Catch the waves and trek the mountains
Is reconnecting with nature the purpose of your cheap flights to the US? America’s natural beauty is as diverse as its people. The thundering Colorado River has carved its paths over the millennia through rock and sand, creating steep-sided canyons that glow red in the setting sun. Yellowstone’s thermal pools sparkle every colour of the rainbow and geysers shoot forth their water hundreds of feet into the air, while wolves prowl their land. Strong winds buffet the vast northern lakes, creating waves to challenge even the most steadfast of surfers. Take a pilgrimage into the Californian hills to Wine Country and sample some of the finest wine around.
Urban jungles
Cities sprawl and bustle with people. Where they cannot expand outwards, they inch towards the sky with towering skyscrapers. Theatre districts dazzle, and the world exists in miniature, from Little Italy to Chinatown, in cities all across the US. For an artsier New York experience, leave Manhattan behind and head across the bridge to Brooklyn to discover independent eateries and awesome street art. If people watching is more your thing, sit for while on Los Angeles’ Venice Beach Boardwalk to see some of the most eclectic characters around, from bodybuilders to street artists.
When to go
There is no bad time to visit the US, but prices can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year. The summer months are considered peak season as is the holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. As a result, the cost can be considerably higher. However, booked well in advance, it is possible to get a great deal on return flights over the festive period in cities like New York.
By comparison, the shoulder season in April/May and September/October are quieter and offer a reduced airfare. April sees the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the biggest Powwow in the world. If you want to discover more about indigenous cultures, then this is the ideal time to visit.
If checking the Californian Wine Country off your bucket list is a must but the thought of summer and harvest time crowds puts you off, why not consider visiting in February or March when the wild flowers start to bloom amongst the vines? Flights to San Francisco departing out of London are very budget friendly at this time of year.
Airports and airlines
Plan your trip with Netflights, and we can help you find the best deals and offers for any budget. Go to our USA flights page and compare prices on flights departing from all major United Kingdom (UK) airports to a wide range of US destinations using our calendar feature. Search by month to find the best deals.
It’s guaranteed that airfares will be highest during July/August regardless of destination or departure airport. New York also sees significant price hikes over the festive period. For these prime times, consider booking as early as six to eight months in advance, as this can turn up some excellent deals. During shoulder season, booking two to three months before departure is recommended.
Many airlines offer direct flights to the US from UK airports. In addition to London, routes from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham are available. However, a stopover in Dublin, Amsterdam or Reykjavik will bring airfares down. The most popular airlines operating UK-US routes are British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, United Airlines, Norwegian Air and Lufthansa.