Flights to USA

Which US airport suits your trip?

New York's JFK and Newark airports suit city breaks and East Coast tours. Orlando International (MCO) is the gateway for the theme parks and the Space Coast, and Miami (MIA) for South Beach, the Everglades, the Florida Keys and Caribbean cruises. Los Angeles (LAX) is the usual start for Californian road trips, and Las Vegas (LAS) for the Strip, the Grand Canyon and the national parks of the south-west. Open-jaw tickets, such as into New York and home from Miami, avoid doubling back.

Airlines and UK departure points

Heathrow has the widest choice, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta, United and JetBlue. From Gatwick, British Airways and Norse Atlantic fly to Orlando, and Manchester has Virgin Atlantic flights to Orlando and Las Vegas. Edinburgh adds seasonal non-stop flights to New York and Orlando. From other regional airports, Aer Lingus connects through Dublin, where US preclearance lets you pass American immigration before you board.

From first nations to fifty states

Native American nations lived across the continent for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. English settlers founded Jamestown in 1607, and in 1776 thirteen colonies declared independence from Britain. The country pushed west over the following century, the Civil War of 1861 to 1865 ended slavery, and around 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island in New York. Today there are 50 states, and large Muslim communities in cities such as New York, Chicago, Houston and Dearborn mean halal restaurants and mosques are easy to find.

ESTA, money and practical tips

British citizens with a chip-enabled passport can visit for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program, but must apply for an ESTA through the official US government website before travelling, ideally at least 72 hours ahead. An approved ESTA usually lasts two years or until your passport expires. Some travellers, depending on their travel history, need a visa instead. Prices are shown before sales tax, tipping of 18 to 20 per cent is expected in restaurants, and plugs are the flat two-pin type. Take out travel insurance with generous medical cover, as US healthcare is expensive.

When to go

New York is most comfortable in spring and autumn, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Florida is warm all year, though hurricane season runs from June to November. Southern California is mild for most of the year, while Las Vegas regularly passes 40°C in July and August.

Planning a multi-city trip across the USA? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll put the flights on one booking.