Which Airline Should I Pick For My Next London-New York Flight?

The London-New York pairing is one of the most lucrative segments in aviation, seeing a high amount of traffic and plenty of demand for premium cabins. In 2019, over 3.1 million passengers flew between London and New York - a route that was seeing annual growth ahead of the pandemic. Following the pandemic downturn, demand has shot back up, with London Heathrow alone processing more than 3 million passengers to New York throughout 2023.
Airlines with jets big and small in both the US and UK are heavily active with their services between the two metropolises. There are currently seven carriers operating direct services between London and New York, including two relative newcomers to the scene in the form of JetBlue and Norse Atlantic Airways. So which carrier should you fly with?
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[@danteschrantz1253]

Glad to hear that the "regular voice" is back

[@Fay7666]

Likely pre-recorded before the hiatus.

[@nicholasbuonagura7374]

As someone who does this route a lot, JetBlue is the silent champion, way better than any other airline

[@itsjoel]

One thing that never seems to be discussed, and a reason I won’t use Jet Blue is the cruising speeds of the narrow bodies vs wide bodies. A Jet Blue A321 will take about 7hours 30 minutes flight time from LHR - JFK, whereas on a 777 or A350 it’s about 7 hours. Quite a big difference.

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

I just took JetBlue mint class. It was great. So here is the thing that you are unaware off. The airplane boarding takes 20 min. They close the door and off you go. Then in JFK, you arrive at their own terminal with their own immigration. So you arrive with just your flight, which is around 200 people. Everybody was through immigration in 10 to 15 min. Then when you get your bags, they arrive quickly as well, since it’s just a 321. Basically, from landing to out on the street in less than 30 min. You try that with any other airline.

[@Rasscasse]

So the extra 30 mins on the travel time is recovered by the speed of processing through the terminal after landing . Interesting info thanks 👍

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

@@Rasscasse right. But technically, also before take off. They started boarding about 25 min before departure. It’s just a lot quicker to fill such a small airplane, even with a single isle.

[@sainnt]

It's been 18 years since I flew nonstop from London to New York, and that was on a Virgin Atlantic 747-400. It was amazing!

[@ej_tech]

Ours was just 3 months ago. Virgin Atlantic A350. Will fly that again.

[@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549]

Non-stop? Who is fly NY to London with stop overs?😂

[@sainnt]

​@@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549Ever heard of Icelansair? TAP? Aer Lingus? They typically have lower fares, so the answer is, the same people who fly Spirit? 🤔

[@_theflyinggazelle]

Interesting and insightful coverage, thanks. These city pairs remain fascinating to me, in terms of connectivity and the sheer amount of traffic between them. I think JetBlue’s playing more so in the big carriers (vs ‘low-cost’) sandbox.. its fares alone (and of course differentiated service) reflect this.

[@tonyInPA]

Actual United polaris is a fantastic product…but check the layout for any United business flight…not too long ago i found you could be on a united *business* class flight that was 8 abreast in a 777. Or for a couple bucks more (based on my company agreements) be on the upper deck of a 747-8, 4 across in your own little world. Easy choice.

[@user-of5lw4oy3c]

Virgin for me as I have flown them many times and the experience was good.

[@4evertrue830]

Even though Virgin's air tickets aren't among the top three affordable ones? You must be a big spender. 😅😅😊

[@eamonahern7495]

British Airways used to do an Airbus A319 flight from Heathrow to New York via Shannon. It was an all premium layout and took over the old Concorde flight number. It stopped in Shannon on the way from Heathrow for fuel and give pre clearance to US passengers. I know this because it was featured in a review video by a guy who reviewed flights and airlines on KZbin. A number of years ago.

[@Cactus732]

It was actually an A318, from London City. They only had 2 and didn’t reactivate them after the pandemic.

[@eamonahern7495]

@Cactus732 thanks for the correction.

[@gop4usa12]

It blows my mind to see all the travel that goes on between the USA and Europe. These are just the flights from NYC to London. Then we've got about 20 other US cites that go to multiple European destinations every single day. It's truly mind-boggling.

