Maybe it’s the sprawling cities we’ve seen a thousand times on screen, or landscapes that feel too cinematic to be real. From New York to California, the USA has long been a fave stomping ground for British holidaymakers. Every year, in droves, we hop the Atlantic – chasing sunshine, shopping sprees, theme parks, or just to try cheese in a tube. The average flight across the Atlantic is 7 hours, but if you’re planning on heading all the way to the west coast, this could climb to over 10. This is why it’s worth knowing what the best airlines for flying to the USA are, and we’re giving you a helping hand.

We spoke to our resident aviation nerds here at Netflights, and combined that with airline Skytrax ratings (like the Oscars of the aviation world), as well as flight availability from UK airports and direct routes, to give you our top choices.

With Virgin Atlantic, there’s Economy Delight, Classic, and Light – a tiered system that lets you choose your vibe (and your legroom). Delight gives you more space, Classic gives you the standard comfy ride, and Light is for the minimalists. Across the board, though, Virgin’s economy cabins are some of the more stylish in the sky, with ergonomic seats, adjustable headrests, and some solid decor choices.

Premium Economy is Virgin’s middle child – but one that gets straight A’s, plays cello, and remembers your birthday. There’s extra legroom, of course, and wider seats with proper headrests. Plus there’s priority boarding and fizz on arrival. In both Premium and Economy, you’ll get the essentials – eyemask, toothbrush, earplugs, etc – packaged in stylish, sustainable kits.

Virgin Atlantic doesn’t have a separate Business and First Class offering, instead they present to you: Upper Class. Think lie-flat seats and a dedicated bar area, where you can sip Champagne while chatting with a fellow traveller about the finer points of in-flight whiskies. Bonus points if you’re on one of their newer A350s or A330neos, because you’ll bag The Loft or The Retreat Suite – social spaces designed for work, chitchat, or just some pretty swish midair lounging. The amenity come courtesy of REN and include socks that don’t feel like prison-issue and posh pajamas for overnight flights. Oh, and you’ll get access to The Clubhouse at Heathrow – swish.

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In flight entertainment comes from Vera. The screens are high-res and intuitive to use, and you’ll get the latest Hollywood blockbusters alongside indie darlings, British classics, and a surprisingly deep archive of TV box sets. Netflix addicts and HBO junkies, rejoice.

When it comes to dining, expect creative twists on British and local classics in all cabins. Economy comes with two main meals, as well free drinks throughout the flight. Plus you can order their famous Mile High Tea or the Virgin Atlantic Bloody Mary. In Premium you can pre-order your meals, as well as enjoy that glass of fizz on arrival, plus free premium treats and proper plates and cutlery.

Upgrade to Upper Class and you’ll get an upgraded menu too – think tofu with a teriyaki glaze, grapefruit and miso chicken, and maple and miso glazed pork belly. Knock back premium spirits and destination-inspired cocktails too. Oh, and don’t miss their Cherry Pie in the Sky ice cream…

Network

Virgin Atlantic’s network is pretty Heathrow-centric – they’ve got direct flights to a whopping 11 destinations across the States (including San Fran, Seattle, and Boston), and all of these services are at least daily, with some routes – LA and New York – up to 2 x and 7 x daily respectively.

But it’s not all about London – Manchester offers direct routes to New York and Atlanta daily, as well as Orlando a massive 12 x a week and Las Vegas 3 x a week (seasonally dependent).

For those way up north, from Edinburgh you can fly to Orlando, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and more – although not all of these destinations will be direct flights.

Which UK airports does Virgin Atlantic fly from?

Virgin Atlantic currently fly from London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

This way for cheap flights with Virgin Atlantic

Flying with Aer Lingus is a solid, no nonsense option. Economy Class focuses on the areas that matter – seats are slimline and ergonomic, with adjustable headrests. The pitch is very reasonable — not a yoga studio, but you won’t feel like you’re hugging your knees, either. And on the newer aircraft, like the A321LRs used for some U.S. routes, there’s a surprisingly spacious feel thanks to mood lighting and clever layout decisions. Amenities are simple but effective, with a blanket and a pillow for long-haul flights.

Business Class on Aer Lingus doesn’t try to be flashy, it’s not their thing. But the seats on their Airbus A330s and A321LRs are fully lie-flat, complete with quilted finishes, a proper mattress pad, and a cozy blanket. There’s storage for days, a decent amount of privacy (especially in the coveted throne seats with single-window views). The seat controls are intuitive, the lighting is soft and sleep-friendly, and the service is usually equal parts informal kindness and unflappable competence – exactly what you need. Plus the amenity kit is practical, with lip balm, eye mask, socks, earplugs, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

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If you’re expecting the latest blockbusters, you’re in luck – Aer Lingus keeps its inflight entertainment nice and up to date. Onboard the A330s and A321LRs that serve US routes, each seat has a personal screen stocked with a decent mix of new releases, classic films, TV box sets, music albums, and podcasts.

