Traveling to London with Points and Miles

What comes to mind when you think of London? For many, it’s a blend of museums, historic sites, and vibrant pop culture references. From Abbey Road Studios to iconic locations featured in franchise hits like Harry Potter, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities in this bustling city.

Saving Money While Exploring London

Traveling to London can be pricey; however, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Utilizing public transport, visiting free museums, and leveraging points and miles for flights and accommodations can greatly reduce costs. Here are some tips:

Use public transportation to navigate the city effectively.
Visit attractions with free admission.
Leverage points and miles for travel and lodging discounts.

The Cheapest Award Flights to London

When searching for flights to London, don’t restrict yourself to just one airport. Main airports include:

Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London City Airport (LCY)
Luton Airport (LTN)
Stansted Airport (STN)

Consider flying from major U.S. hubs to find the best nonstop deals. Consequently, you may opt to reposition if you are not near these hubs.

Economy Class Options

Cheapest economy class ticket to London: 20,000 Virgin Points round-trip (from the East Coast, off-peak season)
Cheapest business-class ticket: 88,000 All Nippon Airways Mileage Club miles round-trip
Cheapest first-class ticket: 136,000 British Airways Avios round-trip (from the East Coast, off-peak season)

Utilizing American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines provides straightforward access to London with nonstop flights from multiple U.S. cities. Here’s how many AAdvantage miles you need for different classes:

Economy Class: From 50,000 miles round-trip
Business/First Class: From 125,000 miles round-trip

Exploring British Airways Executive Club

Travelers can access direct flights from major U.S. cities to Heathrow Airport. British Airways employs a distance-based award chart, thus evaluating your needs based on traveling distances is beneficial.

Avios Requirements

Economy Class: 26,000 to 60,000 Avios round-trip
Business Class: 100,000 to 180,000 Avios round-trip
First Class: 136,000 to 240,000 Avios round-trip

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Using Virgin Points only for flights to London is advantageous, as it can save substantial amounts on fuel surcharges. Here’s how many Virgin Points you’ll need:

Economy Class: 20,000 to 50,000 miles round-trip
Business Class: 95,000 to 155,000 miles round-trip

Air France / KLM Flying Blue

Although you cannot fly nonstop to London with Air France or KLM, Flying Blue miles provide excellent options via one-stop connections.

Flying Blue Requirements

Economy Class: 40,000 miles round-trip
Business Class: 100,000 miles round-trip

London Hotels You Can Book with Points

London offers a wide range of hotel chains where points can be redeemed. Key brands include:

World of Hyatt
Marriott Bonvoy
IHG One Rewards
Hilton Honors

Consider signing up for loyalty programs to accumulate points for future stays.

Transportation Options and Activities

Getting around London is quite easy with a well-connected transportation system comprising The Tube and buses. Furthermore, options for ridesharing and even black cabs are widely available, ensuring accessibility throughout the city. For those wishing to explore beyond London, the train service connects you conveniently to the rest of the UK and beyond.

Bottom Line

With careful planning, a visit to London can be both enjoyable and budget-friendly. By focusing on airline alliances and making the most of points and miles, you can experience one of the world’s great destinations without overspending.