Are you planning a trip from the U.S. to London but don't want to spend too much on airfare? This smart travel guide explains how to get the cheapest tickets, where to land, and when to fly.
Best Time to Visit London and Fly Cheap
Although London is beautiful all year round, airfares can vary greatly from month to month:
Season | Weather | Flight Trends | Notes |
January–March | Cold, often rainy | Cheapest time to book and fly | Great deals; fewer tourists |
April–May | Mild, blooming | Affordable, more crowds | Easter and early summer rush |
June–August | Warmest season | Most expensive—peak travel times | Many tourists |
September–October | Crisp, pleasant | Good mix of price and weather | Shoulder season—smart choice |
November–December | Cold, holiday mood | Prices climb in December | Buy early for better December deals |
Tip: For cheapest flights, target January to March; for cheap airfares and good weather, aim for September or October.
Why do Flight Prices to London fluctuate？
The season is always the major role; summer are the most expensive times to fly to london cause less rain and sunny weather. The day of the week also affects prices, when weekends flight prices may be higher. Booking too late can influence your airfares, so timing is also important. Increased competition—when more airlines operate a route—can make better airline deals. When going to London, you can find cheap flights by acknowledging these elements.
Get Connedted in the UK
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When to Buy Your Flights to London?
Book 3–5 months ahead: U.S. to London flights at their lowest price around 14–20 weeks before departure.
Avoid last-minute spikes: Prices will rise in the final weeks. Purchasing early is always better unless you're flexible and pay attention to fare alerts.
Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares. Weekends and early evenings flights price will be higher.
Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to London
When flying into the UK, be sure to consider alternate London airports. Heathrow is the most popular, but other airports that serve London sometimes can offer cheaper options—especially if you’re taking budget airlines. Here’s a comparison:
Airport | Code | Distance from City Center | Notes |
Heathrow | LHR | ~15 miles | Most international flights, great connectivity |
Gatwick | LGW | ~30 miles | Serves many budget airlines |
Stansted | STN | ~35 miles | Often used by low-cost carriers; watch for extra fees |
Luton | LTN | ~35 miles | Cheap fares but further and fewer connections |
London City | LCY | ~6 miles | Closest to downtown, great for business trips |
Southend | SEN | ~40 miles | Limited flights |
Next, make your travel dates shiftable. Even a shift of one or two days can save a lot of money. To compare costs over a month, use the fare calendars on Trip.com.
Booking connecting flights. Nonstop routes are convenient but often cost more. Choosing a flight with a short layover can save more.
If you travel occasionally, sign up for airline loyalty programs. They’re free to join and often come with perks like bonus miles, early access to promotions, and partner discounts.
Finally, watch for sales and error fares. Airlines sometimes release limited-time discounts.Trip.com offers a Price Alert feature that allows you to monitor flight prices and receive notifications. This feature is available on both the Trip.com website and mobile app. Sign up for price alerts on Trip.com to receive instant notifications when airfares to London drop.
How Many Months in Advance Should I Book My Flight to London?
Timeline | What to do | What to expect |
5–3 months before | Book flight | Most discounts available |
2–1 months before | Last chance | Prices rise; few discounts remaining |
Less than 1 month | Avoid | Fares are usually the highest unless a flash sale appears |
Flight to London: Budget Airlines vs. Flag Carriers
- Flag carriers (American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic)
• You can enjoy amenities like free check-in baggage, seat selection, and meals
• Often pricier, but fewer extra fees - Budget airlines (Norwegian, LEVEL, Eurowings)
• Base fares are lower
• Add‑ons cost extra (bags, seats, meals)
• Use secondary airports like Gatwick or Stansted
Pro Tip: Compare all‑in costs. A budget airline may seem cheap until you add fees.