Flights to Orlando from the UK

Orlando is one of the world's most popular family holiday destinations, known for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and its many other attractions. It is also a good base for exploring Central Florida, with beaches, nature parks and the Kennedy Space Center within reach.

Flights to Orlando are available from more UK airports than many travellers expect. Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London Heathrow and Manchester, British Airways flies from London Gatwick, and there are seasonal Virgin Atlantic flights from Edinburgh. TUI also flies direct from several UK airports, including Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast, to Orlando Melbourne Airport.

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Flights to Orlando from the UK

The best flight to Orlando depends on your departure airport, travel dates, budget and whether you prefer a direct or connecting journey. London and Manchester have the most direct flights, while TUI's regional routes give travellers in the Midlands, North East, Scotland and Northern Ireland a direct option too.

Orlando is particularly popular with families, so flight times can matter just as much as the ticket price. A direct flight may be worth considering when travelling with children, while a connecting flight could offer more choice if you are flexible with your dates.

If your dates are flexible, compare nearby departure dates and more than one UK airport. Look at the complete cost, including baggage and other extras, rather than choosing a flight based only on the advertised starting price.

Direct Flights to Orlando from the UK

Direct flights to Orlando run from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, with seasonal flights from Edinburgh. TUI also flies direct to Orlando Melbourne (MLB) from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast.

A direct flight from the UK to Orlando generally takes around 9 to 10 hours, depending on the departure airport, route and conditions. Avoiding a connection can make the journey simpler, especially when travelling with children or carrying luggage for a longer family holiday.

Some routes are seasonal or run on set days of the week. Check the schedule for your exact dates.

London to Orlando Flights

London has the widest choice of Orlando flights. Virgin Atlantic flies daily from Heathrow, while British Airways flies year-round from Gatwick, with extra Heathrow flights in the peak summer holidays. Norse Atlantic and TUI also fly from Gatwick.

Your choice of departure time can make a difference to how easily you settle into your first day in Florida. You can also compare other flights from London when planning a wider Florida trip.

Manchester to Orlando Flights

Manchester is an important departure point for travellers in northern England. Virgin Atlantic flies daily to Orlando International, and TUI flies to Orlando Melbourne several times a week. This can save travellers from the north the time and cost of travelling to London before their holiday.

Direct flights can be especially useful for families, as you avoid changing aircraft before arriving in Florida. Compare flight times and baggage allowances as well as the headline fare, and look at other flights from Manchester if you are flexible.

Birmingham to Orlando Flights

Birmingham has direct TUI flights to Orlando Melbourne, which is around an hour's drive from the main theme parks. For Orlando International, travellers from the Midlands usually connect through London, Dublin, Amsterdam or Paris.

When comparing Birmingham with London or Manchester, include the cost and time of getting to the airport. A slightly higher airfare from a closer airport can sometimes work out better once the complete journey is considered. You can compare flights from Birmingham for your dates.

Flights to Orlando from Scotland and the North East

Edinburgh has seasonal direct Virgin Atlantic flights to Orlando International, while Glasgow and Newcastle have direct TUI flights to Orlando Melbourne.

For families, flying from a closer airport may be more convenient than travelling south to London. Compare the complete journey, including airport transfers, baggage, connection times and any overnight travel. Scottish travellers can compare flights from Edinburgh and flights from Glasgow, while those in the North East can check flights from Newcastle.

Cheap Flights to Orlando

The cheapest Orlando flight is not always the best-value option. Baggage, seat selection, airport transfers and long connections can all increase the final cost of your holiday.

To find better-value flights:

1. Compare several UK departure airports.

2. Check both direct and connecting flights.

3. Compare Orlando International and Orlando Melbourne.

4. Try nearby travel dates if you have flexibility.

5. Check what baggage is included.

6. Compare the total journey time.

7. Look at return fares as well as one-way options.

8. Book early when travelling during school holidays or major holiday periods.

Orlando is especially busy during UK school holidays, Christmas, Easter and the summer. If your dates are flexible, travelling outside these periods may give you more choice of flights and accommodation. Outside peak dates, last-minute flight deals can sometimes appear, although they are harder to rely on for long-haul family trips.

Comparing airlines, airports and Orlando arrival options can take time. Send TravelApp your dates, departure airport and number of travellers, and the team will compare the options for you.

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Best Airlines for Flights to Orlando

The airlines available depend on your departure airport and travel dates.

