US domestic air carriers to London

I have flown twice recently (Oct. 2024 and Nov. 2025) on British Airways from O’Hare to Heathrow and have zero complaints. Well, except their food is not my favorite.

Sorry, I don’t have any advice on best options from Detroit.

British Airways are ok. They're not as good as they used to be but they are fine, and if they are the cheapest option I think it's a good choice. American have gotten a lot better recently, at least they were a couple of years ago. I normally go with Virgin, I think they have the best service for the best price, but I know they don't fly to Detroit- you would probably have to go via NYC. They do codeshare with Delta.

I used to fly Continental a lot before they merged with United and became United- but can't offer any recent experience.

You don't have to look hard to find complaints for every airline in existence. I've never had an issue with BA. As for the American carriers, Delta is the first American I consider. On the other hand, one of my closest friends flies American all over the world and swears by them. I thought United was just another airline, not great, not horrible.

I pay extra to fly non-stop, which for Detroit-London boils down to Delta. Other airlines, such as KLM, advertise tickets but those flights are probably on Delta. It's been a long time since British Air flew non-stop out of Detroit to London. You've got plenty of time to think about it since price adjustments are likely before July.

I've heard only bad things about flying British Airways

What does it mean? Did you search and read complaints over complaints? Did you speak to people really traveling BA? Sure, you did not inform yourself in a bubble?

In the annual award / listing of world best airlines BA is ranked 13 while Delta is on 22. Being listed in the top 20 is really remarkable.

If you're going to Royal Birkdale for The Open, Manchester is closer than Heathrow.

All the carriers are much of a muchness - you'll fly on a Boeing or Airbus with a seat and a meal of sorts. Nothing wrong with BA.

I hate to say this, but most airlines are pretty much the same in economy. You're going to hear and good and bad about every airline.

If you are willing to make a stop along the way--which you would have to do if you fly other than Delta--see about changing in NYC. Why? There are seven airlines that fly between NYC and London offering around 29 flights/day. It's the busiest route across the Atlantic. This means more competition and better fares.

If you have the option to fly nonstop from Detroit on Delta, that’s 100% what I would do. I will always choose a nonstop flight over one with connections, regardless of cost. Less to worry about and less opportunity for things to go wrong.

Beware the codeshare.

I have flown British Airways, Iceland Air, and American Airlines to/from London and they are all about the same in terms of service and comfort. Don’t expect great food on any of them, with Iceland Air the worst on food. I just pack a sandwich.