Flights to California, Las Vegas, Dallas, Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto to London — UK Flight and Airline Guide 2026
Planning international flights from the UK involves comparing routes, airlines, and booking platforms that are not always straightforward. This guide covers the most-searched UK flight routes and airline questions for 2026: flights to California from the UK, British Airways Heathrow to Las Vegas, cheap flights to Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto and Vancouver to London flights, Gatwick to Tampa, flights to Tropea in Calabria, and niche island destinations including Samoa, Vanuatu, and Tortola. We also cover the key airline comparisons British travellers search for — British Airways versus Virgin Atlantic, Transavia airlines, Delta Comfort Plus — and whether Trivago is a legitimate booking platform.
For long-haul holiday guides including Bali, Thailand, Japan, Hawaii, Porto, Africa safari, Mexico, and Caribbean islands from the UK, see our article on Bali, Thailand, Japan, Hawaii, and Asia-Pacific holidays from the UK.
Flights to California from the UK
California is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for British travellers — offering extraordinary diversity across a single US state: Los Angeles (Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach), San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, Yosemite day trips), San Diego (beaches, zoo, craft beer), and the Pacific Coast Highway connecting them.
| UK to California | Details | Notes |
| London to Los Angeles (LAX) | ~11 hrs direct | British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American, United direct from LHR |
| London to San Francisco (SFO) | ~10.5 hrs direct | United, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic direct from LHR |
| London to San Diego (SAN) | ~11-13 hrs via connection | No direct UK flights — connect at LAX or SFO |
| Budget economy return (LHR-LAX) | From approximately £400-650 | Book 6-10 weeks ahead for best fares |
| Premium economy return | £1,200-2,500 | Virgin Atlantic PE is well regarded on this route |
| Business class return | £2,500-5,000+ | BA Club Suite and Virgin Upper Class both excellent |
Best Time to Fly to California from the UK
- Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): Best value and pleasant weather across California
- Summer (June-August): Peak season — highest prices; popular with families; excellent weather but busy
- Winter (November-March): Best fares; LA and San Diego remain warm (15-20°C); San Francisco cooler and wetter
- ESTA required: British passport holders must obtain an ESTA before travelling to California and all US states — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
British Airways Heathrow to Las Vegas — LHR to Las Vegas
Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport, LAS) is served by British Airways from London Heathrow with non-stop flights — one of the more popular transatlantic routes given Las Vegas’s draw as a entertainment destination for British visitors. Here is what UK travellers need to know:
| Detail | Information |
| Route | London Heathrow (LHR) to Las Vegas (LAS) |
| Airline | British Airways — the primary UK operator on this route |
| Flight time | Approximately 10 hours 30 minutes |
| Frequency | Seasonal — typically increased during peak summer and winter holiday periods |
| Economy return | From approximately £450-750 (book well in advance) |
| Club Suite (business) | From approximately £2,500-4,500 return |
| Las Vegas to London | Same route in reverse — approximately 11 hours 30 min (headwind) |
Las Vegas to London Flights — Tips for British Travellers
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is located approximately 5 miles from the Las Vegas Strip — taxis and rideshares are the most practical options
- BA operates direct LHR-LAS — other options include connecting through Chicago, Dallas, or Phoenix on American Airlines
- Avoid peak Las Vegas periods (New Year’s Eve, March Madness, major boxing events) for the best hotel prices — flight prices also rise during major events
- The time difference is 8 hours behind the UK (GMT+0) in winter and 8 hours behind BST in summer — arriving in Las Vegas from London means you land in the afternoon of the same day you departed
Flight Deals to Dallas from the UK
Dallas (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, DFW) is a major American Airlines hub and one of the better-connected US cities from the UK. American Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth, making it one of the more straightforward US transatlantic routes.
- Flight time: London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth — approximately 9 hours 30 minutes direct
- Airlines: American Airlines (primary direct operator); British Airways also serves DFW
- Budget return fares: From approximately £350-600 economy — Dallas is often one of the cheaper US transatlantic routes from the UK
- Best time: Avoid Dallas summers (June-August is brutally hot at 35-40°C); spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant
- Dallas highlights: Fort Worth Stockyards (America’s original cowboy culture), Deep Ellum music district, excellent Tex-Mex food, day trip to Austin (3 hours drive)
Cheap Flights to Trinidad and Tobago from the UK
Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost Caribbean nation — and one of the most distinctive. Trinidad is the larger island, home to Port of Spain (capital), the world-famous Trinidad Carnival (February), and the Pitch Lake (one of only three natural asphalt lakes on earth). Tobago is smaller, quieter, and focused on eco-tourism, diving, and beaches.
