5 direct long-haul flights that make travelling easier

07 April 2026

Travelling long-haul is easier than you might think, and it doesn’t require multiple stops in order to get to the far reaches of the world. Cutting out stopovers doesn’t just save hours; it reduces the friction that often comes with tight connections, baggage transfers, and navigating unfamiliar airports. For many travellers, especially those balancing busy schedules, flying non-stop means you arrive feeling more refreshed and have more time in your end destination. These routes from London Heathrow combine practical flight times, strong onboard experiences, and access to destinations that offer real variety once you land.

5 direct long-haul flights that make travelling easier

London Heathrow to Bangkok

Flying directly into Bangkok offers a seamless start to a tailored Thailand itinerary. You can choose the attentive service and consistent onboard dining of Thai Airways from London Heathrow, or opt for the convenient direct service with British Airways departing from London Gatwick. Both options provide excellent Business Class cabins for a highly comfortable journey. Once in Bangkok, there is plenty to fill a few days, from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to street food around Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, and evening drinks at rooftop spots like Sky Bar at Lebua. From the capital, it is easy to continue to the islands, whether that’s Phuket for beach resorts, Krabi for limestone cliffs and boat trips, or Koh Samui for a more laid-back retreat.

London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda

Both British Airways and Japan Airlines operate direct flights into Tokyo Haneda, which is significantly closer to central Tokyo than Narita. Japan Airlines stands out for its precise service, excellent food, and calm cabin environment, while British Airways offers familiarity and strong premium cabin options. Arriving at Haneda means you can be in areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza after a short transfer. From there, you can visit landmarks such as the Meiji Shrine, explore the food halls in department stores like Isetan, or take a day trip to Hakone for views of Mount Fuji. The Shinkansen bullet train also makes it easy to continue to Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

London Heathrow to Johannesburg

Overnight flights to Johannesburg with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic work well for travellers who want to maximise time on the ground. Virgin Atlantic brings a more modern cabin feel and social spaces in Upper Class, while British Airways offers a more classic premium experience. Johannesburg itself is often used as a gateway, with quick onward flights to Kruger National Park for safari lodges, such as Singita or Sabi Sabi. Alternatively, you can connect to Cape Town, where highlights include Table Mountain, Camps Bay, the Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and scenic drives along Chapman’s Peak.

London Heathrow to Perth

Qantas operates the non-stop service from London to Perth, making Australia far more accessible without a stop in the middle. The airline has designed the onboard experience to help manage the length of the journey, with adjusted lighting, carefully timed meals, and a focus on passenger wellbeing. Perth itself is a relaxed starting point, with Kings Park offering views over the city and Swan River, and easy access to Fremantle for markets and waterfront dining. A short ferry ride takes you to Rottnest Island, known for its beaches and quokkas, and from Perth, you can connect onwards to cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Please note that due to current Middle East airspace restrictions, these aircraft are temporarily re-routing via Singapore for a brief refuelling stop. Qantas fully intends to resume its direct service to Perth as soon as it is safe to return to the original flight path.

London Heathrow to Los Angeles

The West Coast of America is one of the most flexible long-haul routes from the UK, with multiple daily direct flights and a wide range of cabin options to Los Angeles. British Airways, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic both offer strong Premium Economy and Business Class products, making the journey more comfortable. Once you arrive, Los Angeles works well as the starting point for a broader California trip. You can drive along the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu and Big Sur, visit Santa Barbara for its Spanish-style architecture and wineries, head inland to Yosemite National Park for hiking and waterfalls, or continue north to Napa Valley for vineyard stays and tastings.

To find out more about these direct long-haul getaways, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.

Why California is the perfect USA holiday for every type of traveller

26 June 2026

California has a habit of exceeding expectations. Many people picture the Hollywood Sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, or palm-lined beaches, but there's far more to the Golden State than its famous landmarks. Stretching for almost 900 miles along the Pacific Coast, California is one of the most diverse destinations in the USA. Within a single trip, you can drive spectacular coastal roads, hike through ancient forests, sip wine in world-famous vineyards, visit iconic cities, or spend time in national parks that feel a world away from everyday life.

Travel Counsellors explore the best of New Zealand

22 June 2026

New Zealand packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively small corner of the world. From island vineyards and geothermal landscapes to glacier-fed lakes and dramatic alpine scenery, every region feels different from the last. On a recent trip, some of our Travel Counsellors travelled from Auckland in the North Island to Lake Tekapo in the South Island, experiencing some of the country's most iconic sights and gaining first-hand insight into what makes a journey through Aotearoa so special.

4 of Europe's best high-altitude ski destinations

19 June 2026

When you're planning a ski holiday, good snow conditions can make all the difference. High-altitude resorts offer some of the most reliable skiing in Europe, making them a great choice whether you're travelling at the start of the season in December or squeezing in a final trip before spring arrives. From vast linked ski areas to traditional mountain villages and spectacular Alpine views, these destinations combine excellent snow records with memorable experiences on and off the slopes.