[@Rasscasse]

I agree. It really is staggering the thousands of people who travel between Europe and America every day. For information, Heathrows’ most popular destination is JFK and in the next week, there are an average of 23 flight per day. LHR-JFK

[@Ananth8193]

Nice video if I want to fly in this route I will prefer Delta or Virgin Atlantic

[@user-xz1wq2de4q]

i would like to choose virgin atlantic or jetblue because their airliners like a330 neo, a350-1000 or a321 LR are newest and among the most modern widebodies and narrowbodies, along with their entertainment i think it's a great choice

[@ekuche8335]

Doing lax to lhr next week on United Polaris… always a great choice.

[@chromebomb]

The food sucks but the seat is very good

[@Chris-ys7mp]

Not all of these economy seats are created equal. For instance the Virgin flights have a bit more seat recline which dramatically reduces leg room if the person in front of you puts their seat back. If you're flying with a partner in economy Delta is the way to go because you can get a window and aisle seat together on the 767 and A330.

[@ericwalker2434]

I’d take seat recline over the space in front of my head any day for a redeye flight

[@user-yz3sn9un1m]

Ive always been iffy with Norse so I believe I would go with JetBlue

[@Scoooot-ob4kq]

The more widebody choices ... The Better !!!!

[@maxsaviation9512]

Actually JetBlue A321’s have much more comfortable seats than almost all 777’s in economy

[@damcoentertainment3956]

@@maxsaviation9512 They probably do, yeah.

[@j3j326]

I just went to LHR to pick up family members who came on a United flight.

[@Avgeek1564]

I have flown LHR to JFK with AA, BA, & jetBlue. I have to say pound for pound jetBlue was the best experience.

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

Same.

[@MatthewL1973]

With a flight duration that allows for a nap as opposed to a night of restful sleep, premium cabins seem superfluous for the price. Extra legroom economy is the best value.

[@gobbledygook5786]

Correct. The reason the price is expensive to an ordinary consumer is because the prices are catered more to big businesses who pay their employees' way across the pond in Business. This is why they make so much profit in premium cabins - most people there aren't directly paying to be there, which is why they can keep it that way.

[@user-xz1wq2de4q]

always good video

[@jwil4286]

Kinda surprised there’s no A380s, no 747s, and no fifth freedom services.

[@gobbledygook5786]

Operating with a smaller aircraft, I.E. the 777,787, or 767, allows the airline to offer the same amount of seats over, say, seven flights, than over two A380 flights. This means they can offer more options and choices to customers. They make most of their revenue on this route through big businesses paying to fly their employees in Business class, and these employees require multiple different departure times to be more efficient, making A380 operation maybe slightly more efficient, but not sustainable or favorable for customers. As for the 747, most of them were retired due to fuel efficiency, but before 2020, BA used to operate give or take four 747's daily. Hope this helps! @jwil4286

[@jwil4286]

@@gobbledygook5786 that does. Thanks! Still wonder why no one wants to operate a fifth freedom leg if this route is so lucrative, but that’s probably a mystery (or maybe it’s because it’s such a bloodbath of competition)

[@MRRAKSHITH]

theres singapore airlines out of manchester

[@jwil4286]

@@MRRAKSHITH to New York (Newark) I take it?

[@gobbledygook5786]

@@jwil4286 No, the Manchester route goes to Houston. I didn't mention it because it wasn't part of the east coast market.

[@AnthonyIglio]

Jetblue in my opinion has the best service and food in Mint (Buissness) and Core (Economy)

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

I just did that in Mint last week. I have flown most major airlines in business class. Jet blue was in the top 3 for me.

[@thomashrubecky1663]

I'm a big fan of British Airways. I cannot recall any instance of poor service in over 40 segments. I'd love to see Simple Flying do a similar (but shorter) dive into London - Chicago. In terms of onward connections, Chicago is an excellently placed middle-of-America hub.

