When it comes to airports, bigger isn’t always better. Flying into major airports can mean higher airfares, longer security lines, and a farther trip into the city after you land. Opting for smaller, nearby airports can help you stretch your travel budget and sometimes even land closer to your final destination. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London have several airports to choose from, so it’s worth comparing your options before you book.

Cheaper airports to fly into

Planning a flight to LAX, JFK, or London Heathrow? Exploring alternative airports can give you more flight and fare options. Here are a few choices worth checking for your next trip:

• Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a small, city-owned airport southeast of LAX.

• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) puts you closer to Hollywood than LAX.

• Newark Liberty (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) both have nonstop flights from Canada and are often cheaper than JFK.

• London Gatwick (LGW) offers direct flights from Canada, while London City (LCY) is the closest to the city centre. 

Long Beach (LGB)

Long Beach Airport is about 40km southeast of LAX and only 5km from downtown Long Beach, so you can grab dinner downtown before heading to your gate. LGB is a small, single-terminal airport with a strict cap on daily flights that makes it feel more relaxed than LAX. You’ll have shorter walks through the terminal, easy access to parking, and a convenient starting point for trips to Long Beach or Disneyland.

Hollywood Burbank (BUR)

Hollywood Burbank is one of the most convenient alternatives to LAX if you’re staying in Hollywood, Studio City, or Pasadena. It’s about 45km north of LAX but less than 12km away from the Hollywood Bowl and Walk of Fame. It’s easy to navigate, which is especially handy when your LA plans are north of downtown.

Ontario Airport (ONT)

If you’re heading to the Inland Empire, Palm Springs, or the mountain resorts, flying into LAX can add unnecessary driving to your trip. Ontario International Airport is around 90km east of LAX and only a few kilometres from downtown Ontario. It offers many of the amenities you’d expect at a bigger airport but in a smaller, easier-to-navigate setting. 

Newark (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport is roughly 50km out from JFK and sits across the Hudson River from Manhattan in New Jersey. It’s one of the easiest alternatives for Canadians flying into New York, with nonstop Air Canada service from several Canadian cities. Once you land, rail connections make it easy to head into Manhattan and explore the Big Apple.

New York City (LGA)

Located in Queens and just over 15km from JFK, LaGuardia Airport is a major hub. It’s the closest of the three New York airports to Manhattan and has undergone major renovations that have transformed the travel experience. Canadians have nonstop options from Toronto and Montreal, with both Air Canada and Porter flying into the airport.

London Gatwick (LGW)

London Gatwick is one of the main Heathrow alternatives for Canadians heading to the UK. Direct flights operate between LGW and Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, with routes varying by season. It’s about 45km south of central London, but the Gatwick Express provides direct train service, making it easy to get into the city.

London City Airport (LCY)

London City Airport is about 40km away from London Heathrow Airport but only 10km east of the centre, tucked into the Royal Docks in Newham. It’s a short-haul airport, so you won’t find nonstop flights from Canada, but you can connect through Amsterdam, Zurich, Dublin, or another European hub to get closer to your hotel or final destination once you arrive in London.

London Luton Airport (LTN)

London Luton Airport is around 65km out from London Heathrow and about 55km north of central London. It’s a budget-airline base, making it especially useful if London is part of a longer European vacation. The Luton DART connects the airport terminal with Luton Airport Parkway railway station, where you can continue by train into central London. 

Compare alternative airports before you book

Planning a trip to LA, New York, London, or another major city? Don’t limit your search to the biggest one. Use Skyscanner to compare flights to nearby airports and see whether changing where you land could save you money and make the rest of your journey easier.