The London to New York route is the premier transatlantic corridor with four major airlines competing. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic dominate Heathrow (LHR) to JFK and Newark (EWR), while Delta serves LHR-JFK. JetBlue offers budget-friendly direct flights from Gatwick (LGW) to JFK from £327 return. Prices start around £327-£387 in low season but climb to £860+ in summer. Flight time averages 8 hours westbound. Peak summer (July-August) pushes fares to £774-1,400, while January and November see returns as low as £327-£430.
Route: London (LHR) → New York (JFK)
Distance: 5585 km
Prices by Season
| Season | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Feb | £327 | £559 |
| Mar-May | £473 | £731 |
| Jun-Aug | £774 | £1204 |
Airlines on This Route
- JetBlue: direct, 8h15m, from £327 1x daily
- Virgin Atlantic: direct, 8h10m, from £387 4x daily
- British Airways: direct, 8h00m, from £404 5x daily
- Delta: direct, 8h05m, from £421 2x daily
Best Time to Book
Book 3-5 months ahead for cheapest transatlantic fares. Tuesday/Wednesday flights save £43-100 versus weekend. January and November cheapest months. Avoid booking within 3 weeks of departure as prices spike 40%. Set price alerts 6 months ahead for summer travel.
Luggage Tips
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta include one 23kg checked bag in economy fares. JetBlue Blue Basic fares exclude checked bags, charging £30-60 per bag if added later. Cabin bags allowed on all carriers but size limits vary. Always verify fare class. Purchasing baggage online during booking is cheaper than at airport.
Destination Highlights
- JFK Airport: Major international hub, 45-60min to Manhattan via LIRR or subway, serves BA, Virgin, Delta, JetBlue.
- Newark Liberty (EWR): Closer to West Side Manhattan, 30-50min via NJ Transit, serves BA and Virgin Atlantic.
- London Heathrow (LHR): Full-service hub, Elizabeth Line to centre 30min, BA and Virgin base.
Airport Transfer Tips
JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica Station + LIRR to Penn Station £13 total, 45 min. Subway £2.90, 60 min. Taxi £60 flat rate to Manhattan. EWR: AirTrain to Newark Airport Station + NJ Transit to Penn Station £13 total, 50 min. Taxi £69-100. LHR: Elizabeth Line to Paddington £10.50, 30 min. Heathrow Express £22 15 min.
Related Pages
- London Heathrow (LHR) Airport Guide 2026
- JFK Airport to Manhattan Transfer Guide
- Best Time to Book Transatlantic Flights
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are cheap flights from London to New York?
Return fares from London to New York start at £327 in January and November during low season. Peak summer July-August prices range from £688 to £1032 return. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic typically include one 23kg checked bag, while JetBlue Blue Basic fares may charge extra. Booking 3-5 months ahead secures the lowest rates compared to last-minute purchases which exceed £1290.
Which New York airport should I fly into from London?
JFK is generally preferred for Manhattan access via LIRR or subway, taking 45-60 minutes. Newark (EWR) is better for New Jersey or West Side Manhattan via NJ Transit, taking 30-50 minutes. Heathrow departures offer more flight frequency with BA and Virgin, while Gatwick JetBlue flights are often cheaper but have fewer daily options. Choose based on your final destination and budget.
When should I book London to New York flights?
Book transatlantic flights 3 to 5 months in advance for optimal pricing. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically £43-£86 cheaper than weekend flights. January, February, and November offer the lowest fares due to reduced demand. Avoid booking within 3 weeks of departure as prices spike significantly. Set price alerts 6 months ahead for summer travel to catch early bird deals.
What luggage can I bring on London-New York flights?
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta include one 23kg checked bag in economy fares. JetBlue Blue Basic fares often exclude checked bags, charging £30-£52 per bag if added later. Cabin bags are allowed on all carriers but size limits vary. Always verify your fare class before booking. Purchasing baggage online during booking is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
How long is the flight from London to New York?
Westbound flights from London to New York take approximately 8 hours due to headwinds. Eastbound returns are faster at around 7 hours. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate 8-hour flights from Heathrow. JetBlue from Gatwick averages 8 hours 15 minutes. Weather conditions can add 30-60 minutes to flight time. Total door-to-door travel time including security is 12 hours.
Are there direct flights from London to New York?
Yes, there are over 20 direct daily flights between London and New York airports. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly from Heathrow to JFK and Newark. Delta operates Heathrow to JFK. JetBlue flies direct from Gatwick to JFK. No connections are required for these major carriers. Flight frequency reduces slightly in winter but daily service remains available year-round.
Data updated: 2026-03