[@Rasscasse]

Which class did you fly please Thomas ? What your view of BA economy space?

[@Jake-1234]

Yes the og guy is back! I have been crying myself to sleep as it has been almost impossible to watch a whole video beacuse he is what makes them special. Good to see you are back and healthy though!

[@4evertrue830]

I hope you know, he doesn't really care about your feelings towards him. If he did, he will pin your comment and many others like yours for years now.

[@Jake-1234]

@@4evertrue830 I dount he even accesses the account. It is other people at simple flying]

[@stevenholt1867]

The Pond

[@Wh0s.Sebas27]

jetBlue definitely!!

[@johnvsymons]

JetBlue is my choice for this route. Their "Mint Service" is great.

[@TheAviationYoutuber]

Go via Keflavik with the airline “play”

[@fotiskantis]

Either Delta or United. Delta uses mostly Airbus planes and United is on the same alliance with Aegean airlines, which could make transit easier in LHR. Both airlines have great cabins and services, although British Airways is a great choice as well

[@noodle.moodle.doodle]

Nice Video! also first

[@barnalisarkar3248]

Ya regular voice come back but still the older voice is better or simple Flying Long Haul

[@JDFloyd]

I fly JFK-LHR 2 or 3-times a year, and I am an American Airlines Executive Platinum & Concierge Key member. So, my carrier of choice is AA, but on occasion use BA. If I am connecting through to any part of Europe, I use BA to reduce hassles. I chose either of the airlines Business Class options.

[@libanaden5183]

JetBlue 100%

[@evolancer211]

I'd fly Norse since they're newer, they'll likely try harder than others already established airlines lol

[@Cactus732]

They’re not new, it’s just a reincarnation of Norwegian.

[@erik_griswold]

Pity there are no more 5th Freedom carriers connecting NYC to LON (not counting Norse who are using a UK subsidiary to operate these flights)

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

Because they can fill their airplanes in their home country.

[@KO-xe8vj]

New York - Paris next

[@aaronadam4747]

Jetblue and Virgin Atlantic

[@mindblown9]

what routes have more airlines

[@ericbosken3114]

Since I pay for my own travel in Economy, I always prefer wide body jets over single-aisle ones

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

The seats in JetBlue are better than the wide bodies. So you are missing out and more important, paying more.

[@oneworld2642]

AA, Delta, BA

[@dannyspualding417]

Why not do each one and do a simply flying trip report?

[@JohnnyW36]

Delta for non-stops from the Pacific Coast.

[@TheLiamster]

I always fly upper class on Virgin Atlantic

[@wadehiggins1114]

Into the Blue

[@CatnipMasterRace]

I think focusing so much on business/first class is a bit silly given 95% of people watching this will never choose anything above economy (although ig maybe it gets more clicks talking about luxury services?). If you want a comparison of economy classes (i haven't flown united, american or norse on this route but i've flown the others), I think jetblue is by far the best as their meals are actually nice, their seats have loads of leg room, and they include free fast wifi - all this included in even their cheapest fares, which somehow are still often cheaper than alternative airlines despite offering in my opinion better service.

[@sundragon7703]

I have friends who are loyal United flyers. However, they will sideline United for the British Airways experience.

[@EpicThe112]

British Airways over the US3. More premium possibly resulting in this from EWR BA Club World/First > UA Polaris from JFK BA First/Club World > AA Flagship First/Business and Delta One. Seat type wise BA Safran Club World should beat an AA Adient Ascent 8 first class Flagship suites 43 business suites

[@EuropeanRailfanAlt]

Either JetBlue or Norse because I think they're the cheapest

[@ameerali.ouarda]

By the time you add baggage you might as well go with BA or Virgin

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

@@ameerali.ouardathat’s not true at all. For international flights, luggage is not charged.

[@ameerali.ouarda]

@@rtbrtb_dutchy4183 Norse does charge, they even charge for you to bring a backpack and for the inflight meal

[@AarushNishikanth1]

United 100% perfect new fresh seats, not the best seats, but you don’t have to worry about trash old seats, you will always get new seats on every aircraft and in my opinion that’s the most important.

