Cheap Flights from London to New York

London to New York is one of the most heavily flown routes on the planet, and more than half a dozen airlines compete on it. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American, Delta, United and JetBlue all fly from London, some from more than one airport, and they offer a wide range of cabins and fares.

That level of competition means good deals do appear, often in the quieter months. It also means prices vary by hundreds of pounds between airlines and days, so shopping around matters more here than on most routes.

John F. Kennedy (JFK) is the larger airport, and it is the main destination for most London flights. It is in Queens, about an hour from Midtown by subway or train, and has several terminals, with British Airways and American using Terminal 7 and 8, and others in different ones.

Newark (EWR) in New Jersey is closer to Midtown by train, about 30 to 40 minutes via NJ Transit from the airport to Penn Station, and it suits those staying on the west side or heading to New Jersey. United is the main airline. Check both, since fares and times differ. Our JFK airport guide explains how to get into the city.

A flight from London to New York takes about eight hours, and the return is around seven because of the tailwind. New York is five hours behind the UK, with a short period each spring and autumn when the gap changes by an hour, since the US and UK switch clocks on different dates.

Most outbound flights leave in the morning or early afternoon and arrive in the afternoon or evening, so you can have a full day on arrival. Return flights are mostly overnight, landing in the morning in London.

January to March, apart from February half-term, and November, are generally the cheapest months. Autumn weeks in September and October offer good weather and fairer prices, and early December before Christmas can also be good value.

Summer is the most expensive, and the weeks around Christmas and New Year are peak. Big events, such as the US Open tennis in late summer, the New York Marathon in early November and Thanksgiving, raise hotel prices and push flights up.

For summer and the holidays, book at least four to six months ahead. For quieter months, two to three months is usually enough, and sales appear regularly.

Set a price alert and look at it every few days. Our guides to tracking fare drops and how far in advance to book international flights explain how, and the best time to book flights in 2026 gives the broader picture.

Premium economy gives a wider seat, more legroom and better service for a modest premium over economy, and it is excellent value on an eight-hour flight. Business class, such as British Airways' Club Suite and Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class, offers lie-flat beds and lounge access.

Business fares drop in sales, particularly in winter, and can be much cheaper than usual. Our guide to business class versus premium economy helps you decide, and our business class routes pages explain more.

From JFK, the AirTrain connects to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road, taking 45 minutes to an hour to Midtown. Taxis charge a flat fare of around 70 dollars plus tolls and a tip, and rideshares vary.

From Newark, the AirTrain links to NJ Transit trains and Amtrak, reaching Penn Station in about 30 minutes. Allow extra time during rush hour, and avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you in arrivals.

Broadway tickets are cheapest for matinees and midweek shows, and many theatres have same-day lotteries and rush tickets. TKTS booths sell discounted tickets on the day, and apps make it simple to check. Beware of resellers selling tickets at inflated prices.

Baseball, basketball and ice hockey games are good value for a first visit, and the US Open and the New York Marathon are big draws that push up flight prices. If an event matters, book early, and if you want a quiet visit, avoid those weeks.

US immigration can be slow, and queues of an hour or more are common in the afternoon when several flights land together. You will give fingerprints and have a photograph taken. Have your ESTA confirmation, your address in New York and your return details ready.

Do not bring fresh fruit, meat or plants, and declare any food. Be honest with officers and answer questions simply. Allow at least three hours for a connection after an international arrival.

New York is especially popular in December, with the Rockefeller Center tree, ice skating, shop windows and New Year's Eve in Times Square. Flights and hotels are among the most expensive of the year, and the weeks from about 18 December to 2 January are peak.

If you can go in the first two weeks of December, fares are much lower, and the decorations are already up. Book early, and wrap up warmly, since temperatures often fall below freezing.

People most often trip up by forgetting ESTA, buying travel insurance with low medical cover, booking a tight connection and underestimating how long it takes to get through US immigration.

A few more to avoid: comparing prices without tax and tip, booking a hotel far from the subway and not allowing for jet lag. A little care in advance makes the trip more relaxed.