| T&T Flight Detail | Information | Notes |
| Flight time from UK | Approximately 9-10 hours | Direct or via Barbados/Antigua |
| Main airport | Piarco International (POS) — Trinidad | Tobago served by Crown Point (TAB) |
| Direct flights | British Airways from LHR | Seasonal direct; other options via Caribbean hub |
| Budget return | From approximately £450-700 | Book early; Carnival season (Feb) is most expensive |
| Inter-island | CAL (Caribbean Airlines) | Short 20-minute flight between Trinidad and Tobago |
Tobago — Why British Travellers Love It
Tobago is particularly popular with British visitors seeking an authentic Caribbean experience away from the large resort hotels that dominate Jamaica and Barbados. Key attractions: Buccoo Reef (snorkelling tour), Pigeon Point beach, the Argyle waterfall, and Little Tobago island (a seabird sanctuary). No visa is required for British passport holders for stays up to 90 days. The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD) but US dollars and cards are widely accepted.
Toronto and Vancouver to London Flights
Canada to UK flights are a high-demand route with strong competition from Air Canada, British Airways, WestJet, and Virgin Atlantic. Both Toronto and Vancouver are well-served from London Heathrow.
Toronto to London Flights
| Toronto–London | Details | Notes |
| Airport | Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to London Heathrow (LHR) | Main route; also London Gatwick options |
| Flight time | Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes | Westbound slightly longer due to headwinds |
| Airlines | Air Canada, British Airways, WestJet, Virgin Atlantic | Strong competition keeps fares competitive |
| Budget return | From approximately £350-600 | One of the more affordable transatlantic routes |
| Frequency | Multiple daily flights | Air Canada has the most frequent service |
Vancouver to London Flights
Vancouver (Vancouver International Airport, YVR) to London Heathrow takes approximately 9 hours 30 minutes eastbound. Air Canada is the primary direct operator, with British Airways also serving the route seasonally. Return economy fares from Vancouver to London start from approximately £400-650. Vancouver is often used as the starting point for a Canada road trip — flying into Vancouver and out of Toronto (or vice versa) on an open-jaw ticket allows you to cover the Trans-Canada Highway without backtracking.
LA to London — Fly LA to London England
Los Angeles (LAX) to London Heathrow is one of the most competitive transatlantic routes. Airlines operating direct LAX-LHR include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United, and Air New Zealand. Flight time is approximately 10 hours 30 minutes eastbound. Economy return fares start from approximately £400-700, with Virgin Atlantic and BA frequently competing on price. The route is one of the best served in the world for premium cabin travellers — both BA’s Club Suite and Virgin’s Upper Class on this route receive consistently high marks.
Gatwick to Tampa — UK to Florida’s West Coast
Tampa, Florida (Tampa International Airport, TPA) is served from London Gatwick — making it an alternative to the more commonly used Orlando entry point for visitors to Florida’s Gulf Coast. The British Airways Gatwick to Tampa route is one of the more popular Florida options for UK travellers seeking direct access to the Gulf Coast without the Disney World crowds of Orlando.
- Flight time: London Gatwick (LGW) to Tampa (TPA) — approximately 9 hours direct
- Airlines: British Airways operates the primary Gatwick-Tampa service
- Return fares: From approximately £500-800 economy
- Why Tampa over Orlando: Direct access to St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach (consistently rated among the USA’s best beaches), the Florida Keys (5 hours drive), and the Everglades — without the theme park crowds
- Airfare from Tampa to London: The return route operates on the same service — approximately 9 hours 30 minutes (slightly longer eastbound)
Flights to Tropea, Calabria, Italy from the UK
Tropea in Calabria, southern Italy, has become one of the most photographed and desirable Italian destinations for British travellers — its clifftop historic centre overlooking turquoise water, distinctive red onions, and uncrowded beaches make it a compelling alternative to the more well-trodden Amalfi Coast. The most practical routing from the UK:
- Fly to Lamezia Terme (SUF): The nearest international airport to Tropea — approximately 45 minutes drive. Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air operate seasonal routes from UK airports including London Stansted, Manchester, and Edinburgh
- Fly to Catanzaro Lido (CQS): Smaller regional airport; limited UK routes
- Fly to Reggio Calabria (REG) or Naples (NAP) and travel by train: Longer journey but more flight options
- Best time: June-September for beach weather; July and August peak; June and September ideal balance of warm weather and fewer crowds
- No visa required: Italy is in the EU but British passport holders can visit for up to 90 days without a visa under the post-Brexit rules
Flights to Samoa, Vanuatu, and Tortola from the UK
Flights to Samoa from the UK
Samoa (Faleolo International Airport, APW) is one of the more remote South Pacific destinations accessible from the UK — typically requiring two connections. The most common routing is London to Auckland (Air New Zealand, approximately 24 hours total) and then Auckland to Apia with Samoa Airways or Air New Zealand. Alternatively, fly via Fiji (Nadi) and connect to Samoa. Total journey time from the UK is approximately 26-30 hours. Return fares start from approximately £1,000-1,500. Samoa offers extraordinary natural beauty — black sand beaches, blowholes, traditional fa’a Samoa village life, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Pacific.