[@maxsaviation9512]

Forgot about the 8 abreast seats on the 777.

[@Lufty747fan]

Norse I want to see a flight review for Norse

[@profgustavomanriquez2434]

We´re the strongest. (BA/AA),

[@Paul_C]

Any airline will do, just make sure you fly on an Airbus craft.

[@gordon2766]

Whichever’s cheapest

[@xiiivaniix]

JetBlue with free wifi and comfort and food is unmatched!

[@JohnGuidetti751]

On a A321. No thanks.

[@xiiivaniix]

@@JohnGuidetti751 way less people, more Toilets per person and more seat pitch and width and brand new planes I cant see how the type makes a negative difference ? And that’s just if you sit Economy. Mint is a no Brainer.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

@@xiiivaniix Takes over half hour longer than the equivalent wide bodies on the route. Is a A350 or A330-9 or 787 not a new plane then? What’s the px to toilet ratio & pitch compared to these other airlines it’s probably minuscule or the same on some. First class or latest gen business class with closed doors available with a lounge. JetBlue doesn’t even have a lounge.

[@xiiivaniix]

@@JohnGuidetti751 Could be wrong but most airlines fly 76’s, 75’s and older 330’s far more commonly. Getting a 350 or 787 is far less likely. 26 first class with two toilets in the front. Is what I know. The 100 or so left in the back have to have at least 2 or 3. The mint seats and food are far better than the US competitors. The food alone and faster internet is amazing. Also cheaper to fly mint by 50% most of the time

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

@@JohnGuidetti751I’ve flown them all. JetBlue is definitely the best. Your flight time difference is quickly made up. First, boarding takes 20 min. Then a quick push back and off you go. But the big difference is JFK. You go to JetBlue’s own terminal. It’s just your flight with roughly 200 pax that go through immigration. In 15 min, everybody was through. The bags show up almost immediately, since it’s half the bags compared to the wide bodies. You can be street side in less than 30 min after landing. (Landing, not gate arrival). Your time will be made up and be quicker actually, if you go from Boarding in London to street side at JFK.

[@GarlandTexasSpotter2024]

Delta and Virgin Atlantic because they both have better cabins than other carriers

[@dosdeyamaguchi9675]

try Ryanair, they just launched a new route from STN to JFK for $49 one way

[@PakaBubi]

ha ha ha ....

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

But the landing will be hard. 😂

[@Rasscasse]

And you’ll have to pay every time you want to use the toilet.

[@arokeranen9017]

JetBlue😜

[@richjames2540]

American. Most reliable and more space for tall PAX.

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

Not really. And I’m a lifetime gold member on AA. I still disagree with you.

[@richjames2540]

@@rtbrtb_dutchy4183 You pays your money and you takes your choice. TATL I would choose AA (TPAC JAL) EXP Lifetime Platinum 3 million miler. Personal view are just that, so disagreement is healthy. BA cancel too many flights and have cramped seating in premium cabins, United have fewer choices, old aircraft and they cancel or delay a lot - to NYC you have to fly to EWR, Delta run old planes form LHR and have very few flights (they just dropped LAX), Jet Blue is a good value proposition but I dislike flying narrow bodies over the water and Virgin just is not my scene. Always reminds me of Hi De Hi. On the down side AA lounges at LHR are as bad as the BA regular Lounges and the recent conversion of Aadvantage into a credit card plan makes it of little value to UK based flyers. Still I gave up the points game years ago when dynamic pricing was adopted,

[@Christian27241]

Delta

[@andremp03]

Virgin or JetBlue

[@get2dachoppa249]

Whatever carrier I can earn the most points/miles with for that flights since I have status with multiple carriers mentioned.

[@Conches285]

Jet Blue is criminally underrated!

