Fly to the UK from Australia
Whether visiting family, studying abroad, or exploring the UK’s famous landmarks and culture, these flights offer convenient options and competitive fares year-round.
Flights from Australia to the UK
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Why Fly to the UK from Australia with Alternative Airlines
Flying from Australia to the UK opens up a world of opportunities, whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or family visits. You can also explore iconic cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
Here at Alternative Airlines, we offer flexible payment plans that allow passengers to spread the cost of their journey, making long-haul travel more accessible. Read on to find out about the top airlines, top destinations, and how you can spread the cost of your flights.
The Best Time to Book Flights from Australia to the UK
When booking flights from Australia to the UK, it's great to know when the cheapest time to book flights is. It's actually cheaper around two to three months before departure. Booking further ahead (more than 5 months) may actually be more expensive, while booking too close to departure can also drive prices up.
If you’re considering the best day to book or fly, keep in mind that booking on a Sunday can save you money with fares up to 20% cheaper on international flights compared to other days of the week. As for the departure day itself, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically cheaper.
Data shows that October is the cheapest month to fly from Australia to the UK. In contrast, August and December are the most expensive months. When booking your next flight, use the calendar to see which days offer the best value.
Top Airlines Flying to the UK from Australia ✈️
These are our selections of the top airlines that fly from Australia to the UK based on comfort, frequency and reputation:
Qantas
Who is Qantas?
As Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas is one of the leading airlines offering flights from Australia to the UK. Known for its long-standing reputation, excellent service, and global reach, Qantas is a top choice for both business and leisure travellers making the journey to London.
Qantas flights to the UK
Qantas operates regular services from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth to London Heathrow. The direct Perth–London flight, one of the world’s longest non-stop routes, has become a popular option for travellers seeking to cut down travel time.
Qantas’ Fleet
Qantas uses long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 on UK routes. These wide-body planes offer modern amenities, spacious cabins, and a choice of Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.
Skytrax Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Are you looking to make booking Qantas flights much more affordable? Here at Alternative Airlines, we offer the option to book now and pay later. Please take a look at our guide to Qantas payment plan options to find out more.
British Airways
Who is British Airways?
British Airways is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom and a major operator on the Australia–UK corridor. Partnered with Qantas through the oneworld alliance, it provides smooth connections and a premium full-service experience. You can buy British Airways flights using financing options including Clearpay, Klarna and Affirm UK.
British Airways flights to the UK
While British Airways no longer operates direct flights from Australia, it partners with other carriers via hubs in Asia and the Middle East to connect passengers seamlessly to London. Many travellers choose BA for its extensive UK and European onward network.
British Airways’ Fleet
BA deploys a mix of Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A380 aircraft on long-haul services, offering a strong in-flight entertainment system, cabin comfort, and multiple seating options.
Skytrax Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emirates
Who is Emirates?
Emirates is a Dubai-based airline that plays a significant role in linking Australia with the UK. Known for its luxury, service quality, and global connectivity, Emirates is a top choice for travellers who don’t mind a stopover in Dubai. It is the largest airline in the Middle East, which operates over 3,300 flights per week from its hub at Dubai International Airport.
Emirates flights to the UK
Emirates operates multiple daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to London Heathrow, as well as to regional UK airports like Manchester and Birmingham, via its Dubai hub. Emirates has 3 cabin classes - Economy, Business and First.
Emirates’ Fleet
Emirates primarily uses the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 for its long-haul UK routes. The A380 features onboard lounges and showers in First Class, making it one of the most luxurious ways to fly to the UK.
Skytrax Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Top Routes From Australia to the UK
These are the highest volume routes between New Australia and the UK, connecting millions of passengers each year:
Sydney to London (Direct)
The direct Sydney to London route is one of the most sought-after long-haul flights, offering convenience and speed for travellers. Operated by Qantas, this route uses the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and typically has a layover-free experience.
The flight time is around 24 hours. This is one of the few direct flights from Australia to the UK, reducing travel time significantly, especially compared to one-stop options.
