Crossing the Atlantic and visiting England is an exciting time for US travellers. With thousands of years of history spanning the entirety of human existence, England is a country of true awe and wonder. From the hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age to the technologically advanced British society of the modern day, hundreds of fascinating landmarks have been left behind over time which now serve as iconic attractions that generate masses of tourism every year.
The first step to turning your England travel dreams into reality is to plan your trip and to book your flights: and that’s where we come in! Read on for helpful guidance on flying from the US to England, deciding what to get up to during your stay, and our top tips for packing for an English adventure.
Direct Flights to England from the US
London Heathrow airport has more direct flights to and from the US than any other UK airport, servicing over twenty five different US cities, making it the highest recommended arrival airport for US travellers arriving to England. A number of renowned airlines fly to London Heathrow, making it highly likely that London Heathrow offers the flight you need.
Below are some of the most commonly taken direct flights into England from the US.
New York (JFK) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Over three million passengers fly from New York to London each year, making it the number one busiest US to Europe air route and the eighth busiest international route. The flight usually takes around seven hours but can be as fast as 5 hours with strong winds.
New York to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Los Angeles (LAX) → London Heathrow (LHR)
The Los Angeles to London flight route sees around 1.6 million passengers each year. Due to the US airport being on the far west coast, it’s a longer flight of around eleven hours but there are no layovers, making it a convenient choice for west coast travellers.
Los Angeles to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Chicago (ORD) → London Heathrow (LHR)
There are around a million round trips from Chicago to London each year. With a flight time of around eight to nine hours, this flight has a wide scheduling variety and excellent connectivity into central Europe, making it a reliable and seamless choice of direct flight.
Chicago to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Atlanta (ATL) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Servicing around 500,000 passengers annually and with a flight time of around eight to nine hours, the Atlanta to London flight route offers a strong direct flight link from the US southeast with seamless journeys and reliable schedules.
Atlanta to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, Delta Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Washington (IAD) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Flights from Washington to London see around 600,000 passengers each year. The flight takes between seven and eight hours and offers straightforward access to London. IAD is the preferred Washington DC airport, with DCA often being much more congested.
Washington to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Things To Do During Your Trip to England
From the vibrant metropolis of London to the rolling countryside scenery and cobblestone streets of England’s many quaint little villages, there is truly something for everyone awaiting in England. For first-time American visitors, tours of England can be a fantastic way to explore the country, guided by a local expert who knows all the best spots.
From the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge, where history and legend intertwine, to the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, headquarters of the British monarchy, guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into England’s rich heritage. Visitors can wander the elegant halls of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, stroll through the Georgian streets of Bath, famous for its Roman baths and stunning architecture, or experience the quaint beauty of the villages of the Cotswolds, all led by an expert guide capable of bringing each destination to life with captivating stories and insider insights.
What to Pack for Your Tour of England
The Essentials
For US citizens who are used to flying domestically within the US, bringing a passport with you to the airport may not feel like second nature. However, for flights to England, all passengers travelling from the US will need a passport. You may also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation or Visa, depending on your nationality.
Another must-have for your trip to England is a travel adapter. Whilst the two-pronged plug is the standard in the US, England uses the three-pronged plug. A US to UK travel adapter has a three-pronged plug with an outlet for a two-pronged plug on the other side, enabling US devices and electrical appliances to be used and charged across the pond.
Layers
If anything can be guaranteed about your trip to England, it’s that the weather will change by the hour! To combat this, pack lightweight, versatile layers that can be added and removed in response to changes in temperature, to maintain your comfort and mobility. Sweaters, fleece jackets, and warm coats are all good layers to have on you for your trip, especially if you will be travelling during the autumn and winter months.
For November to March travellers, you may also wish to pack a hat, scarf, and pair of gloves. These months can get especially nippy, so having these extra items of protection can offer you that much needed warm whilst out exploring and bracing the cold.
Rainy Conditions
England is infamous for its unpredictable, drizzly weather. Not only does the country experience high volumes of rain during the autumn and winter, but the spring and summer months are also known for unforeseen showers and cold, grey days.
Packing a variety of waterproofs is guaranteed to prove useful during your trip. A thin, waterproof rain mac is a convenient, compact item to have rolled up and stored away in your bag, ready to be pulled out at a moment’s notice when the skies open up. However, the frozen months may call for something a little more heavy-duty: a thick waterproof puffer coat will serve you well during these more treacherous winter days.
Walking
One of the beauties of England is that almost everything can be reached on foot, reducing the prevalence of cars in large cities, small villages, and everything in between. Due to this, you can expect to do a lot of walking during your time in England. Your choice of walking shoes or hiking boots is an absolute must for your trip or, alternatively, bring both out with you and take your pick, depending on the type of exploring you’ll be doing.
Due to England’s frequently wet and windy conditions, a pair of wellington boots are highly recommended for more rural adventures. When venturing through sodden ground or wading through long, wet grass, wellies will be a most trusted friend indeed.
