFK instead of LaGuardia. You may be able to find cheaper flights from these airports. If you live in Seattle, it's often cheaper to fly out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Heck, I even weirdly discovered that it's cheaper to fly to London from the tiny airport in Pasco, Washington than it was to fly from Seattle. It's a 3-hour drive that could save $300. Check out my blog post HERE about what I discovered. And, flying into Gatwick might be less than flying into Heathrow. Check as many options as you can to make sure you have the best price.
Buy Trip Insurance
Having trip insurance is crucial when you travel as it provides a safety net and peace of mind in unpredictable situations. Traveling to unfamiliar destinations involves inherent risks such as flight cancellations, lost baggage, medical emergencies, or unforeseen events like natural disasters. Trip insurance acts as a financial safeguard, covering some or all of the costs associated with these unexpected circumstances. It can reimburse you for canceled or interrupted trips, provide medical assistance and coverage for emergency medical expenses, and offer protection against theft or loss of belongings. Moreover, trip insurance often includes 24/7 travel assistance services, which can be invaluable when navigating unfamiliar territories. By investing in trip insurance, you can mitigate potential financial losses and focus on enjoying your journey with confidence. You can buy a trip insurance policy through our affiliate partner TRAVELEX.
Finding affordable airfare to London from the US requires some research and flexibility. Use flight search engines, be flexible with your travel dates and times, book in advance, consider connecting flights, sign up for email alerts, and check alternative airports. By following these tips, you can find the best airfare for your trip to London.
ADVICE:
Most people find that a trip between 5 and 9 nights is adequate for their first time to London. That may allow for a couple of half day trips outside London plus all the fun London attractions. If you JUST want to see London, you could shorten the trip to 5-7 nights and get most of the main things in. It really just depends on the speed you go when you walk through museums and attractions.
London is not a one-day city. But seeing London for just one day is better than not seeing London at all!