United Kingdom

Flight.co.uk Overview

A timeless favourite destination for all travellers, flights to the United Kingdom bring tourists from all over the world to explore this small, cold, wet island that once held dominion over three quarters of the globe. In fact, most flights to the United Kingdom carry passengers with British ancestry, or British connections of some kind. The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all fiercely proud of their heritage and anxious to show it off to those who book flights to the United Kingdom. Most flights to the United Kingdom land at either Gatwick or Heathrow airports in the famous capital, London, although discount flights to the United Kingdom are now available to many regional airports. London is an iconic metropolis, small in area but vast in population, teeming with people of all races and creeds. It is in the countryside, though, that those taking United Kingdom flights will find the true charm of the British Isles, from the highlands of Scotland to the quaint seaside villages of Cornwall and Devon in the south. For a country short on space but big on population, it is amazing how much green, rolling countryside there is to enjoy, especially in areas like the Lake District, or among the thatched cottages of the Cotswolds. At the end of the day tourists who take flights to the United Kingdom can enjoy the hospitality of one of the country's quintessential cosy pubs, with a pint of "best bitter".

Overview

It may seem hard to believe that this small, cold, wet island once held dominion over three quarters of the globe. The pomp and circumstance of previous centuries may have dwindled and the monarchy takes daily batterings in the local press, yet the UK and its people remain a fiercely proud nation. The past 100 years have seen a vast transformation as the country came to terms with its diminished role on the world stage, from colonial empire to a member of the EU.

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the geography sweeps from mountainous highlands, to green and pleasant rolling countryside and vibrant cities. The country is jam-packed with two millennia of heritage, making visits of any length of time feel too short.

London is the UK's biggest city, a fantastic and frenetic metropolis teeming with people of all races, creeds and walks of life. Here the old contrasts spectacularly with the new, offering some of the world's most famous sights and an unrivalled nightlife. Travelling through the country will reveal its diversity, from quiet country lanes and inland waterways to majestic stately homes and castles. Thatched cottages in the Cotswolds paint a picture-postcard quaintness, where life appears to revolve around the village pub.

The medieval cathedral cities of York and Durham reveal a rich history of a bygone age, while the industrial cities of Liverpool and Newcastle both harbour an exciting nightlife. The beauty of the Lake District remains almost untouched, and Edinburgh's International Arts Festival draws talent from around the world.

Local Customs

Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone new. From 1 July 2007 smoking will be banned in all enclosed public spaces, including pubs and restaurants; currently no smoking is allowed on public transport. There is a strict etiquette on escalators - stand on the right, walk on the left. Visitors will find Londoners more rushed and less friendly than Brits in other parts of the country, particularly on London transport where tourists are generally the only people who talk.

Business

The four countries of the United Kingdom, although culturally and historically different, generally keep to the same practices in business. Politeness and punctuality are key to good business relations, and initial meetings are often conducted formally and impersonally, becoming more open and social as things progress. Business cards are exchanged at introductions. Dress is formal, with dark suits preferred. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent; emergency treatment is free to visitors, but charges are made for routine medical care. A number of countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK including Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries (including Canada, South Africa and the US) are advised to take out good medical insurance.

Safety

It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK, although travellers are advised to take special care of their personal belongings in central London, where pick-pocketing is often reported. There is a risk of international terrorism, as demonstrated by the deadly terrorist bomb attacks in central London on three tubes and a bus on 7 July 2005 that killed over 50 people and injured about 700. On 21 July 2005, four attempted bomb attacks on three underground tube stations and a bus mirrored the attacks of 7 July, but no injuries were reported. Following the counter terrorist operation in the UK on 10 August 2006, security at all UK airports was tightened and restrictions on hand luggage introduced. Several people in the London area were arrested in connection with a terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid-flight from the United Kingdom to the USA.

Duty Free

Travellers to the United Kingdom over 16 years with goods purchased in the EU for personal consumption do not have to pay duty on these goods provided they are for personal use or are gifts for family and friends. This does not apply to large quantities of alcohol or tobacco if the amounts exceed the following limits: 3,200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos (up to 3g each), 200 cigars, and 3kg pipe or cigarette tobacco; 10 litres spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, 20 litres alcohol less than 22% alcohol volume, 90 litres of wine (with no more than 60 litres sparkling wine) and 110 litres beer. Travellers to the United Kingdom over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries (including the Channel Islands and Gibraltar) do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos (up to 3g each), or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume and sparkling wine, and 2 litres of table wine; perfume up to 60cc or 250ml eau de toilette; and goods such as souvenirs to the value of ¤145. The import of firearms must be accompanied by an appropriate license or certificate. Passengers to Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Myanmar, Rwanda, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Somali and Sudan carrying sporting guns are not allowed to transit through the United Kingdom. All handguns are restricted under UK law and are only allowed on a BA aircraft with prior permission obtained from the Security Duty Manager. Prohibited items include indecent or obscene books, films or videos.

Tipping

10 to 15% is expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels if a service charge hasn't been included. Hotel service staff receive an optional amount. Taxi drivers are usually given 10 to 15% of the fare. Other services are discretionary.

Language

English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents and may sometimes feel they need an interpreter when speaking to locals.

Communications

The international country dialling code for UK is +44. The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). There are a wide range of city/area codes in use. Mobile phones work throughout the country; the network operators use GSM 1800 networks, which may not be compatible with some dual-band US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in major towns and cities, train stations and airports.

Time Zone

GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity

240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.

Money

The currency remains the pound (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. ATMs are available in all towns and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks. Travellers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by tourists; they are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges.