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Explore the biggest UK airlines and how to find cheap flights
The United Kingdom is home to a number of major airlines, from the flag carrier British Airways to budget airlines like easyJet, which is now the largest airline in the country. These airlines offer services to some of the top destinations for British tourists. Learning about the biggest UK airlines and their offerings can help you grab cheap deals, plan your next trip and book travel tickets online.
Some British airlines offer packages that could help you save money and make planning your trip more convenient. It can also be helpful to know the basic pricing strategies of some of these airlines and identify which airports serve as major hubs for British airlines. Be sure to check out some of our top deals for UK flights to popular destinations.
The most popular airlines in the UK
There are a number of UK airlines offering regular international flights. While the airlines listed below are not the only airlines providing flights from UK airports, they combine to provide access to hundreds of popular destinations. In the following sections, you'll find out more about these British airlines, their fleets and the services they offer.
British Airways
British Airways is the flag carrier airline for the UK. It also serves more routes than any other UK airline, with flights to over 200 international destinations. The company headquarters is located in London, and British Airways operates with a fleet of more than 250 aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing aeroplanes.
In addition to its many popular international routes, British Airways also operates domestic services, which can help to facilitate staycations. The company was founded in 1974 and forms part of the Oneworld global alliance. Its main hub is London Heathrow Airport, while London Gatwick Airport serves as a secondary hub.
easyJet
The low-cost British airline easyJet is now the largest airline in the UK when measured by the total number of passengers served each year. It operates a fleet of more than 300 aircraft, and all of these jets currently belong to the Airbus A320 family.
In total, easyJet serves over 150 destinations, offering a combination of domestic and international flights. The company was established in 1995 and is based out of London Luton Airport. The easyJet pricing strategy involves sacrificing some luxury elements to keep costs down and offer more affordable prices for plane tickets.
Jet2.com
Jet2.com, sometimes shortened to Jet2, is a low-cost carrier that is generally recognised as the third-largest of all UK airlines. The company is based at Leeds Bradford Airport and has additional UK bases across the country.
You can book Jet2.com flights to around 70 leisure-focused destinations. It's one of the most popular British airlines used by passengers for city breaks, and the majority of the airline's overseas travel routes are seasonal. Jet2 also serves over a dozen UK airports, meaning you can almost always find flights from a convenient airport.
Other notable British airlines
There are a number of other notable UK airlines offering frequent passenger flights to a variety of destinations, with examples including:
TUI Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Aer Lingus UK
BA CityFlyer
Wizz Air UK
Ryanair UK
Loganair
How to choose the right UK flights
Whether you're planning a family holiday or going on a solo travel adventure, it's important to find the best UK flights. The following sections will provide some useful tips that will help you select the right flight for your needs.
Getting the best deals on UK flights
The price of flights is going to be one of the biggest considerations when choosing between different airline offers. You can potentially reduce these prices by planning your trip in advance and booking early. It's also worth keeping an eye out for special deals, such as the ones listed here on HolidayPirates.
In addition, many airlines will offer last-minute deals, allowing them to sell vacant seats on flights. If you're flexible with your travel dates, booking a last-minute deal can be a great way to save some extra cash.
Factoring in additional services
Price is not the only consideration when planning your journey. While you're naturally going to want to minimise the amount you spend, it's also worth factoring in the level of service available and what you're actually going to get for your money. This then needs to be weighed up against your own individual needs.
As an example, British Airways is a traditional, full-service carrier. This means you're likely to have better in-flight entertainment and meal options, as well as comfortable seating. By contrast, easyJet is a low-cost airline, which delivers low prices by scaling back on additional services and focusing on the essentials.
This can make low-cost airlines a less comfortable option for long-haul flights. Budget airlines may also try to increase the amount you spend in total by encouraging you to pay for an increased baggage allowance or additional in-flight services.
FAQs about UK airlines
Q: Does British Airways do holiday packages?
A: Yes, British Airways offers holiday packages to a wide range of destinations. These packages will typically combine UK flights and hotels. In some cases, car hire may also be included in the holiday package.
Q: What is Britain's national airline?
A: British Airways is the national flag carrier airline for the United Kingdom. The company's main hub is at London Heathrow Airport.
Q: How to get cheaper British Airways?
A: The best way to get cheaper flights with UK airlines, including British Airways, is to look out for special offers. You may also be able to save money by booking early or taking advantage of last-minute deals.
Q: Are British Airways holidays ATOL-protected?
A: Yes, British Airways package holidays are ATOL-protected. This provides an added layer of protection for you as a buyer, as it means you won't lose any money if the company you book your package holiday with collapses.
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