Cheapest Time to Fly to London: How to Find Affordable Flight Tickets
Hunting for affordable flight tickets to London? This guide shows the cheapest time to fly to London, the best days to travel, and which airlines often have the lowest fares from the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Quick Answer: When is the cheapest time to fly to London?
Best days: Tuesday or Wednesday departures/returns
Avoid: June–August (summer peak) and mid-December–early January (holiday peak)
| Window | Why It’s Cheaper | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| January–March | Post-holiday demand dip | Great long-haul sales, fewer crowds |
| Mid-Sep–Early Nov | Shoulder season | Milder weather, competitive fares |
| Tue/Wed | Lower business & leisure overlap | Often the lowest midweek prices |
Which London Airport Is Cheapest?
London has four main international gateways: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), and Luton (LTN). For cheap flights to London, compare all four—low-cost carriers often use LGW, STN, and LTN, which can undercut LHR on many routes.
Cheapest Routes & Airlines to Fly to London
From the United States
For cheap flights to London from the USA, look at winter and early spring. Consider:
- New York (JFK/EWR) → London: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United, Delta, American
- Boston, Chicago, Washington DC → London: frequent competition keeps fares sharp
- West Coast (LAX/SFO/SEA) → London: watch for sales; consider 1-stop via Reykjavík or Dublin for savings
From Europe
Intra-Europe routes are where budget airlines shine for affordable flight tickets to London:
- Ryanair (STN), easyJet (LGW/LTN), Wizz Air (LTN) from cities like Paris, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Warsaw
- Flag carriers (e.g., Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Iberia) sometimes match low-cost deals in shoulder months
From the Middle East
Great service and strong sales cycles make these smart picks for cheap London flights:
- Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Doha → London with Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways
- Istanbul → London with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus (often very competitive)
- Jeddah/Riyadh → London with Saudia, British Airways
From Asia
For cheap flights to London from Asia, check shoulder seasons and 1-stop itineraries:
- Delhi/Mumbai → London with Air India, Vistara, British Airways
- Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur → London with Singapore Airlines, Thai, Malaysia Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways
- Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong → London with JAL/ANA, Korean Air/Asiana, Cathay Pacific
Pro Tips to Score Cheap Flights to London
- Book 2–4 months ahead for international routes; set price alerts on Google Flights or Kayak.
- Be flexible with dates: try +/- 3 days; target Tuesday/Wednesday departures.
- Compare all airports: LHR vs LGW vs STN vs LTN can swing prices dramatically.
- Consider 1-stop itineraries via hubs like Dublin, Reykjavík, Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai.
- Travel light: low-cost carriers may be cheapest once you keep baggage to a minimum.
- Watch sales: New Year, spring, and autumn promos often include London routes.
FAQs: Cheapest Time to Fly to London
What month is the absolute cheapest?
January is often the low point after the holidays, with February and early March close behind.
Is it cheaper to fly to Gatwick than Heathrow?
Sometimes—especially with Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air (LGW/LTN/STN). Always compare across airports.
How can I find last-minute deals?
Use flexible-date searches, check nearby airports, and consider 1-stop routings via major hubs.
Top Cheap Hotels in London
Final Thought
With smart timing, flexible dates, and the right airlines, finding the cheapest time to fly to London is doable. Use the tips above to unlock affordable flight tickets and enjoy more of London for less.
