Best Airlines To Fly To London, England

Best Airlines for a journey to London 

Flying to London is easy. Choosing the right airline is the part that can make the trip feel effortless—or like a long, cramped slog you regret halfway across the Atlantic.

London is served by several major airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted), and each one pulls in different airlines, routes, and price ranges. When you’re deciding who to fly with, I’d focus on a few real-world factors: cabin comfort (especially in business), the airport you’ll land at, schedule reliability, baggage rules, and how painful it is to deal with changes if something goes sideways.

Below are airlines that consistently do London well, especially if you care about premium cabins.

Airports Near London

• Heathrow (LHR): The main hub and the most convenient for most long-haul travelers. Huge airline selection, lots of lounges, and easy onward connections.
• Gatwick (LGW): South of London. Often a good pick for certain routes and sometimes better pricing, but premium options can be more limited depending on where you’re coming from.
• Stansted (STN): North of London and known for low-cost carriers. Great if you’re flying budget and don’t mind a more no-frills experience.

Quick rule: if you’re flying long-haul in business or first, Heathrow is usually where you’ll want to end up.

British Airways

British Airways is the obvious choice if you want a straightforward, “land in London like a local” experience. The route network is strong, schedules are frequent, and Heathrow connections are easy.

• Business class (Club World / newer Club Suite on some routes): On routes with the 1-2-1 layout, direct aisle access is a big plus. If you’re picky, check the seat map before booking because the experience can vary by aircraft.
• First class: When available, it’s a calm, private experience with lounge access and elevated dining—more “quiet luxury” than flashy.

Best for: people who want simplicity, strong London connectivity, and a familiar premium product.

Emirates

If you want the trip to feel like part of the vacation, Emirates is hard to beat. You’re buying service, comfort, and little details that make a long flight feel shorter.

• Business class: Lie-flat seats, solid dining, and (on the A380) access to the onboard lounge, which is genuinely fun at least once.
• First class: Private suites and the famous shower spa on the A380. It’s indulgent, yes—and also weirdly practical if you want to arrive feeling human.

Best for: comfort-first travelers who enjoy the “premium experience” as much as the destination.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin is stylish in a way that doesn’t feel forced. If you care about cabin vibe, soft service, and a more modern feel, it’s a strong option.

• Upper Class (their business class): Lie-flat seats and a premium, social feel. It’s not “first class,” but it scratches that itch for a lot of people.
• No traditional first class: Upper Class is the top cabin, and for many travelers it’s more than enough.

Best for: travelers who want something premium with personality.

Qatar Airways

Qatar is one of the safest bets for a polished business-class experience, especially on routes where the Qsuite is available.

• Business class: The Qsuite is a standout: sliding doors, a private-feeling space, and an experience that’s built around sleeping well.
• First class: Not offered on every London route, but business class is so strong that most people don’t miss it.

Best for: business-class travelers who prioritize privacy, sleep, and consistent service.

Delta Airlines

Delta does premium well, especially if you value a smooth, “everything just works” experience.

• Delta One: Lie-flat seats (often 1-2-1 depending on aircraft), strong food and beverage, and a generally reliable onboard product.
• Perks like lounge access and good IFE make it a comfortable long-haul choice.

Best for: travelers who want a dependable premium cabin and solid service without surprises.

United Airlines

United’s long-haul business product (Polaris) has improved a lot, and the best version is genuinely comfortable.

• Polaris business class: Lie-flat seats (commonly 1-2-1 on many widebodies), priority services, and access to Polaris lounges where available.
• Onboard: quality bedding, multi-course meals, and a focus on sleep—exactly what you want on an overnight to London.

Best for: travelers who want a sleep-friendly business cabin and strong U.S. connectivity.

Pricing Throughout the Year

London pricing moves with the calendar. If you want better value, timing matters.

• Better pricing tends to show up in late fall and early spring (outside major holidays and school breaks).
• Business class deals often appear when airlines run promotions or when you book far enough ahead that you’re not fighting last-minute demand.
• First class (when offered) is priced at a premium, and “deals” are rarer—most savings come from planning and flexibility.

If you’re deal-hunting, the best habit is simple: watch prices early, set alerts, and jump when you see a fare that’s clearly below the usual range.

Conclusion

The “best” airline to London depends on what you care about most:

• Want the easiest London setup? British Airways.
• Want the most luxurious ride? Emirates (especially if you can get the A380).
• Want premium with style? Virgin Atlantic.
• Want a top-tier business-class hard product? Qatar Airways (Qsuite).
• Want a strong, reliable U.S.-based premium option? Delta One or United Polaris.

Pick the airport that fits your plans, choose the cabin experience you actually want, and book the airline that makes the journey feel less like a chore. London will do the rest.