In flight dining in Economy means a hot meal shortly after takeoff and a lighter snack before landing, but you can purchase more snacks if you get peckish. In Business Class, meals are served in courses on linen-covered trays, with proper silverware and often a glass of Prosecco to kick things off. The menus are rooted in Irish flavors but internationally appealing, and they pair it all with a tidy little wine list.

Network

Aer Lingus’ USA network is pretty big, but nearly all of their routes from the UK require a stop in Dublin. They do offer one very convenient perk to make up for it, though – pre-clearance. Yep, you can pre-clear U.S. customs during your layover in Dublin, so you can actually hit the ground running (literally, if you’re really keen – although airport security might frown at you) the second you land. More than makes up for it, we reckon.

From multiple UK airports you can connect via Dublin to a massive choice of US destinations, from classics like New York (2x daily), San Fran (daily), LA (daily), Chicago (2x daily), and Boston (2x daily), to lesser-visited spots like Minneapolis, Minnesota, Denver, Colorado, and Hartford, Connecticut.

Manchester is currently the only UK airport to offer direct services to the USA, and that’s to New York (daily) and Orlando (daily in the summer).

Which UK airports does Aer Lingus fly from?

Aer Lingus currently only offers direct flights to the USA from Manchester. However, you can fly to the USA via Dublin from London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds Bradford and Southampton – so you’ve got loads of flexibility.

This way for cheap flights with Aer Lingus

British Airways is a solid choice. In World Traveller (Economy) you can expect around 31 inches of pitch, while the in-flight entertainment system offers a variety of movies and TV shows, from new cinema releases to selected shows from Paramount+ (long-haul only).

World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) is a pretty popular choice for those seeking additional space without upgrading all the way up to Business Class. Seats come with extra legroom (38-inch pitch) and more recline, and passengers enjoy benefits like priority boarding and a nifty amenity kit with all the usual suspects.

Club World (Business Class) is where the lie-flat beds are (they were one of the first airlines to introduce them!) They’ve gradually been transitioning to a 1-2-1 layout with their newer aircraft and updated cabins, like the the Club Suite, BA’s newest Business Class product. In Club Suite, you’ll get privacy doors and direct aisle access in all seats, plus a larger entertainment screen (18.5 inches). Bedding is provided by The White Company, and so are the amenity kits. Dining in Club World includes pre-flight champagne, a three-course meal (with a choice of mains, including British classics), a solid wine selection (BA loves a good Bordeaux), mid-flight snacks (including mini tubs of Jude’s ice cream), and a proper English breakfast before landing (bacon rolls on morning flights).

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First Class is like stepping into a posh private club at 35,000 feet – think champagne on arrival, lie-flat beds, designer amenity kits, and white tablecloth dining. First Class does not have a fully enclosed suite – but it does offer a large fully lie-flat seat, a personal wardrobe, a whopping 23-inch HD entertainment screen, and nifty windows with electronic blinds. Amenity kits are provided by Temperley.

In terms of nosh, in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus you can enjoy a starter, main and dessert, with a choice of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks. They also offer mid-flight snacks and a second meal on longer flights. Dining in Club World includes pre-flight champagne, a three-course meal (with a choice of mains, including British classics), a solid wine selection (BA loves a good Bordeaux), mid-flight snacks (including mini tubs of Jude’s ice cream), and a proper English breakfast before landing (bacon rolls on morning flights). Dining in First Class is similar to Business Class, with a few essential perks: enjoy  stuff like lobster thermidor, steak, or afternoon tea with scones, and enjoy it on proper bone china and glassware –  none of that flimsy plastic stuff. Plus you can dine whenever you want.

Network

British Airways is another airline with a very extensive network across the USA, offering nonstop flights to 26 US cities – some served multiple times daily. Key spots include New York (8x daily), Chicago (3x daily), LA (3x daily), Miami (2x daily) and Las Vegas (10x weekly) – all from London Heathrow.

London Gatwick also offer direct flights to a few cities, including New York (daily), Orlando (weekly), and Las Vegas (3x weekly).

Which UK airports does British Airways fly from?

Whilst British Airways’ USA network is one of the largest, they currently only fly to the states from two UK airports – London Heathrow and Gatwick. At the moment, they don’t offer USA flights from any regional UK airport, like Manchester or Edinburgh.

