Flights
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The table below shows your main flight options from the UK to Los Angeles, including direct flights from London and connection flights from regional airports. Journey times and prices vary significantly depending on your departure city and chosen routing.
All prices shown are indicative based on July 2025 research and may change at any time. Flight schedules subject to airline variations.
| Route Type | Journey Time | Average Price From | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct from London | 11h 20m | £403* | Speed & convenience | View Direct Flights → |
| London Heathrow | 11h 20m | £396* | Most flight options | LHR to LAX Guide → |
| Manchester connections | 13–14h | £253* | Northern England | Manchester Options → |
| Birmingham connections | 13–16h | £327* | Midlands convenience | Birmingham Routes → |
*Prices are indicative return fares in economy class as of July 2025 and subject to change without notice.
This comparison shows the different cabin classes available on UK to Los Angeles flights. Premium cabins offer significantly enhanced comfort for the long 11+ hour journey, with prices varying by season and airline.
Prices shown are average ranges based on July 2025 research and may vary significantly by booking date, season, and airline choice.
| Cabin Class | Average Price Range | Key Comfort Features | Journey Experience | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | £403–£800* | Standard seating, meals included | Basic comfort for budget travel | Included in route guides |
| Premium Economy | £800–£1,200* | Extra legroom, priority boarding | Enhanced comfort, good value | Premium Economy Guide → |
| Business Class | £2,000–£4,500* | Lie-flat beds, lounge access | Luxury experience, arrive refreshed | Business Class Guide → |
*All price ranges are indicative and subject to change. Premium cabin availability varies by airline and season.
Only London airports offer direct flights to Los Angeles. The table below shows all airlines operating non-stop services, with flight frequencies subject to seasonal variations and airline schedule changes.
Flight frequencies shown are typical operations as of July 2025 and may change based on seasonal demand and airline operational decisions.
| Airline | Typical Daily Flights | Aircraft Used | Signature Premium Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 3-4x daily* | Boeing 787, A380 | Club Suite privacy, Concorde Lounge |
| Virgin Atlantic | 2-3x daily* | Airbus A350 | Upper Class suites, The Loft bar |
| United Airlines | 1x daily* | Boeing 787 | Polaris business, US network connections |
| American Airlines | 1x daily* | Boeing 787 | Flagship business, LAX hub access |
*Flight frequencies are approximate and subject to change based on seasonal schedules and operational requirements.
Complete Direct Flights Analysis →
No regional UK airports operate direct flights to Los Angeles. This table shows the most efficient connection routes available, with journey times including typical connection periods.
Journey times are approximate and may vary based on connection duration, delays, and seasonal schedule changes.
| UK Departure City | Best Connection Hub | Total Journey Time | Typical Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Amsterdam (KLM) | 13-14h* | £253* |
| Manchester | London Heathrow | 13-14h* | £280* |
| Birmingham | London Heathrow | 13-14h* | £327* |
| Birmingham | Amsterdam (KLM) | 14-15h* | £350* |
| Edinburgh | London Heathrow | 14-15h* | £380* |
| Glasgow | Amsterdam (KLM) | 14-16h* | £320* |
*Prices and journey times are indicative based on July 2025 research and subject to change.
When connecting to Los Angeles from regional UK airports, different European hubs offer varying advantages. This comparison helps you choose the best routing strategy for your journey.
Connection times shown are minimum recommended and may require longer during peak periods or weather disruptions.
| Connection Airport | Typical Connection Time | Key Advantages | Primary Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam (AMS) | 60-90 mins* | Compact layout, efficient | KLM, Delta partners |
| London Heathrow | 75-90 mins* | Most onward flight options | BA, Virgin Atlantic |
| Paris CDG | 90-120 mins* | Competitive pricing | Air France, Delta |
| Frankfurt | 75-100 mins* | Star Alliance hub benefits | Lufthansa, United |
*Connection times may vary based on terminal changes, immigration requirements, and operational factors.
Flight prices to Los Angeles fluctuate significantly based on season, booking timing, and demand. This seasonal guide helps you identify the most cost-effective travel periods.
All price ranges are approximate based on historical data as of July 2025 and subject to change without notice.
| Travel Season | Months | Economy Range | Premium Economy Range | Business Class Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | Jun–Aug, Dec | £600–£1,000* | £1,200–£1,800* | £3,500–£4,500* |
| Shoulder Season | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | £403–£650* | £800–£1,200* | £2,000–£3,200* |
| Off-Peak | Jan–Feb | £403–£550* | £800–£1,000* | £2,000–£2,800* |
*Price ranges shown are indicative and may vary significantly based on specific dates, airline choice, and booking timing.
