Cheap Flights to North America from the UK

Best student & youth fares right now to North America

Fancy a trip to North America? Whether it’s New York on your mind or a Caribbean adventure, we’ve got cheap fares to help you get there for less. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just use the search box above or check back later—these fares are updated daily.

Student flights from the UK to North America

Thinking about studying abroad in the US or just wanting to head to North America for a holiday? With hundreds of scenic National Parks and amazing cities like New York, Los Angeles and Montreal, North America is a bucket-list destination for pretty much everyone. And it’s great in any season, from beaches in California and Cancun to world-class skiing in Colorado and Whistler, North America has plenty to do, see and explore.

At StudentUniverse, we’ve got exclusive discounts and savings on flights to North America for students, youths and anyone under the age of 31. If you want to save even more, be sure to sign up for a free membership so you can unlock all of our most exclusive fares. Not ready to buy yet? No worries, just keep reading for more info on when to go, what to visit and more.

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What are the main North America airport hubs?

As you can imagine, North America has quite a few airport hubs since it’s such a massive region. Deciding what hub to fly into will most likely be determined by which areas you’re hoping to explore the most—you won’t be able to do it all in one go, that’s for sure. With that said, New York, LA, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago and San Francisco are all main airport hubs in the USA. In Canada, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are popular hubs. Mexico City is also a big hub if you’re flying into Mexico.

How to fly from the UK to North America

The UK is well-connected with most parts of North America, with heaps of flights to choose from, especially if you’re travelling to a bigger city. For example, there are over 1,700 direct flights from London to New York every week! You won’t have a hard time finding direct flights to many larger cities too, such as Boston, San Francisco, LA, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City and so on. But may need to take an indirect flight if you’re travelling to a smaller city.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Finnair are all popular choices for flights to North America, but Delta Airlines, Air Canada and American Airlines are also good options.

When is the best time to fly to North America?

Since North America is so large, there’s no one best time to visit: in fact, it’s pretty great any time of year depending on where you go and what you’re hoping to do! The climates vary greatly, from chilly and tropical climes to mountains and deserts too. For example, although Canada and the northern US stay quite cold from November to March (i.e. temps below 0° C), they’re great destinations for a ski trip and they’re beautiful in the fall or late spring.

In places like LA, Florida or anywhere south of Mexico, the weather tends to stay quite warm year-round. Flights are typically more expensive during winter holidays (from late November to early January) and in the summer. Whatever you decide, do some research into the climate of the specific area you’ll be in before you go so you know what to expect.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the UK to North America?

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Prices based on bookings made 30-60 days prior to departure.

Why do British students love visiting North America?

Whether it’s for studying or for fun, British students love visiting North America. The combination of amazing cities, stunning scenery, food from all over the world, and no shortage of things to do and see make it an ideal destination. There’s something for everyone.


North America universities and campuses

North America has some of the best, most highly-ranked universities in the world, including schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Princeton and more. Although these are some of the most famous, they’re certainly not the only schools available! Some schools, like New York University, Yale, the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia are known for having large international student populations. One thing many British students love about North American universities is the flexibility of the 4-year programmes. You can study a variety of interests alongside your major of choice and you won’t have to settle into a specific subject or major right away. Plus, many North American universities are offering more and more scholarships for British students.


North America lifestyle and culture

Lifestyle and culture vary widely across North America. In Mexico and Central America, the vibrant local cultures have been influenced by centuries of ancient civilizations, while in Canada, much of the culture has been influenced by Europe. Many people throughout the region speak English, but be prepared with some basic Spanish phrases if you’re heading to Mexico or continuing on to Central America. Regardless of where you’re going, you’ll probably find many similarities in culture to what you’re used to at home (especially in the big cities). If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask a local. Most people are quite friendly and willing to help.


Exploring North America on a student budget

Like culture, the costs for travelling can vary widely across North America. Despite some cities (like San Francisco, LA and New York) having a reputation for being quite expensive, they can be explored on a student budget with a little planning. Find free things to do and eat at smaller, local restaurants to save on cash. Keep in mind that hostels are not as common in the US, so you may want to book a hotel room or use Airbnb. Visiting smaller cities or countries is also a great way to stick to a smaller budget. And keep in mind that the exchange rate for the dollar to the pound is in your favour.

Frequently asked questions about flying from the UK to North America

Do I need a visa for anywhere in North America?

Should I tip in North America?