The short answer
The cheapest airport on paper is not always the cheapest overall. Add the cost and time of getting to the airport, parking and any overnight stay, then compare that with the total fare including bags.
Why your departure airport matters
Airports compete on different routes, and each airline decides where to fly from. A fare from one airport can be cheaper than the same journey from another, but the cheapest ticket can cost more once you add travel to the airport. The only fair comparison is the total cost.
Compare the total cost
| Cost to add up | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | Does it include a checked bag and the fare rules you need? |
| Getting to the airport | Train, coach, taxi or parking, and for how many days? |
| Time | How long does the journey to the airport take, and is it at a sensible time of day? |
| Overnight stay | Would an early flight need a hotel the night before? |
A fare that is lower by a small amount can be more expensive overall if you need a taxi or a hotel to reach it.
London airports
London has several airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City, and many long-haul routes use Heathrow or Gatwick. You can search for Heathrow flights on our flights page and compare other airports at the same time.
Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports
Regional airports can save a long journey if you live in the Midlands or the North. Not every international route runs from every airport, and some run only on certain days, so the choice of dates can be narrower. If you are travelling to Africa, check whether your route runs direct from a regional airport or connects, and compare with London.
Connecting from a regional airport
Some itineraries connect through a hub, for example in the Gulf, Europe or Africa. A connecting flight from a regional airport can be cheaper than a direct flight from London. Look at the total journey time, and whether your bags go all the way to your destination.
Getting to the airport
Plan the journey as carefully as the flight. Check train and coach times for the hour you need to travel, book airport parking in advance if you drive, and allow time for delays. If your flight leaves early in the morning, check whether public transport runs early enough or whether you need to travel the night before.
When London is the better choice
- You live in or near London, so the journey cost is low.
- The route you want is only operated from a London airport.
- You want a wider choice of times or airlines.
- The regional fare is not enough cheaper to cover the extra connection.
When a regional airport wins
- You live closer to Manchester or Birmingham than to London.
- A direct or well-timed connecting flight is available from your local airport.
- You are travelling with children or older relatives and want to avoid a long journey to London first.
Rules of thumb for comparing
Add the transport cost for everyone travelling, not just one person. Count the time as well as the money, particularly for early or late flights. Check baggage rules, because they can differ by fare even on the same airline. For information on air passenger rights and consumer protections, the Civil Aviation Authority website is a good starting point.
What is a hub, and why does it matter?
A hub is a large airport where an airline connects many routes, often in the Gulf, Turkey or Europe. A regional airport may not have a direct flight to your destination, but it may have a flight to a hub that connects onward. That can be cheaper than a direct flight from London, but the journey is longer. Check the layover and your baggage arrangements.
A worked checklist for a family trip
- List the airports you could realistically reach and the cost of getting to each.
- Search fares from each for your dates, with the same baggage.
- Add the transport cost for every traveller to each fare.
- Compare total journey time, including connections.
- Choose the option that is cheapest overall and still realistic for your family.
How to compare quickly
Tell us your route and dates and we can search from several UK airports at once, then show you the options and rules side by side. Start with the flight search or call 0800 007 4114.
Fares, baggage rules and entry requirements change. Always confirm current details with the airline and the official sources linked above before you travel.