Flight time from London
8 hrs 15 mins
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Flights to Pittsburgh
Connecting you to the city of bridges
Distance from London
3,715 miles
Fly direct to Pittsburgh, PA with British Airways. We’re the first airline to connect London to Pennsylvania’s coolest city. Be one of the first to find out how this former steel city has gone from Rust Belt giant to full-pelt hipster heaven.
Pittsburgh sits at the confluence of three rivers – hence the need for its famous, photogenic 446 bridges. Along with Philadelphia, it’s one of Pennsylvania’s largest cities. Whilst Philly is known for its history, Pittsburgh makes the most of the present. It’s had a streak of sporting successes, new restaurants are slated in its South Side neighbourhood and Google, Facebook and Uber all compete for office space. It’s no wonder, really, that Millennials are flocking here hoping to make ‘the Burgh’ their new home.
But if you’re only here for a visit, there’s plenty to do and see in the city. Take note, though: whilst there’s the undisputedly lovely Phipps Conservatory and a series of good museums (including one dedicated to Andy Warhol), throw your sightseeing plans out of the window if you’re offered tickets to a Steelers’ game. Book your flights with British Airways: this is one winning destination.
Flights to Pittsburgh
British Airways is currently the only carrier to fly direct between London and Pittsburgh. Flights to Pittsburgh depart four days a week from London Heathrow (LHR) all year around, starting in April 2019. You’ll fly direct, landing about eight hours later at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), the city’s main airport.
Our Pittsburgh service runs once a day on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays from London Heathrow. Return flights depart in the late evening on the same days of the week, arriving the next morning in London. You can fly in economy (World Traveller) premium economy (World Traveller Plus) or business (Club World) – all three provide food, drinks, and British Airways’ high level of service.
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A flyer’s guide: Pittsburgh flight tips
Everything you need to know about flying to Pittsburgh with British Airways
When should you fly to Pittsburgh?
British Airways will fly direct from London to Pittsburgh from April 2019. Book flights for spring 2019 to make the most of the city’s better weather. Voted the best place to live in the US, and one of 2017’s top travel destinations, what are you waiting for?
How long does it take to fly to Pittsburgh from London?
The flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) takes eight hours and 15 minutes. Pittsburgh is on Eastern Standard Time, the same as New York, and five hours behind London. Our afternoon flight from London Heathrow will get you to Pittsburgh that same evening – maybe even in time for a quick beer and the local favourite, a sandwich filled with French fries – before bed.
Onward travel from Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport lies to the west of the city centre. You can hire a car from the airport for your trip, picking it up at arrivals. The cheapest, but not the quickest option for onward travel is to hop on the bus: the 28X Airport Flyer. It runs passengers to Downtown Pittsburgh (known as the city’s ‘Golden Triangle’) and Oakland (the city’s cultural and university district) every 30 minutes. Taxis and taxi apps, such as Uber and Lyft, also operate in the area. Pittsburgh’s infamous intersections might be bamboozling on your first taxi journey into town, but once you’ve arrived you’ll love exploring the city’s winding streets.
Did you know: Pittsburgh was one of the first cities to pioneer driverless taxis. Uber’s self-driving cars were designed to run to and from the airport. Although these aren’t currently running, there are plans to reinstate the program soon.
How many bags can I take to Pittsburgh?
We have a generous baggage allowance, so you can pack all you need for Pittsburgh. If you’re travelling in economy you can check in one 23kg bag. Baggage allowance for premium economy customers increases to two 23kg bags.
Business class travellers can take along two pieces of luggage weighing up to 32kg each. Customers with children can also take a collapsible pushchair and a car seat, so they’re prepared for a Pennsylvania road trip.
Do I need a visa to fly to Pittsburgh?
If you’re travelling on a British passport, there’s no need to get a visa in advance – but you do need to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel. There is a $14 fee for registration and, once approved, your ESTA is valid for multiple journeys for two years or until your passport expires.
Which cabins can I book when I fly with British Airways?
Which cabins can I book when I fly with British Airways?
Our long haul economy class World Traveller cabins are great value if you’re looking for cheap flights. For an extra fee you can select your seats in advance – the quieter seats are towards the front of the plane. Sit directly above the wings to reduce the effects of any turbulence. Alternatively, select your seats for free 24 hours in advance* when online check-in opens.
Premium economy class World Traveller Plus has more legroom and a smaller cabin with greater privacy.
Our business class Club World cabin has fully flat beds for total comfort.
Find out more about our travel classes
*Free seat selection 24 hours in advance is not available if you are travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare.
Three long-haul flight tips for visiting Pittsburgh
Travelling can be tiring, but there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you arrive in Pittsburgh in great shape.
- Drink plenty of water to keep you fully hydrated throughout the flight. Limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake will help, and it could improve your sleep.
- You can beat jet lag by adjusting to your new time zone as soon as you get on the plane. If you’re taking the evening flight from London, try to stay awake until you land – remember that Pittsburgh is five hours behind GMT. Use our jet lag advisor to find out more.
- Move around regularly during the flight and do some simple stretching exercises to keep your blood flowing. This will help to prevent swelling and blood clots.
Pittsburgh tips
Start feeling like a local – read our tips for visiting Pittsburgh.
When to tip
As in the rest of the USA, tipping is customary in Pittsburgh. Budget for a 15-20% tip on your bill at dinner, and tip $1-2 per drink in bars. At your hotel, don’t forget to tip your maid and the porters. Taxi drivers will also appreciate a 15% tip – especially if they’ve helped you with your luggage at the airport.
Weather in Pittsburgh
Come ready for rain and shine in Pittsburgh, as the city’s weather changes frequently. It’s nicest here in the late spring and summer, when you’ll find temperatures rising into the twenties and thirties. However, it can be chilly in winter, with average temperatures of around -5°C. Expect snow: and you won’t even have to travel far out of the city to hit the slopes at western Pennsylvania’s ski resorts.
Free things to do
Pittsburgh has more than its fair share of museums and quirky attractions: the Frick collection and gardens are free to visit, and feature Impressionist masterpieces and impressive landscaping. Cyclists should freewheel over to Bicycle Heaven, a museum and bike shop housing some 4,000 velocipedes. And no one will be able to avoid smiling when they visit Randyland, a colourful house of murals created by a local outsider artist.
Plan your perfect Pittsburgh trip
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Tour the grounds at Fallingwater:Frank Lloyd Wright's house is setin a tract of Appalachian forest
Elspeth Velten,
for British Airways