Perth to London (Direct)
Perth offers a unique advantage with its direct, non-stop flight to London, the only such route from Australia that cuts travel time dramatically. The flight typically uses the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which ensures both comfort and efficiency.
Qantas flies this route and takes approximately 17 hours. This route makes it ideal for time-sensitive business travellers or those looking to maximise their vacation time.
Melbourne to London (One-stop)
Melbourne is well-connected to London via major Middle Eastern or Asian hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and Doha. These one-stop options typically offer a choice of layover durations, allowing travellers to choose whether to opt for a quick transfer or a longer stopover.
Airlines that fly this route include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qantas. The flight time is normally around 22-24 hours, which includes the stopover. This flight option is popular due to the flexibility in flight schedules. It also gives a chance to experience Dubai, Singapore, or Doha as a layover city and access to competitive pricing.
Other Routes
- Sydney to Manchester: This route features a one-stop journey, with a flight time of around 24-26 hours. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines are the main carriers offering this service.
- Melbourne to Birmingham: Fly from Melbourne to Birmingham with just one stop, in a comfortable 24-26-hour journey. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines make this the go-to route for anyone visiting the heart of the Midlands and northern England.
- Sydney to Edinburgh: Sydney to Edinburgh is a one-stop route, with a flight time of 24-26 hours, and is operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, making it an excellent choice for travellers heading to Scotland.
- Melbourne to Glasgow: This one-stop route, with a flight time of 24-26 hours, is operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, making it ideal for those visiting Glasgow or nearby areas in Scotland.
- Brisbane to Manchester: A one-stop route, taking 24-26 hours, makes this the ideal way to reach Manchester. With options like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, it’s the perfect connection for those venturing to the northern part of the UK.
Buy Now Pay Later Flights to the UK
Making your flights from Australia to the UK more affordable has never been simpler! With Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, you can spread the cost of your trip into smaller, more manageable payments, easing the financial load.
Many BNPL plans offer interest-free payments if settled within a specific period, making it a more wallet-friendly alternative to traditional payment methods. Try one of our top providers today, including Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Clearpay and PayPal.
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Flights from Australia to the UK FAQ's
Which airlines offer flights from Australia to the UK?
Several major airlines offer flights from Australia to the UK, including Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, China Eastern, and Air China. Qantas provides direct flights from Perth to London, while other carriers operate one-stop routes through hubs like Dubai, Singapore, Doha, and Hong Kong.
How can I find affordable flights to the UK?
At Alternative Airlines, we have the Best Fare Finder tool to search and buy the cheapest flights in one simple, secure transaction. We also have a simple and easy flight search bar.
How long does a flight from Australia to the UK take?
The flight duration from Australia to the UK varies depending on the departure city and whether the flight is direct or includes a stopover.
- Direct flights (e.g., Perth to London) typically take around 17–24 hours.
- One-stop flights usually range from 22 to 26 hours, depending on the duration of the layover.
What is the best time to book flights from Australia to the UK?
It is generally recommended to book your flight 2–3 months in advance to secure the best fares. For those travelling during peak seasons (e.g., summer or Christmas), booking earlier may help you find better deals.
How often do flights from Australia to the UK operate?
Flights from Australia to the UK are frequent, with multiple daily departures from major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. For instance, airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways operate daily flights with one-stop connections via hubs like Dubai and Doha.
What airlines offer the best services for long-haul flights?
- Emirates is famous for its luxurious Airbus A380 service.
- Singapore Airlines is known for its exceptional in-flight entertainment and customer service.
- Qatar Airways has a reputation for premium services and comfort in all classes.
Why book with Alternative Airlines?
Booking with Alternative Airlines makes flying simpler, more flexible, and tailored to your needs. Here’s why travellers choose us:
- You can split the cost of your flights with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, such as Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, and PayPal, making your trip more budget-friendly.
- We offer flights with hundreds of airlines worldwide, giving you more options to find the route and price that suits you.
- With countless great reviews and satisfied customers, we’re a trusted choice for both business and leisure travellers.