Cheap Flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Los Angeles International (LAX)

The 5.440-mile flight route from London’s Heathrow to Los Angeles International begins and ends at two of the world’s busiest airports. In between, it provides more than 11 hours of relative peace as you soar above 2,500 miles of the Atlantic and another 3,000 miles of America’s vast and varied geography. Navigating the airports, in fact, is the trickiest part of his journey. These Skyscanner tips can make it much easier.

Airline Options from Heathrow to LAX

Five airlines offer multiple direct flights from LONDON’S Heathrow to LAX, so you won’t have any problem finding one to suit your schedule. They include:

Air New Zealand departs daily from Heathrow Terminal 2 and lands at LAX Terminal 2.

Virgin Atlantic departs daily from Heathrow Terminal 3 and lands at LAX Terminal 2.

American Airlines departs daily from Heathrow Terminal 3 and lands at LAX Terminals 4 or 5.

British Airways departs daily for Heathrow terminals 1, 3, or 5 and lands at the LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal.

United departs daily from Heathrow Terminal 2B and lands at LAX Terminals 6, 7 or 8.

With so many options, using Skyscanner’s flight search engine is the fastest way to sort through the available flights and find the one perfect for you.

At Heathrow

One way to minimize your pre-flight stress is to check in online before leaving for Heathrow. Otherwise, arrive 3 hours ahead of your schedules departure to allow time for checking in, getting your boarding pass and clearing security.

All 5 terminals have plenty to keep you occupied before boarding. Shops and restaurants abound, including some notable London establishments such as Harrods, Ted Baker, Eats and Caviar & Prunier. Free Wi-Fi and mobile charging points ensure you stay connected at Heathrow and during your flight. Ath the currency exchange desks, trade your British pounds for dollars so you can hit the ground in LA running.

Landing at LAX

Although LAX has 9 terminals, the Tom Bradley International Terminal has a direct telephone service for making hotel or rental car reservations.

Free shuttle service runs between all the terminals 24/7, with one arriving at your terminal every 12 to 15 minutes. To board it, go to the terminal’s lower level and look for the blue LAX Shuttle sign.

ID Requirements

You’ll need your passport to board your flight at Heathrow. Keep it handy, because even U.S. citizens must pass through immigration when flying into LAX from London. In the passport control area, you’ll scan your passport, take a photo and answer a few Customs-related questions at one of the Automated Passport Control kiosks. The kiosk will print a receipt. Take it, along with your passport, to a Customs official who will finalize your re-entry into the U.S.

Time Zone and Climate

Set your watch back 8 hours when you arrive at LAX to account for the difference between the Los Angeles and London time zones. Regardless of the season, expect warmer and sunnier weather than you left. Even in January, Los Angeles averages about 7 hours of daily sun, while London gets just 6 hours in July.

London and Los Angeles are pricey cities, but LA is slightly cheaper in two important tourist categories, transportation and restaurants. Group taxi fare from LAX to downtown LA runs $46.50. From Heathrow to central London, it ranges between $57 and $112, depending on day and time. A 3-course meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant averages about $60 in Los Angeles and $71 in London.