Ultimate Guide to Flying London to New York (All Major Airlines Compared – 2025)
Flying from London to New York in 2025? This is the most competitive long-haul route in the world, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, United, American, JetBlue and Norse all battling for your booking.
That is great news for travellers but with different airports, aircraft, cabins and pricing strategies, choosing the right airline is not always obvious.
This guide compares every major London–New York airline on comfort, price, airports and cabins, so you can book with confidence.
Route Snapshot: London to New York at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3,450–3,500 miles (5,560 km) |
| Flight time London to New York | 7–8 hours |
| Flight time New York to London | 6–7 hours |
| London airports | Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) |
| New York airports | JFK, Newark (EWR) |
| Cabins available | Economy, Extra-legroom Economy, Premium Economy, Business, limited First |
Flight times, aircraft and prices vary by departure time. Before choosing an airline, compare all London–New York departures on Aviasales to spot quieter flights and better-value fares across all carriers.
1. Which Airlines Fly London–New York?
As of late 2025, seven airlines operate non-stop services on this route:
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- JetBlue
- Norse Atlantic Airways
Here is how each one compares.
British Airways (BA)
Routes
- London Heathrow to New York JFK
- London Heathrow to Newark
Note: BA’s Gatwick–JFK service ends October 2025; all New York flying shifts to Heathrow.
Cabins
- Economy
- Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)
- Business (Club Suite on many flights)
- First (select services)
Aircraft
- Boeing 777, 787
Why choose BA
- Huge daily schedule from Heathrow
- Daytime and overnight options
- Strong Avios value and lounge network
Best for
- Business travellers
- Avios collectors
- Heathrow connections to Europe, Africa and beyond
Virgin Atlantic
Routes
- London Heathrow to New York JFK
Cabins
- Economy
- Economy Delight (extra legroom)
- Premium
- Upper Class (Business)
Aircraft
- Airbus A350-1000
- Boeing 787-9
Why choose Virgin
- Stylish cabins and upbeat service
- Excellent Premium and Upper Class products
- Quiet, modern A350 interiors
Best for
- Couples and leisure travellers
- Special occasions
- Passengers who value ambience as much as comfort
American Airlines
Routes
- New York JFK to London Heathrow
Cabins
- Economy
- Main Cabin Extra
- Premium Economy
- Business
Aircraft
- Boeing 777, 787
Why choose American
- Joint venture with British Airways
- Easy mixing of AA/BA flights on one ticket
- Good value ex-US fares
Best for
- Oneworld frequent flyers
- Mileage and upgrade hunters
Delta Air Lines
Routes
- London Heathrow to New York JFK
- London Gatwick to New York JFK
Cabins
- Economy
- Comfort+
- Premium Select
- Delta One (Business)
Aircraft
- Airbus A330, A350 and Boeing widebodies
Why choose Delta
- Consistently strong service reputation
- Convenient Gatwick option
- Solid premium cabins
Best for
- Delta SkyMiles members
- Travellers based closer to Gatwick
United Airlines
Routes
- Newark to London Heathrow (up to 7 daily flights)
Cabins
- Economy
- Economy Plus
- Premium Plus
- Polaris Business
Aircraft
- Boeing 767, 777, 787
Why choose United
- Newark is often faster for New Jersey and Lower Manhattan
- Competitive Polaris Business Class
- Excellent Star Alliance connectivity
Best for
- New Jersey-based travellers
- Star Alliance flyers
JetBlue
Routes
- New York JFK to London Heathrow
Cabins
- Core Economy
- Even More Space
- Mint (Business)
Aircraft
- Airbus A321LR / A321XLR
Why choose JetBlue
- Mint Business Class offers suites at lower prices
- Free Wi-Fi and seatback screens in Economy
- Boutique feel vs large widebodies
Best for
- Business Class value seekers
- Travellers who prefer smaller cabins
Norse Atlantic Airways
Routes
- London Gatwick to New York JFK
Cabins
- Economy (Light / Classic fares)
- Premium
Aircraft
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Why choose Norse
- Aggressive base fares
- Comfortable 787 cabin environment
- Premium often cheaper than legacy Premium Economy
Best for
- Price-sensitive travellers
- Passengers comfortable with add-on pricing
Always compare total cost. Use Aviasales to check Norse vs legacy airlines side-by-side once bags, seats and meals are added.
2. Heathrow vs Gatwick vs JFK and Newark
London Airports
Heathrow (LHR)
- Best lounges and premium experience
- Most airline choice
- Ideal for connections
Gatwick (LGW)
- Convenient for South/East London
- Strong for Norse and Delta
- Often cheaper base fares
New York Airports
JFK
- Best for Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens
- Most airline options
Newark (EWR)
- Excellent for New Jersey and Lower Manhattan
- United’s main transatlantic hub
3. Economy, Premium and Business: What Is Best?
Economy and Extra-Legroom Economy
- Best value: JetBlue, Delta, Virgin
- Cheapest headlines: Norse (watch add-ons)
- Most consistent: Delta, United
Premium Economy
- Top products: Virgin Premium, BA World Traveller Plus, Delta Premium Select
- Best value: Norse Premium on the 787
Business Class
- Best privacy: BA Club Suite, United Polaris, JetBlue Mint
- Best experience: Virgin Upper Class
- Best value: JetBlue Mint or sale fares on Delta/BA
4. Price Trends and When to Book
London–New York pricing is volatile because of:
- Heavy business demand
- Constant airline competition
- Frequent flash sales
Cheapest periods
- Late January–March
- Mid-October–early December
Booking tip
Check prices across multiple airlines and departure times using Aviasales this route rewards flexibility more than loyalty.
5. Travel Insurance: Do Not Skip This on a Transatlantic Trip
With long-haul flights, multiple airports and tight connections, insurance matters especially for delays, missed connections, or medical care in the US.
SafetyWing is popular with frequent travellers because it is flexible, affordable and designed for international trips. It is especially useful if:
- You are mixing airlines
- Booking separate tickets
- Travelling often between the UK, Europe and the US
6. Which Airline Is Best for You?
- Best overall network: British Airways and American
- Best premium experience: Virgin Atlantic
- Best for New Jersey: United
- Best budget option: Norse Atlantic
- Best Business Class value: JetBlue Mint
7. FAQ: London to New York Flights (2025)
How long is the flight?
7–8 hours westbound, 6–7 hours eastbound.
Which airlines fly non-stop?
BA, Virgin, American, Delta, United, JetBlue and Norse.
JFK or Newark — which is better?
JFK for Manhattan and Brooklyn; Newark for New Jersey and Lower Manhattan.
What is the cheapest way to fly?
Off-peak travel, mid-week departures and flexible airports compare all options on Aviasales.
Which airline has the best Business Class?
JetBlue Mint for value, Virgin Upper Class for experience, and BA Club Suite for privacy.
