The transatlantic price calendar
The cheapest reliable window for UK–USA economy fares is mid-January to mid-March (excluding half-term). New York returns regularly appear at £320–£420, Los Angeles at £380–£480, and Orlando at £360–£450.
November before Thanksgiving is a second bargain window — and New York in the pre-Christmas lights season is one of the great-value city breaks when booked early.
Summer peaks hard: July–August returns to Orlando or LA can exceed £850. If school holidays bind you, book in January for summer — transatlantic summer fares almost never get cheaper as the date approaches.
Route-by-route pointers
- ·New York: the most competitive route in the world — JFK and Newark both work, check both
- ·Orlando: Virgin Atlantic and BA direct from Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick; Aer Lingus via Dublin (with US pre-clearance) often undercuts
- ·Los Angeles & San Francisco: mid-week departures save the most; premium economy sales are frequent on these long sectors
- ·Florida twin-centre: fly into Orlando, home from Miami — our multi-city search prices open-jaws automatically
ESTA in 60 seconds
Most UK passport holders travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA: apply online, $21, valid two years, approval usually within minutes but allow 72 hours. Travellers who have visited certain restricted countries may need a full B1/B2 visa instead — our visa desk handles those appointments end-to-end.