• Virgin Atlantic: daily flights from Heathrow and Manchester, plus seasonal Edinburgh flights. Virgin also flies direct from Heathrow to Tampa, around 90 minutes' drive from the theme parks.

• British Airways: year-round flights from Gatwick, with extra Heathrow flights in the peak summer holidays.

• TUI: direct flights to Orlando Melbourne from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast. Many TUI seats are sold with holiday packages.

• Norse Atlantic: a low-cost long-haul option from Gatwick, with more flights in summer.

• Connecting airlines: KLM via Amsterdam, Air France via Paris and Aer Lingus via Dublin are useful from regional UK airports. Dublin also has US Preclearance, so you clear US immigration before you fly.

For family holidays, consider the departure and arrival times as well as the price. A direct flight with a convenient schedule may be more useful than a cheaper fare that involves a long connection.

Orlando Airports: MCO, MLB and SFB

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main airport serving Orlando and the arrival point for most international visitors. It is around 20 to 30 minutes' drive from Disney World, Universal Orlando and International Drive, depending on traffic and where you are staying.

Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB)

Orlando Melbourne (MLB) is on Florida's Space Coast, around an hour's drive from the main theme parks. TUI is the only UK airline flying here. It is a smaller, quieter airport, and is close to the beaches, Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Orlando Sanford (SFB) is north of the city and mainly handles US domestic flights. There are currently no regular direct flights from the UK.

After landing, allow time for immigration, baggage collection and your onward transfer. Always check which Orlando airport your flight uses, as transfer times to your hotel can be very different.

How Much Do Flights to Orlando Cost?

Flight prices vary according to your departure airport, travel dates, airline, cabin and how far in advance you book. Prices can rise significantly during school holidays, Christmas, Easter and the summer peak.

When comparing fares, check whether checked baggage, seat selection and other extras are included. For a family of four, these additional costs can make a noticeable difference to the final holiday budget.

When Should You Book Flights to Orlando?

There is no guaranteed booking date that will always give you the cheapest Orlando flight. However, it is sensible to start comparing early if you are travelling during school holidays or other busy periods.

Families can benefit from checking several dates before booking. Flying a day or two earlier or later may give you more choice of flight times and fares, particularly when travelling around school holidays.

Baggage Allowance for Orlando Flights

Baggage allowances depend on the airline, cabin and fare type. Some fares include checked luggage, while others may charge separately for a suitcase.

Always check the baggage allowance before booking, especially if you are travelling as a family. You may also want to check the hand luggage rules for UK airlines if you plan to carry items such as tablets, medication or travel essentials onboard.

Connecting Flights to Orlando

Connecting flights can be a useful alternative if you are travelling from a UK airport without a suitable direct service. Depending on the itinerary, connections may be available through London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Paris or North American airports.

A connecting flight may offer a lower fare or more convenient departure time, but check the total journey carefully. A long connection can add several hours to your travel day, which may be important when travelling with young children.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Orlando?

Orlando is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on what you want from your holiday. Winter and spring are popular with visitors looking for warm weather, while summer is particularly busy with families travelling during school holidays.

Summer can be hot and humid, with regular afternoon thunderstorms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, so check the latest National Hurricane Center updates if you travel then. Winter is generally more comfortable for spending long days outdoors, although theme parks can still be busy around Christmas and other major holiday periods.

How Many Days Do You Need in Orlando?

For a first Orlando holiday, 5 to 7 days is a useful starting point if you want to visit some of the major theme parks without rushing every day. Families visiting both Disney World and Universal Orlando may prefer a longer stay.

If you also want to visit Kennedy Space Center, spend time shopping or explore other parts of Central Florida, consider staying for 7 to 10 days. Many UK families stay for two weeks, which also gives you flexibility for rest days between theme park visits.

Orlando Holiday Packages

For many families, an Orlando package is simpler than booking flights and accommodation separately. A package can combine flights, a hotel or villa and transfers in one booking.

You can browse holiday packages from the UK, or ask the TravelApp team to price flights and accommodation together for your dates.

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ATOL protection applies to qualifying package holidays and flight-inclusive arrangements, not every standalone flight or hotel booking. The Civil Aviation Authority explains how ATOL works.

Book Flights to Orlando with TravelApp

Planning a family holiday to Orlando from the UK? TravelApp can help you compare flight options, departure airports and travel dates based on your plans.

You can also ask about holiday packages, flexible payment options and other travel arrangements. Our travel team can help you compare the options before you book.

Prefer to speak to someone? Call +44 20 3137 0990.

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