Flying to the UK: the new ETA requirement, airport choice and getting into central London

The UK now requires US travelers to get an Electronic Travel Authorization before flying, a new step that catches people out. Here is what to do about it, plus how to pick an airport and avoid the taxi markup.

Flights from the US to the UK are some of the most frequent and competitively priced transatlantic routes, typically 7–9 hours direct from major East Coast and some West Coast cities.

The ETA: a new step many travelers miss

The UK introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt visitors, including US citizens, who previously needed nothing beyond a passport for short tourist stays. The ETA is a quick, low-cost online application that must be approved before you travel — it is easy to overlook since the UK was visa-free for Americans for so long, so check the official UK government ETA page and apply well before your flight, since processing is not always instant.

Choosing an airport

London Heathrow (LHR) has the most direct US routes and the best onward connections; Gatwick (LGW) often has cheaper fares on the same routes with a slightly less convenient location; regional airports like Manchester (MAN) or Edinburgh (EDI) are worth checking directly if your trip is not London-centered, since flying straight there can beat flying into London and taking a domestic connection.

Getting into the city

From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express into central London is reliably faster and cheaper than a taxi in traffic, which can run $100 or more; from Gatwick, the Gatwick Express train serves the same purpose. Black cabs are metered and fairly regulated so they are not a scam, but they are the most expensive option for the airport run specifically — a train plus a short taxi or rideshare from the station is usually cheaper overall.