Crossing the Atlantic and visiting England is an exciting time for US travellers. With thousands of years of history spanning the entirety of human existence, England is a country of true awe and wonder. From the hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age to the technologically advanced British society of the modern day, hundreds of fascinating landmarks have been left behind over time which now serve as iconic attractions that generate masses of tourism every year.
The first step to turning your England travel dreams into reality is to plan your trip and to book your flights: and that’s where we come in! Read on for helpful guidance on flying from the US to England, deciding what to get up to during your stay, and our top tips for packing for an English adventure.
Direct Flights to England from the US
London Heathrow airport has more direct flights to and from the US than any other UK airport, servicing over twenty five different US cities, making it the highest recommended arrival airport for US travellers arriving to England. A number of renowned airlines fly to London Heathrow, making it highly likely that London Heathrow offers the flight you need.
Below are some of the most commonly taken direct flights into England from the US.
New York (JFK) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Over three million passengers fly from New York to London each year, making it the number one busiest US to Europe air route and the eighth busiest international route. The flight usually takes around seven hours but can be as fast as 5 hours with strong winds.
New York to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Los Angeles (LAX) → London Heathrow (LHR)
The Los Angeles to London flight route sees around 1.6 million passengers each year. Due to the US airport being on the far west coast, it’s a longer flight of around eleven hours but there are no layovers, making it a convenient choice for west coast travellers.
Los Angeles to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Chicago (ORD) → London Heathrow (LHR)
There are around a million round trips from Chicago to London each year. With a flight time of around eight to nine hours, this flight has a wide scheduling variety and excellent connectivity into central Europe, making it a reliable and seamless choice of direct flight.
Chicago to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Atlanta (ATL) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Servicing around 500,000 passengers annually and with a flight time of around eight to nine hours, the Atlanta to London flight route offers a strong direct flight link from the US southeast with seamless journeys and reliable schedules.
Atlanta to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, Delta Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Washington (IAD) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Flights from Washington to London see around 600,000 passengers each year. The flight takes between seven and eight hours and offers straightforward access to London. IAD is the preferred Washington DC airport, with DCA often being much more congested.
Washington to London Heathrow flights are operated by British Airways, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Things To Do During Your Trip to England
From the vibrant metropolis of London to the rolling countryside scenery and cobblestone streets of England’s many quaint little villages, there is truly something for everyone awaiting in England. For first-time American visitors, tours of England can be a fantastic way to explore the country, guided by a local expert who knows all the best spots.
From the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge, where history and legend intertwine, to the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, headquarters of the British monarchy, guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into England’s rich heritage. Visitors can wander the elegant halls of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, stroll through the Georgian streets of Bath, famous for its Roman baths and stunning architecture, or experience the quaint beauty of the villages of the Cotswolds, all led by an expert guide capable of bringing each destination to life with captivating stories and insider insights.
What to Pack for Your Tour of England
The Essentials
For US citizens who are used to flying domestically within the US, bringing a passport with you to the airport may not feel like second nature. However, for flights to England, all passengers travelling from the US will need a passport. You may also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation or Visa, depending on your nationality.
Another must-have for your trip to England is a travel adapter. Whilst the two-pronged plug is the standard in the US, England uses the three-pronged plug. A US to UK travel adapter has a three-pronged plug with an outlet for a two-pronged plug on the other side, enabling US devices and electrical appliances to be used and charged across the pond.
Layers
If anything can be guaranteed about your trip to England, it’s that the weather will change by the hour! To combat this, pack lightweight, versatile layers that can be added and removed in response to changes in temperature, to maintain your comfort and mobility. Sweaters, fleece jackets, and warm coats are all good layers to have on you for your trip, especially if you will be travelling during the autumn and winter months.
For November to March travellers, you may also wish to pack a hat, scarf, and pair of gloves. These months can get especially nippy, so having these extra items of protection can offer you that much needed warm whilst out exploring and bracing the cold.
Rainy Conditions
England is infamous for its unpredictable, drizzly weather. Not only does the country experience high volumes of rain during the autumn and winter, but the spring and summer months are also known for unforeseen showers and cold, grey days.
Packing a variety of waterproofs is guaranteed to prove useful during your trip. A thin, waterproof rain mac is a convenient, compact item to have rolled up and stored away in your bag, ready to be pulled out at a moment’s notice when the skies open up. However, the frozen months may call for something a little more heavy-duty: a thick waterproof puffer coat will serve you well during these more treacherous winter days.
Walking
One of the beauties of England is that almost everything can be reached on foot, reducing the prevalence of cars in large cities, small villages, and everything in between. Due to this, you can expect to do a lot of walking during your time in England. Your choice of walking shoes or hiking boots is an absolute must for your trip or, alternatively, bring both out with you and take your pick, depending on the type of exploring you’ll be doing.
Due to England’s frequently wet and windy conditions, a pair of wellington boots are highly recommended for more rural adventures. When venturing through sodden ground or wading through long, wet grass, wellies will be a most trusted friend indeed.
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