UK to USA Flights

The UK to USA route is one of the busiest long-haul corridors in the world. Flights run every day from airports across the UK to major American cities including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami and Chicago. Whether you're heading out for a family visit, a business trip or a holiday, Shopnfly helps you compare flight options and book with confidence.

Schedules, airlines and availability are updated regularly. Search by date, airport and airline to find the flight that suits your plans.

Popular UK Departure Airports

London Heathrow (LHR)

the widest choice of non-stop US routes and airlines

London Gatwick (LGW)

a good option for leisure destinations, including Florida

Manchester (MAN)

direct flights to several major US cities

Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA)

direct services to selected East Coast cities

Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Newcastle (NCL) and Belfast (BFS)

typically connecting flights via a UK, Irish or European hub, with some seasonal direct options

Direct services vary by season, so always check the current schedule when you search.

Popular US Destinations from the UK

Destination Main airports
New York JFK, Newark (EWR)
Los Angeles LAX
Boston BOS
Miami MIA
Chicago ORD
San Francisco SFO
Orlando MCO
Washington DC IAD
Las Vegas LAS
Atlanta ATL

Flight Duration

London to New York ~8 hours
London to Boston ~7.5-8 hours
London to Miami ~9 hours
London to Chicago ~8.5-9 hours
London to Los Angeles or San Francisco ~10.5-11 hours

Return flights are usually an hour or two shorter thanks to prevailing winds. Connecting itineraries take longer, depending on the layover.

Entry Requirements for the USA

Most UK passport holders travelling for tourism or short business trips can enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. This requires an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before you fly.

  • Apply online through the official US government website, ideally well ahead of departure
  • Check that your passport meets the requirements at the time of travel
  • An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry; border officials make the final decision
  • Longer stays, work, study and some other purposes need a visa instead

Entry rules can change, so confirm the latest requirements on official government websites before you travel. Our team can point you in the right direction.

Airport Check-in and Terminal Information

Terminals depend on your airline and departure airport, so confirm yours on your e-ticket before travelling. For transatlantic flights, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Check-in and bag drop deadlines are set by each airline and are usually stricter for long-haul flights.

How to Book UK to USA Flights with Shopnfly

1

Enter your departure airport, US destination, travel dates and number of passengers.

2

Compare flights by airline, duration, departure time and number of stops.

3

Choose a fare type that suits you, such as a basic fare without a checked bag or a flexible fare that allows changes.

4

Add extras such as baggage, seat selection and meals if needed.

5

Enter passenger details exactly as they appear on each passport.

6

Pay securely and receive your e-ticket by email.

Prefer to talk it through? Call us on +44 203 977 8400 or email support@shopnfly.co.uk, and one of our travel consultants will help you plan your trip. You can also visit us at 167-169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF.

Best Time to Book and Fly

Booking early generally gives you a wider choice of flights and seats, especially for peak travel.

Peak periods include the summer school holidays, Christmas and New Year, Easter and US Thanksgiving in late November.

Travelling outside school holidays and on midweek days is often better value and less crowded.

Spring and autumn are popular with travellers who want good weather and quieter cities.

If your dates are flexible, ask our team to compare nearby days for you.

Baggage Allowance

Baggage rules depend on the airline and fare type.

Cabin baggage

usually one carry-on item plus a personal item, subject to size and weight limits

Checked baggage

included on many standard and flexible fares, but not on some basic fares

Liquids in hand luggage

generally limited to 100ml containers on US-bound flights

Sports equipment, musical instruments and oversized items

may need to be declared and may attract extra handling requirements, so tell the airline in advance

Adding baggage online before you travel is usually more convenient than paying at the airport.

Fare Types on UK to USA Routes

Basic or Light

cabin bag only, limited changes and seat selection at extra cost

Standard or Classic

includes checked baggage and often seat selection, with changes allowed for a fee

Flexible

free or low-cost changes and more generous refund terms

Premium Economy

extra legroom, upgraded meals and more baggage allowance

Business Class

lie-flat seats, lounge access, priority services and the highest baggage allowance

Tips for a Smoother Journey

Check that your passport and ESTA details match your ticket exactly.

Consider travel insurance that covers medical care in the USA, where healthcare costs can be very high.

Allow enough time for connections at US airports, as you go through immigration at your first US point of entry.

Book seats early if you want to sit together on a long-haul flight.

Keep your ticket, ESTA approval and accommodation details somewhere easy to reach.

Why Book UK to USA Flights with Shopnfly

Compare flights from a wide range of airlines

Access to multiple carriers and routes

Clear fare rules, baggage details and change conditions before you pay

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Expert advice on routes, connections and multi-city trips

Knowledgeable travel consultants

A real London office and a team you can call or visit

Personal service when you need it

Support before, during and after your trip

We're here to help throughout your journey

Group, family and corporate travel arrangements available

Specialized services for all types of travelers

Changes, Cancellations and Refunds

Change and cancellation rules depend on the airline and fare type. If an airline cancels or significantly reschedules your flight, you may be entitled to a refund or rebooking under the airline's policy and applicable UK regulations. If you cancel a non-flexible fare yourself, fees may apply and some fares are non-refundable, although taxes may be refundable in some cases. Contact us and we'll explain your options.

Group and Corporate Bookings

Travelling with a large group, a school party or a business team? Our team can arrange flights for groups, with flexible payment schedules where the airline allows and consolidated invoicing for corporate clients. Availability is subject to airline approval. Email support@shopnfly.co.uk with your dates and passenger numbers to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airlines fly direct from the UK to the USA?

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta and United all operate direct flights on selected routes. Availability depends on your airport and travel date.

How long is a flight from the UK to the USA?

Around 8 hours from London to New York, and up to 11 hours to the US West Coast. Connecting flights take longer.

Which UK airports have direct flights to the USA?

London Heathrow has the most routes. Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow also offer selected direct services.

Do I need a visa to fly from the UK to the USA?

Many UK passport holders can travel for short stays with an approved ESTA instead of a visa. Check the official US government guidance for your circumstances.

When should I apply for my ESTA?

As early as possible before you travel. Approval is often quick, but it isn't guaranteed to be instant.

Can I change the date of my flight after booking?

Often yes, depending on the fare. Flexible fares usually allow changes more easily than basic fares.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

No, but we strongly recommend it for US travel because of the high cost of medical treatment.

What is the baggage allowance on flights to the USA?

It depends on the airline and fare. Some fares include a checked bag and others don't, so check the fare details before booking.

Can I book a one-way or multi-city trip?

Yes. We can arrange one-way, return and multi-city itineraries, such as flying into New York and out of Los Angeles.

How do I speak to someone about my booking?

Call +44 203 977 8400 or email support@shopnfly.co.uk.