A guide to London’s classic dishes
From a hearty Full English breakfast to Britain’s love affair with curry, food blogger Chris Pople reveals nine must-try dishes and drinks for your next visit to the capital
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Our cheapest return flights to London from Buenos Aires
Touch down to London in British style, when you fly with British Airways. Arrive feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to explore England’s capital. Get close-up to Buckingham Palace, see the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus and visit the almighty Tower of London – your journey starts here.
Calling all city breakers, luxury holiday-makers and business travellers – get ready for take-off to London. Choose from our selection of cabin classes, and wherever you sit, you will enjoy comfort and exceptional service. Our friendly cabin crew will be on hand to ensure a smooth and pleasant flight. Choose to fly to London with British Airways – the finest way to begin your British adventure.
Flights to London
British Airways offer flights to London from over 200 destinations worldwide, arriving into four major airports. Find the perfect starting point for your trip, whether you’re visiting for work, a short-break or a leisurely holiday. You can fly direct into London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY) and London Stansted (STN) – just choose the days and times to suit you.
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WHAT TO EAT
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A flyers' guide: London flight tips
Everything you need to know about flying to London with British Airways.
What’s the cheapest time to fly to London?
Stay at a London airport hotelAs Europe’s most visited city, London has year-round charm. Visitor numbers spike around the British school holidays, especially during summer and the Christmas period, when fares may be higher.
Where can I fly to London from?
British Airways operates up to 457 flights from 207 destinations, flying into four London airports.
Introducing London's airports
- London Heathrow: the capital’s busiest airport is 20 minutes from Paddington on the Heathrow Express
- London Gatwick: located south of the city, travel to Victoria in 30 minutes on the Gatwick Express
- London City: in London’s Royal Docks and 20 minutes from Bank Station
- London Stansted: take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street in 50 minutes
Stay at a London airport hotel
Taxis to central London cost around £40 one-way from London Heathrow and London City, and from around £60 one-way from London Gatwick and London Stansted. You can pre-arrange your transfer when you book your British Airways flight.
Do I need a visa to travel to London?
If you’re travelling on a European Union (EU) passport, at present there’s no need to get a visa before you travel to London. Those from countries outside the EU may need to apply for a visa in advance. To check your visa requirements and apply, visit the UK Border Agency website.
Which cabins can I book when I fly to London?
Which cabins can I book when I fly to London?
Our economy class cabins offer great value for those looking for cheap flights to London. Choose your seat for a fee when booking or select it free of charge 24-hours prior to departure.
Premium economy gives you more legroom and a smaller, more private cabin for an even more relaxing experience.
Our business class and first class cabins, available on long-haul flights, have luxurious fully flatbeds for the ultimate flying experience.
How many bags can I check in on my flight to London?
Economy class passengers can check in one bag weighing up to 23kg. In premium economy, a generous allowance of two 23kg bags is included. For those in business class, two bags at 32kg each can be checked, while in first class three bags at 32kg are allowed.
If you have any additional baggage requirements, read our baggage guide.
Want a chic touch down into the heart of London from New York JFK? Try our exclusive business-class only service Club World London City. With just 32 flatbed seats, it’s a tranquil, luxurious way to fly, ideal for business travellers.
Which cabins can I book when I fly to London?
Which cabins can I book when I fly to London?
Our economy class cabins are a good budget option when travelling from Europe to London, with a range of wallet-friendly fares:
- Basic offers the cheapest fare, with hand-baggage only.
- Plus includes a checked baggage allowance, and allows flight changes on departure day.
- Plus Flex includes checked baggage plus a full refund for cancellations. Changes to flights can be made up to an hour before take-off.
Business class cabins are located at the front of the plane, with the middle seat kept free for extra legroom and added comfort.
Find out more about our travel classes
How many bags can I check in on my flight to London?
Economy class customers can check in hand baggage on a Basic fare, those on a Plus or Plus Flex fare can check in one bag weighing up to 23kg. Those in business class can check in two bags at 32kg each.
Tips for flying long-haul to London
Travelling between time zones can take its toll, so to ensure you arrive in London refreshed, follow these steps:
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eat light meals. Bear in mind that alcohol, caffeine and sugar may dehydrate you and impact sleep quality.
- Keep your skin happy by using plenty of moisturiser and lip balm when flying.
- Adjust your clock to London’s time zone as soon as you get on the plane and try to sleep in sync with it to minimise jet lag.
Use our handy jet lag calculator to find out more
London travel tips
Get the inside track on London with these hints and etiquette tips:
When to tip
Tipping in restaurants and bars isn’t required, but is appreciated. Somewhere between ten and 12.5 per cent when dining is the norm. In luxury hotels tipping staff and doormen a small amount (£1) will go down well, ditto rounding up taxi fares to the nearest pound.
Travelling on the Underground
Buy an Oyster card or use contactless cards as payment when travelling on the Underground for the cheapest fares. Also stand on the right when on escalators, the left is for those walking.
Make time for tea
Taking afternoon tea is a national pastime in the UK. Not only is nibbling on sumptuous cakes and sipping tea good fun, but it’s a cheaper way to experience a luxury hotel without staying, as many take place in beautiful, grand drawing rooms.
Plan your perfect London trip
Discover more of London
It’s a huge city, but first-timers with only 48 hours in Londonneedn’t venture far from the centre
Emine Saner,
London based journalist and writer