Flights to Vanuatu from the UK
Vanuatu (Bauerfield International Airport, VLI — Port Vila) requires multiple connections from the UK, typically routing via Australia (Sydney or Brisbane) and connecting on Air Vanuatu. Total journey time is approximately 28-32 hours. Vanuatu is most famous for its volcanic activity (Mount Yasur on Tanna Island — one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes), blue holes, traditional kastom villages, and excellent diving. Return fares from the UK start from approximately £1,200-1,800.
Flights to Tortola, British Virgin Islands from the UK
Tortola — the largest of the British Virgin Islands — is served by Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS). From the UK, the most common routing is via Antigua (VC Bird International, ANU) on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, then connecting on LIAT or charter services to Tortola. Alternatively, fly into Puerto Rico (SJU) or St. Maarten (SXM) and connect by ferry. The BVI is a British Overseas Territory — British passport holders have right of abode and no visa is required. Tortola is best known for sailing (the BVI is one of the world’s premier sailing destinations), beautiful beaches (Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler’s Cove), and the proximity to Virgin Gorda’s famous Baths.
British Airways vs Virgin Atlantic — Which Should You Choose?
The British Airways versus Virgin Atlantic debate is one of the most frequently searched airline comparisons for UK travellers. Both airlines operate long-haul routes from London primarily to the USA and Caribbean. Here is a direct comparison:
| Category | British Airways | Virgin Atlantic |
| Economy | Average legroom; mixed cabin quality | Slightly more legroom; more consistent quality |
| Premium Economy | World Traveller Plus — decent | Premium (PE) — widely considered better value |
| Business class | Club Suite — fully flat bed; excellent | Upper Class — fully flat; iconic bar; praised |
| Loyalty programme | Avios (BA Executive Club) | Virgin Points; also earns Avios on some partners |
| Routes | Broader global network (oneworld) | Focused on USA/Caribbean; code-shares Delta |
| London airports | Heathrow (primarily), Gatwick | Heathrow (primarily) |
| Food & service | Inconsistent; often criticised | Generally praised; strong cabin crew reputation |
| Best for | More routes; Avios redemptions | Trans-Atlantic service quality; Upper Class bar |
The verdict for most UK travellers: in economy, Virgin Atlantic is generally preferred for the USA on comparable routes. In business class, both are excellent — Virgin’s Upper Class social bar is unique; BA’s Club Suite is more private. BA wins on route breadth and the value of the Avios programme for redemptions.
Transavia Airlines Review — Worth Flying?
Transavia is a Dutch low-cost airline (owned by Air France-KLM) operating primarily from Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Orly, and Rotterdam to European and North African destinations. From the UK, Transavia is occasionally used via Amsterdam connections or for Dutch departures. Key facts for UK travellers:
- Routes: Mediterranean, North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt), Turkey, and Southern Europe
- Base airports: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Paris Orly (ORY), Rotterdam The Hague (RTM)
- Luggage: No free cabin baggage beyond a small personal item — pay for hold luggage (€30-50 per bag)
- Seats: Standard low-cost pitch (28-29 inches) — not recommended for tall travellers on longer flights
- On-time performance: Generally average for a low-cost carrier — similar to Ryanair and easyJet
- Verdict: Good value for short Mediterranean hops if flying from Amsterdam or Paris — not typically the most practical option for UK travellers compared to direct UK low-cost options
Delta Airlines Delta Comfort Plus — What Is It?
Delta Comfort Plus (also marketed as Delta Comfort or Economy Comfort) is Delta Air Lines’ premium economy cabin on long-haul international flights. It sits between Delta’s standard economy and Delta Premium Select (full premium economy with meal service). Key features:
| Delta Comfort+ Feature | Details |
| Seat pitch | Up to 4 additional inches of legroom vs main cabin |
| Location | First few rows of economy; near exits for extra legroom |
| Recline | Extended recline vs standard economy |
| Food and drink | Same as economy on most routes; dedicated overhead space |
| Early boarding | Priority boarding group |
| Price premium | Typically £50-150 more than standard economy on transatlantic routes |
| Compared to PE | Less than full Premium Economy — no flat bed, meal service, or wide seat |
Delta Comfort Plus is worth considering for travellers who want extra legroom without paying full premium economy prices. On Delta’s transatlantic routes from London Heathrow (Delta serves LHR with multiple US cities including Atlanta, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles), Comfort Plus can be a practical middle ground for travellers over 6 feet tall.
