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Travel Insights: London to JFK
Flying to the United States from another country
The United States receives over 75 million international visitors per year. Whether you are flying for business, vacation, education, or family, choosing the right entry airport and airline can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of travel time. This guide covers everything international travelers need to know before booking a flight to the US.
Major US entry airports for international flights
JFK John F Kennedy International Airport in New York is the largest international gateway on the East Coast. Over 70 international airlines operate here. Address: Queens, NY 11430. Phone: 718-244-4444. Website: https://www.jfkairport.com.
LAX Los Angeles International Airport is the primary Pacific gateway and the busiest airport on the West Coast for international arrivals. Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Phone: 855-463-5252. Website: https://www.flylax.com.
MIA Miami International Airport is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 100 airlines operate here with connections to over 160 destinations. Address: 2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142. Phone: 305-876-7000. Website: https://www.miami-airport.com.
ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a major hub for connecting flights to the Midwest and beyond. Address: 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666. Phone: 800-832-6352. Website: https://www.flychicago.com.
DFW Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the largest hub for American Airlines and a major connecting point for flights from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Address: 2400 Aviation Dr, DFW Airport, TX 75261. Phone: 972-973-3112. Website: https://www.dfwairport.com.
SFO San Francisco International Airport is a key Pacific gateway for flights from Asia and Oceania. Address: San Francisco, CA 94128. Phone: 650-821-8211. Website: https://www.flysfo.com.
ATL Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and a major connecting hub for international arrivals heading to the Southeast US. Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320. Phone: 800-897-1910. Website: https://www.atl.com.
EWR Newark Liberty International Airport serves the New York metro area and is a major United Airlines hub for transatlantic flights. Address: 3 Brewster Rd, Newark, NJ 07114. Phone: 973-961-6000.
IAD Washington Dulles International Airport is the primary international airport serving the nation's capital. Address: 1 Saarinen Cir, Dulles, VA 20166. Phone: 703-572-2700.
Most popular international routes to the US
London to New York is the single busiest international air route to the United States. Airlines operating nonstop include British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, United, Virgin Atlantic, and JetBlue. Flight time is approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Tokyo to Los Angeles is the busiest Pacific route. Airlines include ANA, Japan Airlines, American Airlines, United, and Delta. Flight time is approximately 11 to 12 hours.
Mexico City to Miami is one of the busiest Latin American routes. Airlines include Aeromexico, American Airlines, and United. Flight time is approximately 3 hours.
Toronto to New York is the busiest route from Canada. Airlines include Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, and United. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Paris to New York is a major transatlantic route. Airlines include Air France, Delta, American Airlines, United, and La Compagnie. Flight time is approximately 8 hours.
Dubai to New York is operated by Emirates with nonstop service on the A380. Flight time is approximately 14 hours.
Sydney to Los Angeles is the primary route from Australia. Airlines include Qantas, United, and Delta. Flight time is approximately 15 hours.
Sao Paulo to Miami is the busiest route from South America. Airlines include LATAM, American Airlines, and Azul. Flight time is approximately 8 hours.
What international travelers need to know before flying to the US
ESTA for Visa Waiver Countries. Citizens of 41 countries including the UK, Japan, Australia, Germany, France, South Korea, and others can enter the US without a visa using ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). You must apply at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before travel. Cost is $21 USD. ESTA is valid for 2 years.
Visa Required Countries. Citizens of countries not in the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at their local US Embassy or Consulate before traveling.
Customs and Border Protection. All international arrivals must clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need your passport, completed customs declaration form, and proof of onward or return travel. First-time visitors should expect the CBP process to take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the airport and time of arrival.
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Frequent travelers to the US can apply for Global Entry which includes TSA PreCheck. This allows expedited customs clearance through automated kiosks. Apply at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry. Cost is $100 for 5 years.
Baggage rules for international flights to the US. Most international economy tickets include 1 or 2 checked bags at 50 pounds each. Business class typically includes 2 bags at 70 pounds each. Always verify with your specific airline as rules vary significantly between carriers and fare types.
Best time to book international flights to the US
For transatlantic flights from Europe the cheapest months are typically January through March and September through November. Avoid June through August and December as these are peak travel periods.
For transpacific flights from Asia the cheapest periods are typically February through April and October through November.
For flights from Latin America prices are generally more stable year-round but spike during US holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Booking 2 to 3 months in advance typically gives the best balance of price and availability for international routes to the US.
How to book flights to the US
You can search and compare flights online or call +1 (212) 655-7547 to speak with a booking specialist who can find the best routing and fare for your specific trip. Phone agents can often find connecting itineraries and partner airline availability that does not appear on standard booking websites. For complex multi-city international trips calling is almost always the faster and smarter option.
Currency and payment tips
International travelers can usually pay for US-bound flights in their local currency when booking through a local airline website or travel agency. When booking through a US-based site, prices are typically in USD. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees like the Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, or Amex Platinum are ideal for booking international flights.
Travel insurance for flights to the US
Medical care in the US is expensive. International travelers should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage before flying to the US. A basic international travel insurance policy costs approximately $40 to $150 per trip depending on coverage and duration.
Additional Travel Information & FAQs
1. What airports fly international to the US? JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD, DFW, SFO, ATL, EWR, and IAD are the major international entry points.
2. Do I need a visa to fly to the US? Citizens of 41 Visa Waiver countries can use ESTA. All others need a B1/B2 visa.
3. What is ESTA? Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It costs $21 and is valid for 2 years.
4. How far in advance should I book? 2 to 3 months ahead typically gives the best price for international routes.
5. What is the cheapest month to fly to the US? January through March and September through November for most routes.
6. How long is the flight from London to New York? Approximately 7 to 8 hours nonstop.
7. How long is the flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles? Approximately 11 to 12 hours nonstop.
8. Can I book flights to the US by phone? Yes, call +1 (212) 655-7547 for booking assistance.
9. JFK Airport phone number? 718-244-4444.
10. LAX Airport phone number? 855-463-5252.
11. MIA Airport phone number? 305-876-7000.
12. DFW Airport phone number? 972-973-3112.
13. Do I need travel insurance for the US? Strongly recommended as US medical costs are very high.
14. Can I pay in my local currency? Usually yes when booking through local airline websites or agencies.
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