[@robertrawley1115]

*LAX-LHR or SFO-LHR?* Which airline should I pick for my November flight? Los Angeles or San Francisco, which has the better service offers to and from London? (And, how does London to New York travel compare to London to the US West Coast in seats utilized?)

[@erik_griswold]

Aer Lingus via DUB so you can pre-clear USCBP on the return.

[@AvgeekA380]

Norse flies twice daily 5 times a week, not once daily.

[@gilgengomes3222]

The airport of The RS is closed until 30 may 2024 in Brazil

[@ProCodeGaming]

The upcoming Global Airlines left the chat

[@cabottaxi]

Are Global Airlines going to join this group with their acquired 380s ?

[@favourmiracle7094]

Yes. Info from Wikipedia: "Global Airlines Limited is a British startup airline aiming to begin operations from London to New York City and Los Angeles in spring 2024, using a fleet of four Airbus A380s."

[@Rasscasse]

Well it’s not going to be spring 2024 is it. But it might be spring 2025? Their first aircraft, still in China southern livery, is currently parked at Prestwick airport Scotland.

[@jamesx4952]

This man got kidnapped by a Boeing employee on the other simple flying channel

[@d.b.cooper1]

Virgin for sure. Good offering and the crew are always a good laugh unlike the boomers on BA & legacy yanks airliners

[@glorfindel17]

Go via Dublin. LCC from the UK - much cheaper in general

[@A20N_AV085]

Jetblue

[@TheRaazberry]

Flying JBU to Gatwick, hopefully it’s good

[@ericdiaz6236]

I will pick american airlines

[@benchoflemons398]

Never in my life have I heard that.

[@Crosswindsaviations]

@@benchoflemons398amazing

[@maxsaviation9512]

@@benchoflemons398I have had great experiences flying American in the past 10 years! People like to complain about the smallest unreasonable things that other airlines also have. People just like to hate even if they’ve only flown once on AA cause they follow what others complain about that has nothing to do with them.

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

@@maxsaviation9512 I’m a million miler on AA. I used to be executive platinum with them. They are just not the same anymore. Sorry, but that’s how I feel.

[@Rob_Dingemans]

BIG Fail regarding travelers choice. People are already looking at the plane type to fly with. I know several travelers who don't want to fly with certain planes

[@L1MEav]

fly from Gatwick, there will be less PAX in the terminal. ( I think )

[@benchoflemons398]

Norse if you’re paying cash. Totally different if it’s a reward flight or booked with a travel portal

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Picked the worse airline of the bunch.

[@highlights03043]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@Zunkar1]

Qatar airways

[@4evertrue830]

What kind of assessment of the best airline to choose from is this? I am more confused about which airline to fly and which one not to fly. 🤔

[@hanj31]

United delta or VA. if flying business class. If you want first class pick AA or BA since they are the only options. Jetblue for Economy class

[@BillyWatersIE]

Aer Lingus

[@maxsaviation9512]

I would rather fly Ryanair transatlantic before United, Ryanair doesn’t have consistent rude staff and terrible cold food. There are plenty of other much greater options than paying to have a terrible experience.

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

Ryan doesn’t serve hot food. 😂

[@justinmcdaid2594]

Just realised this is the same voice that does easyjets announcements and safety demo

[@thespiritualpoint1855]

Virgin Atlantic or delta

[@Lonelyplanet3]

Don’t pick a Boeing

[@linnhtetaung9845]

I just wish Air Asia to operate on this route. LoL You guys could get alot cheaper tickets.

[@kingleolumaban5415]

.

[@ameerali.ouarda]

I always pick British 🇬🇧

[@rtbrtb_dutchy4183]

So you never learn??

[@jamesmulgrew5768]

Jetblue free WiFi great food & great crew

[@rtzend4311]

Ryanair get on it!

[@jamiesworld1690]

Singapore Airlines

[@AvgeekA380]

VA is best

[@gobbledygook5786]

Virgin is BY FAR the best option.

[@Patrickair4444]

WOW cheap

[@UnderDevelopmrnt]

Delta