Best Booking Timeline:
Economy/Premium Economy: 8-12 weeks in advance typically offers optimal pricing
Business Class: 6-8 weeks ahead usually provides best availability and rates
Last-minute deals: Rarely available, especially during peak seasons
Cheapest Departure Days:
Best Value: Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cost £200-£400 less
Most Expensive: Friday and Sunday departures typically command premium pricing
Weekend Premium: Weekend departures can add significant cost to your journey
Regional vs London Considerations:
Total Cost Analysis: Include transport to London airports (£50-200) and parking (£200-400)
Manchester/Birmingham: Often provide better total journey value including convenience
Time Investment: Consider additional travel time to reach London airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the world's busiest airports. This guide shows which terminal your airline uses and typical ground transport costs to help plan your arrival.
Ground transport prices are approximate as of July 2025 and subject to change based on traffic conditions and service providers.
| Airline | LAX Terminal | Immigration Process | Ground Transport to Downtown |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Terminal 3 | ESTA required, automated kiosks | Taxi: $47*, Uber: $35–60* |
| Virgin Atlantic | Terminal 2 | Standard US immigration | Metro: $1.75*, FlyAway: $9.75* |
| United Airlines | Terminal 7 | Global Entry eligible | Rental cars: Shuttle to center |
| American Airlines | Terminal 4 | Standard processing | Various options available |
*Transport costs are approximate and may vary based on time of day, traffic, and surge pricing.
Required Documentation:
✅ Valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended)
✅ Approved ESTA authorization ($21, apply 72+ hours before travel)
✅ Return or onward travel confirmation
✅ Travel insurance strongly recommended
What to Pack for Los Angeles:
☀️ Lightweight, breathable clothing for year-round warm weather
🕶️ Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (UV levels very high)
👟 Comfortable walking shoes for extensive sightseeing
🧥 Light jacket for air-conditioned buildings and evening cooling
🔌 Universal power adapter for electronic devices
Choose Your Specific Los Angeles Flight Guide
Select the most relevant guide for detailed booking advice, pricing strategies, and route-specific information:
Direct Flight Options:
Complete Direct Flights Guide → - All non-stop options, airline comparisons, booking strategies
London Heathrow to LAX → - Terminal guides, frequencies, logistics, and ground transport
Premium Cabin Experiences:
Business Class Flights → - Upper Class vs Club Suite vs Polaris comparisons
Premium Economy Guide → - Value analysis, comfort features, upgrade strategies
Regional UK Departures:
Manchester to Los Angeles → - Northern England connection strategies and pricing
Quick Decision Guide: Best Los Angeles Flight Options by Priority
This summary table helps you quickly identify the best flight option based on your main priority, whether that's speed, value, comfort, or convenience.
| Your Main Priority | Recommended Flight Option | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest possible journey | Direct from London Heathrow | 11h 20m non-stop, no connection delays |
| Best overall value | Manchester via Amsterdam | From £253*, includes regional convenience |
| Premium comfort experience | Virgin Atlantic Upper Class | Unique bar access, lie-flat bed suites |
| Most schedule flexibility | British Airways direct flights | 3–4 daily departures, reliable operations |
| US domestic connections | United/American direct | Extensive networks from LAX hub |
*Prices subject to change and availability.
Only London Heathrow and London Gatwick offer direct flights to Los Angeles. All other UK airports require connections through London or European hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, or Frankfurt.
Manchester to Los Angeles via Amsterdam typically offers the best value starting from around £253 return. When including total costs like London airport transport and parking, regional departures often provide £300-600 savings.
Direct flights take approximately 11 hours 20 minutes westbound. Connection flights from regional airports take 13-16 hours total including connection time at European hubs.
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class leads for unique features like The Loft bar, whilst British Airways Club Suite offers excellent privacy. See our detailed business class comparison guide for complete analysis.
UK passport holders need ESTA authorization ($21) rather than a traditional visa. Apply at least 72 hours before travel through the official US government website for 90-day visit authorization.
anuary-February and September-November typically offer the best value. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cost £200-£400 less than weekend flights across all seasons.
