Practical tips to ease your next flight to London

Many people find it challenging to travel by plane long distances. Still, the biggest fear is what they do when arriving at their destination – in this case, London. Should they rely on public transport, book a shared ride, or consider airport transfers as an option?

In this article, we’ll share the most practical tips to help you plan your next trip to London – especially the flights and airport considerations.

1. Check Entry Requirements

Depending on where you come from, you may need a visa or an allowance to stay in the UK. Ensure you have the correct documents to avoid unpleasant delays. Always check the government-issued policies so you can have a convenient arrival with no problems at all.

Additionally, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in London.

2. Plan Your Arrival

The first thing you need to know is that there are a few airports in London, and you may arrive at any of them, depending on the company or flight type.

In general, most passengers arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick. This helps you plan the transportation to your hotel or accommodation, too.

No matter if you use a standard taxi, a luxury airport transfer, or maybe a train or bus, you need to plan additional things like luggage size and handling, and the distance between the airport and your destination.

Pro Tip: Pre-book transportation from the airport to your final destination, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or arriving late at night.

3. Organize Your Belongings

Pack strategically, keeping necessary documents like your passport and visa easily accessible. Consider using packing cubes to stay organized and expedite going through security checks.

Always know where your essentials are, especially your passport and your money.

4. London’s Essentials

Once you arrive, check for the available mobile networks. If you want to avoid roaming charges, you can buy a local SIM card to cover your stay in the UK.

Also, ensure you exchange your money for British Pounds (GBP). You can withdraw GBPs directly from an ATM or exchange cash.

Keep in mind that not every currency is convertible in the UK. Knowing that, make sure you exchange US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Japanese Yen, or Euro, so you can get British Pounds in the UK.

Finally, you can download some local apps to easily track bus schedules and specific working hours to have the most convenient stay in London.

5. Book Popular Attractions in Advance

While you may find tickets on-site, it’s highly recommended to book them in advance, especially if you want to visit some popular attractions.

You can book the tickets online to ensure you can visit any location you want.

Additional Tips To Consider

As we covered the basics, here are some additional ways to experience London and its beauty with no stress or jet lag. Here’s how:

Explore Beyond Central London

Central London may be the most commercial part, but by exploring other interesting neighbourhoods, you’ll experience the authentic spirit of how London’s life is.

Consider venturing out to areas like Camden Town, Notting Hill, or Greenwich for a different perspective of the city.

Experience the Pub Life

London is well-known for pubs with various beers and delicious snacks. While many think that the local food is not that special, we can assure you it’s worth trying fish and chips with a large beer.

While there are many pubs around London, you can check the nearest ones first, and then extend your exploration to other locals that seem interesting to you.

Have an Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a must when in the UK. You can often find venues that serve it together with sandwiches, snacks, and scones.

Enjoy the tasty pastries with a refreshing cup of tea so you can tell your friends you indeed had the most authentic London experience.

Pack For All Weather Conditions

London is known for unpredictable weather conditions, making it difficult to pack all those clothes in one suitcase. Also, larger luggage means higher fees on the plane, which can be an unplanned cost for you.

But you can take advantage of raincoats and foldable umbrellas to ensure you have enough space for all your belongings. At the same time, you’re ready for every possible climate scenario, which is not uncommon in London.

Final Words

Follow these tips to ensure you have all your important documents and belongings by your side when taking the departure flight. Always check on the conditions on the government services, so you have every document you need for your trip.

While transportation is confusing, you can take advantage of various solutions that fit your budget and expectations. Surely, always make sure you combine visiting attractions and lesser-known spots to make the most out of your London visit.