This way for cheap flights with British Airways

A bold new airline launched in 2021, Norse is a bit of a scrappy disruptor offering low-cost long-haul flights between the UK and the USA but with a few grown-up upgrades. They offer two main classes of service: Economy and Premium, each with multiple fare types, so you can build your flight exactly as you like it.

In Economy, the standard Dreamliner seating – a 3-3-3 configuration – offers between 30 and 32 inches of pitch depending on the row, and the seats are nicely contoured for longer flights. It’s stripped back, but with intension. Very functional. Very Scandinavian.

In Premium, which is not First Class, not Business Class, but somewhere delightfully in between Economy and the lofty price tags of mega luxury, seats have a generous 43 inches of pitch and a proper recline — not just a gentle tilt, but a full-body swoop that lets you drift off somewhere over Greenland with generous legroom. The wider seats, footrests, and personal space make it genuinely comfortable for overnight flights, plus you’ll get Priority check-in, Premium boarding, and an amenity kit too.

When you book with us, you’ll get your meal included, which comes with a hot entrée, a salad or side, a dessert, and a soft drink or water. And if you want more, you can get more – there’s a full on board menu of stuff you can order right from your seat using your personal screen. Easy. The in-flight system isn’t mega vast but it’s solid, with a varied mix of blockbusters, hidden gems, and critically-acclaimed films and shows, plus plenty of box sets and entertainment for the kids too.

Network

Norse currently has a small network across the USA when flying from the UK – they fly to New York 6x weekly, Miami daily, and Orlando 4x weekly, though this can increase seasonally. Whilst their network is on the smaller side for now, they make up for it with their super flexible ticket types and often cheap prices for hops across the pond!

Which UK airports does Norse fly from?

Norse currently only operates out of London Gatwick.

This way for cheap flights with Norse

One of the “Big Three” U.S. carriers alongside Delta and American, United Airlines have been shuttling people across skies since long before in-flight Wi-Fi and TSA lines were even a thing.

There’s Economy and there’s Economy Plus, which is United’s version of extra legroom seating in the main cabin. It’s Economy with a little breathing room, perfect for those who don’t need the frills. Premium Plus, meanwhile, United’s premium economy cabin. Think of it as the “treat yourself” section. You get wider seats, more recline, extra legroom, and upgraded meals. Plus there’s an amenity kit with lip balm, hand lotion, and a few basic comforts that help you avoid looking like a crumpled napkin after a 10-hour haul.

Polaris Business Class has become something of a signature – sleek, modern, and genuinely comfortable in a way that makes you forget you’re hurtling across the planet in a metal tube. It’s got lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, privacy dividers, and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding (yes, really). There’s mood lighting. There are slippers. And there’s enough space to fully extend your legs without having to accidentally play footsie with your neighbour. The amenity kits are stylish Away-branded sets filled with Sunday Riley skincare products, an eye mask, socks, and tissues, and you’ll get pajamas on long haul flights.

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The inflight entertainment comes stocked with a broad library of movies, TV shows, games, and music — and it’s updated monthly, so even frequent flyers won’t get bored – everything from Oscar winners to nostalgic sitcoms, alongside a few international options too. And if you’re more of a personal device flyer, United’s app-based streaming system lets you access content via your own screen.

Economy meals vary by route. On long-haul international flights, you’ll get a hot entrée, salad, roll, and dessert, plus complimentary wine and beer. Pre-ordering is also available now on many routes, letting you avoid the dreaded “we’re out of the chicken” moment. In Premium Plus the meals are plated, with real cutlery and wine service. In Polaris, meals are curated by a rotating cast of celebrity chefs, with multi-course offerings served on proper plates. Think beef short rib with wild mushroom risotto, artisan bread rolls, and a dessert cart that includes make-your-own sundaes. They also do midflight snacks and a second dining service, plus you can get all your courses at one time or select a few items and your meal will be delivered at your request.

Network

Unsurprisingly, what with United Airlines being a US-based airline, they have a massive network across the country – they offer a whopping 20 departures a day from Heathrow alone! These daily direct flights include Newark, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

From Gatwick, Stansted and Luton they also fly to New York, Orlando, and Washington, amongst other destinations.

Regional airports like Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow all offer direct flights to Newark, with Manchester also offering direct flights to Washington too.

Which UK airports does United Airlines fly from?

London Heathrow is their main hub, but they also offer flights to the USA from London’s secondary airports like City, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. They also fly from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow too – the number of routes on offer is smaller from regional airports, though.

This way for cheap flights with United Airlines