In the year leading up to July 2024, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offered direct and connecting flights to 78 international destinations. This included a unique one-off flight to Nice, France. A closer look at booking data reveals that nearly 39% of LAX’s international traffic involved connecting flights, indicating a significant reliance on hub connections for travelers.
Focusing on the top destinations, London Heathrow emerges as the clear winner with over 982,000 passengers traveling between Los Angeles and London. This route saw a staggering 1.1 million roundtrip passengers during the period between July 2023 and July 2024. The majority of these passengers, approximately 93%, opted for non-stop flights, while the remaining connected through other cities. It’s important to note that these figures only capture direct travel between Los Angeles and London, not those using these cities as hubs for onward journeys.
The high demand on this route translates to substantial airline capacity. On average, 11 daily flights operated between LAX and London throughout the year, with some days witnessing up to 13 flights and others as low as seven. Six airlines offered non-stop service: American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic (to Heathrow), and Norse Atlantic (to Gatwick). Interestingly, Delta discontinued its service in May 2024, while Norse Atlantic launched flights in June 2023.
Fares on this route exhibit a significant disparity. Passengers flying to Heathrow, which caters to a more premium clientele, paid an average of $878 one-way across all cabin classes. Gatwick, on the other hand, had a considerably lower average fare of $431, primarily due to Norse Atlantic’s focus on economy and premium economy offerings. It’s crucial to acknowledge that this fare difference isn’t directly comparable, as Gatwick passengers often chose low-cost carriers, while Heathrow served a larger share of business and first-class travelers. Additionally, some Gatwick passengers connected through hubs like Dublin or New York.
The data highlights London’s immense popularity among LAX travelers, solidifying its position as a premier international destination. The robust competition and diverse fare offerings on this route offer travelers a variety of choices, catering to different budgets and preferences. As LAX continues to grow its international network, London Heathrow will undoubtedly remain a key player in the airport’s future success.
