Flying to the UK or Europe from the US

When you fly from the US to the UK or Europe there are many different routes you can take. Most of the major airlines advertise flying to one of the two major London airports, Gatwick or Heathrow, and changing planes, but there are many smaller airports in the UK that you can fly to from the US. Often for you there are better and cheaper solutions than going through these major airports as the smaller airports in the UK are growing rapidly and trying to attract customers. Here are a few suggestions for planning your trip.

Consider Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is currently expanding and encouraging new flights at low costs. If your final destination is in the north of England, Scotland or Europe it could be much cheaper to change planes at Dublin instead of London. It may even be cheaper to change planes at Dublin Airport if your final destination is Gatwick or Heathrow.

Consider Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is the busiest airport in the UK outside of London. It’s a good place to get a connection for Europe instead of going through Gatwick or Heathrow.There are 3 terminals and it’s only a short walk from one terminal to another at Manchester Airport.

Consider Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is also a good place to connect for Europe with many flights for most of Europe. Direct flights from the US to Birmingham are less common than Dublin and Manchester.

Consider Edinburgh Airport in the Future

Edinburgh Airport is planning to double the number of passengers in the next 10 years. That means they will be adding routes and many of these routes will be highly discounted to start with. So keep checking if Edinburgh will be a good place to connect for where you want to go.

Consider Car Hire (Rental)

Car hire, as the British call it, or car rentals at airports is often cheaper outside of London, so if you are planning on renting a car when you get there you may wish to figure that into your choice of airports.

Consider Hotels

If your flight involves a change of planes and an overnight stay in a hotel, then the cost of a hotel near Dublin Airport, Manchester Airport or Birmingham Airport is usually less than a hotel near a London airport. Also the hotels tend to be closer to the airports as the airports are smaller.