Is Trivago Deals Legit? — Trivago Explained for UK Travellers
Trivago is a legitimate hotel price comparison website — it is not a scam. Trivago is owned by Expedia Group and operates as a metasearch engine that aggregates hotel prices from multiple booking platforms (Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, direct hotel websites, and others) to show you the lowest available price for a given hotel.
How Trivago Works — Key Points
- Trivago does not sell hotels directly — it redirects you to the booking platform offering the lowest price
- The prices shown are sourced from the platforms themselves — Trivago’s accuracy depends on those platforms updating their prices in real time
- Trivago earns commission from the booking platforms when you click through — this is how they are funded, not by charging users
- ‘Trivago deals’ are not exclusive Trivago offers — they simply surface the best rate available across all platforms they monitor
- The platform is legitimate and widely used across Europe including the UK — comparable to Google Hotels or Kayak for hotel comparison
Is Trivago Safe to Book Through?
Trivago itself is safe — but it redirects you to third-party booking platforms, so the safety ultimately depends on the platform you book through. Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia (all listed on Trivago) are well-established and safe. Smaller platforms that may appear on Trivago results deserve scrutiny — check reviews on Trustpilot before booking through any unfamiliar platform. Always use a credit card (not debit) for hotel bookings for additional consumer protection.
For complete UK holiday guides to Bali, Thailand, Japan, Hawaii, Porto, Africa safari, Mexico, Brazil, Caribbean, and USA road trips, see our articles on Bali, Thailand, Japan, and Asia-Pacific holidays from the UK.
For current UK flight prices and comparison, see Skyscanner UK — compare flights and prices. For UK government travel advice and ESTA information, see FCDO Travel Advice — gov.uk.
For Porto, Africa safari, Kathmandu, Mexico, Brazil, Caribbean, and USA road trip guides from the UK, see our article on Porto, safari, Kathmandu, Mexico, and city breaks from the UK.
Bottom Line
| Flights to California from UK | LHR direct to LAX/SFO (~10.5-11 hrs); from £400 return; ESTA required |
| BA Heathrow to Las Vegas | Direct LHR-LAS on British Airways; ~10 hrs 30 min; from £450 return |
| Flights to Dallas from UK | Direct LHR-DFW on American/BA; ~9 hrs 30 min; from £350 return |
| Trinidad and Tobago from UK | ~9-10 hrs via BA direct or Caribbean connection; from £450 return |
| Toronto to London | ~7 hrs 30 min; Air Canada, BA, WestJet; from £350 return |
| Vancouver to London | ~9 hrs 30 min; Air Canada, BA; from £400 return |
| Gatwick to Tampa | ~9 hrs direct on BA; from £500 return |
| Flights to Tropea | Fly to Lamezia Terme (SUF) — 45 min drive; Ryanair/easyJet from UK airports |
| BA vs Virgin Atlantic | Economy: Virgin preferred; Business: both excellent; Routes: BA wider |
| Is Trivago legit? | Yes — legitimate metasearch engine owned by Expedia Group; not a direct booker |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fly to California from the UK?
From the UK, direct flights to California operate from London Heathrow to Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, and United all fly the LHR-LAX route directly in approximately 11 hours. LHR-SFO is approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. For San Diego, you will need to connect at LAX or SFO. Economy return fares start from approximately £400-650 when booked 6-10 weeks in advance. An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is required for British passport holders before travel to California and all US states.
Are British Airways flights to Las Vegas from Heathrow direct?
Yes — British Airways operates direct (non-stop) flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The flight takes approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. BA is the primary UK carrier operating direct LHR-LAS services, which are particularly popular during the summer months and around the Christmas/New Year period. Economy return fares start from approximately £450-750. Other options include connecting flights via Chicago, Dallas, or Phoenix on American Airlines.
Is Trivago a legitimate website?
Yes — Trivago is a legitimate hotel price comparison website. It is owned by Expedia Group and operates as a metasearch engine, aggregating hotel prices from Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, direct hotel websites, and other platforms to show the cheapest available rate. Trivago does not book hotels directly — it redirects you to the platform offering the lowest price. The ‘deals’ shown on Trivago are not exclusive offers but the best rates found across all platforms they monitor. Trivago is widely used across the UK and Europe and is a safe and reputable comparison tool.
British Airways or Virgin Atlantic — which is better for long-haul?
For economy class on US routes, Virgin Atlantic is generally preferred by British travellers — it has a slight edge in seat comfort, consistency, and cabin crew service. For premium economy, Virgin’s Premium cabin is widely considered better value than BA’s World Traveller Plus. For business class, both are excellent — Virgin’s Upper Class social bar is a unique feature, while BA’s Club Suite offers more privacy. For route variety and Avios programme value (particularly if you collect and redeem points), BA wins. Overall, if you are choosing between the two for a specific comparable US route, Virgin Atlantic tends to score higher in passenger satisfaction surveys.