New York City, a vibrant hub of culture, history, and natural beauty, captivates travellers worldwide. From its iconic skyscrapers to its world-renowned museums and Broadway shows, there is something to offer everyone. Its rich history is palpable in its colonial architecture and historical landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The city's diverse neighbourhoods offer unique experiences, and its sprawling parks provide a welcome respite from the urban buzz. A direct flight from London to New York typically takes around 7 hours, however, this can be affected by weather conditions and air traffic. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are two major airlines offering frequent daily direct flights. If you prefer a cheaper option or if no direct flights are available, consider alternative routes via major European hubs such as Paris, Amsterdam, or Dublin. These flights will inevitably increase your journey time. For the most cost-effective flights, book during the quieter months of January to March, or September to November. Booking 2-3 months in advance is usually recommended, to secure the best deals. The peak travel season is from June to August, and again during the holiday season from late November to December. During these times, expect higher prices and bigger crowds. The ideal months for budget travellers are during late winter or early spring, and in late spring, or early autumn when crowds are fewer, and flight deals are more frequent.

New York City experiences distinct seasons. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 29°C. Expect a lot of sunshine and high humidity. Winters (December-February) are cold, with average temperatures between -1°C and 7°C, and snowfall is common. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures and are considered the shoulder seasons; Springtime sees temperatures rising gradually, while autumn offers mild, crisp days with vibrant foliage. Extreme weather is uncommon, but occasional heatwaves in summer and blizzards in winter can disrupt travel plans.

London boasts several major international airports offering flights to New York City. There are six main airports in total, but only three will be mentioned here.

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, opened in 1946. It has five terminals and serves countless airlines with thousands of flights, passengers and routes daily. It's a significant international hub with numerous modern facilities and recently renovated terminals. It's known for its efficient services and large number of international and domestic flights and airlines.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport is another significant airport in London. Opened in 1929, it has two terminals and serves many international and domestic destinations. It's a modern airport with efficient operation, serving a huge number of airlines and flights and passengers daily. It's known for its efficient services and is a major international hub.

Luton Airport

Luton Airport, opened in 1938, is a smaller international airport compared to Heathrow and Gatwick. Despite its size, it's a busy airport with many international and domestic flights, and airlines, and passengers. It's a modern airport known for its efficient operation and passenger handling.

Main airlines for this route

• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Delta Air Lines

New York City is served by three major airports, each offering a variety of transportation options to the city centre.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK Airport is a major international airport, opened in 1948. It has six terminals and is a significant hub for numerous airlines, serving millions of passengers daily. The airport offers numerous amenities, including shops, restaurants and lounges. It's known for its efficient operation and its excellent transportation links to the city centre via public transport such as the AirTrain and subway, taxis and private cars.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport, opened in 1939, is another major airport serving New York City. It's primarily a domestic airport, but also hosts many international flights. It has four terminals and also offers numerous amenities, including shops, restaurants and lounges. It's known for its efficient operation and its excellent transport links to the city center via public transport, taxis, and private cars.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport, opened in 1928, is the third major airport serving the New York metropolitan area, located in New Jersey. It's an international hub for many airlines, offering numerous facilities including shops, restaurants and lounges. It's a modern airport that has undergone recent renovations, and offers convenient transportation to the city centre via public transport, taxis, and private cars.

New York City offers a plethora of experiences, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Plan your trip accordingly to make the most of it.

• Visit Times Square: Experience the dazzling lights and vibrant energy of Times Square, a must-see for first-time visitors. The area is iconic and instantly recognisable.
• Explore Central Park: Discover the beauty of Central Park, a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. This is a large green space in the city and contains multiple attractions.
• See a Broadway Show: Catch a Broadway show, experiencing the magic of live theatre in one of the world's most renowned theatre districts. There are many different shows available on any given day.