Flights to California

A flight from London to Los Angeles or San Diego takes just over 11 hours, while it takes around ten hours and 30 minutes to touch down in San Francisco.

We fly to Los Angeles International (LAX), San Francisco International (SFO) and San Diego International (SAN) from London Heathrow.

The most popular time to visit is during the spring and summer months, so book your flights for autumn or winter to make the most of this year-round destination with fewer crowds.

You can make a trip to California fit any budget. Many of the iconic attractions, like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Balboa Park are free to visit. For nature lovers, state parks and national parks offer affordable entry fees and opportunities for hiking and camping. You can also use the public transport network to get around and save on taxi fees. For food, visit the busy local farmers’ markets for fresh produce and delicious bites, or you’ll find plenty of food trucks in the cities as well.

In California’s bigger cities you can use public transport with ease. Ride-hailing apps are also available and can be quickly and easily booked from your smart phone. For domestic travel, you can catch trains or long-distance buses.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what California has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

Whether you’re looking for a city break or nature escape, California is the perfect destination for both. Tick off the Channel Islands National Park, a remote archipelago just off the coast of Santa Barbara, perfect for wildlife watching and kayaking. The city of Palm Springs offers retro architecture and desert landscapes, while Lassen Volcanic National Park features Instagrammable wildflower meadows and volcanos. Los Angeles’ Arts District offers chic eateries and bars made for rooftop drinks, while San Francisco’s Mission District is the home of the Mission burrito – a must-try spin on the Mexican classic. Visit the San Diego archipelago of Coronado, where you can enjoy the architecture of the old Victorian Hotel del Coronado and a drink on its beach.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit the USA. However, you will need an ESTA, which permits travel to the US for 90 days or less. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of the listed areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags in the cabin free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.