How to Find Cheap Flights to London
The secret to cheap flights to London is booking 3 to 6 months in advance and flying mid-week rather than on weekends. Use tools like Google Flights to track prices and set alerts for your specific travel dates.
- Set up price tracking. Go to Google Flights, enter your departure city and London (LON), and toggle 'Track Prices' to ON. You will receive an email whenever the price drops significantly for your selected dates.
- Be flexible with airports. Search for 'LON' instead of a specific airport like Heathrow (LHR). This includes Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), and Luton (LTN), which often have much cheaper budget carrier options.
- Prioritize mid-week departures. Flights departing on Tuesday or Wednesday are consistently 15-20% cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures. Use the 'Date Grid' feature to compare nearby dates side-by-side.
- Book at the 3-month window. For international flights to London, the 'sweet spot' for booking is usually 90 to 120 days before departure. Avoid booking less than 21 days out, as prices typically spike.
- Is it cheaper to fly into Gatwick or Heathrow?
- Gatwick is often cheaper for budget airlines, but check the cost of the train (Gatwick Express vs. Heathrow Express) into central London. Sometimes saving $50 on a flight is offset by a $30 train ticket.
- Should I use a VPN to find cheaper flights?
- It is largely a myth. Clearing your browser cache or using Incognito mode is more effective at preventing dynamic pricing based on your search history.