Overview
The United States is one of the UK's most popular long-haul destinations — a country of world-famous cities, national parks, coastlines and endless variety. Whether it's the bright lights of New York, the beaches of Florida, the glamour of California or a road trip through the great outdoors, the US has something for every traveller, with frequent, competitive flights from across the UK.
Best time to fly to the USA
The best time depends on where you're heading. Spring and autumn suit the northern cities, winter is ideal for Florida and the south, and summer is peak season for national parks. Fares rise over the summer holidays and around Thanksgiving and Christmas — the price charts on this page show the cheapest dates for your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
UK travellers fly into major hubs including New York (JFK, Newark), Orlando & Miami for Florida, Los Angeles & San Francisco on the west coast, plus Boston, Chicago, Washington and Las Vegas.
Airlines and routes
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta and United fly direct from London to many US cities; Manchester also has direct transatlantic services. Flight times range from around eight hours to the east coast to eleven hours to the west.
Popular places to visit in the USA
- New York: the iconic skyline, Central Park and Broadway.
- Florida: Orlando's theme parks and Miami's beaches.
- California: Los Angeles, San Francisco and the coast.
- Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon: dazzling lights and natural wonder.
- Washington, D.C.: monuments, museums and history.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to the USA
- Book around 6–12 weeks ahead for the best value.
- Avoid the summer and festive peaks if your dates are flexible.
- Compare nearby airports (e.g. JFK vs Newark) for better fares.
- Midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
Travel essentials
- Most UK travellers need an approved ESTA before flying — apply online ahead of departure.
- The local currency is the US dollar (USD).
