Flights to the UK

Best student & youth fares right now to the UK

As we already mentioned, we have some great flight prices to the UK for all students and youth. Check out some of our best fares below. But if you’re not seeing a flight that fits your travel plans or your budget, don’t panic. These are updated each day, so just check back tomorrow!

Student flights from the USA to the UK

A trip to the United Kingdom is an ideal starting point for that vacation in Europe you’ve been dreaming about. If you’re thinking of working or spending a semester abroad, it’s a great choice for that too. Since the UK is made up of four separate countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, you won’t be surprised to find that it’s a pretty exciting place to visit.

Prefer to spend your time in the city? Great, head over to London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast. Or if you’re looking to spend some time in nature (we’re talking national parks, forests and fabulous beaches), the UK is all set on that front too.

So if you’re considering a trip to the UK, good news. We’ve got some awesome discounts on flights for students and youth. So when you land, that extra dollar can be spent making the most of your trip. Looking for even more ways to save? Great! Sign up to become a member at StudentUniverse and you’ll get exclusive offers and discounts. It’s free and only takes a minute.

map of the UK showing the main airports

What are the main UK airport hubs?

Similarly to the US, the UK has a number of key airport hubs. Which one you fly into or out of depends entirely on your travel plans. For reference, London has six airports (although technically only 3 of these are actually located in the city); London City, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted and Southend. Many international flights from the US will arrive at Gatwick or Heathrow. But you may also choose to use Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Newcastle Airport.

How to fly from the USA to the UK

Flying to the UK from the US is easy: it's just a hop across the pond. And wherever you fly from in the US, there are plenty of direct and nonstop flight options to choose from. New York, Boston, Orlando, Philadelphia and Los Angeles are just some of the cities that offer direct flights into the United Kingdom. We partner with a number of airlines that operate flights to the UK. These include Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, American, United and more.

When is the best time to fly to the UK?

The UK definitely isn’t famed for its brilliant weather. Quite the opposite, in fact. But if you don’t mind a little unpredictable weather, it’s a great year-round destination. For those wanting to experience the UK at its warmest try traveling from June to September. Or if you want to experience the UK in all it’s magical, winter wonderland glory, December is a great choice too. Spring and autumn are also fantastic times to visit, but just be wary of booking during the UK half-term holidays as you’ll notice a lot more crowds.

Whenever you choose to visit the UK, you will definitely find some cool events, cultural celebrations and festivals to attend. We’re talking Chinese New Year, St Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Eve and even Thanksgiving too. Summer is a great time for music festivals in the UK. Some of the best include Reading & Leeds, Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, Latitude, Download, Lovebox, BST Hyde Park and Wireless.

Just note that if you’re heading to the UK for one of these events, prices of flights will increase and may have limited availability. So be sure to book early (this includes your accommodation too) to avoid disappointment.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the USA to the UK?

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Prices based on bookings made 60-90 days days prior to departure.

Why do American students love visiting the UK?

American students love visiting the UK for a multitude of reasons. The study abroad opportunities (at some top universities) are plentiful and you can study without having to learn a new language. Plus on weekends you can just hop over to Europe to explore more of what the continent has to offer too.


UK universities and campuses

UK universities and campuses

The universities in the UK have a pretty great reputation. Let’s take Oxford and Cambridge, ranked towards the very top of The Times Higher Education league tables. But they’re not the only world-renowned higher institutions in the country. London and Edinburgh are also home to some fantastic universities including UCL, Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh. Other destinations with top universities include Manchester, Warwick, Bristol, Glasgow, Birmingham, Sheffield and Exeter.


UK lifestyle and culture

British lifestyle and culture

The UK and US, culturally, aren’t too different. The UK may have a slightly different sense of humour and they may spell some words different from the US, but the language is still the same. On your travels, you may notice some slight cultural differences, as well as accents, within the UK. And if you’re heading to Wales do be aware that many people still speak Welsh, which is why you’ll see many signs that are not in English. And always remember to stand right, walk left on escalators and walkways, particularly in airports and subway stations!


Exploring the UK on a student budget

Exploring the UK on a student budget

There is a slight difference in the cost of living in the UK and US, so you may find things a bit cheaper than they are at home, depending on where in the UK you visit. But the busier cities (looking at you London!) will be more expensive than other parts of the UK. But there are always ways to explore on a student budget! We’re talking free entry to museums, street markets and cheap travel within the UK and across to Europe too.

Frequently asked questions about flying from the USA to the UK

Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

What’s the currency in the UK and the exchange rate in USD?

What time zone is the UK and how does it compare to the US?

What are some etiquette tips for the UK?