Looking for a low-cost transatlantic flight? Find budget fares on Zoom Airlines' new bargain flight between London and San Diego. There are cheap flights to New York too.
Zoom Airlines, the low-cost carrier for transatlantic flights, has launched a new service with cheap flights between London and San Diego. Beginning in June 2008, the discount airline will offer California passengers the same cheap fares and high standards they enjoy on its other budget flights between Canada, the USA and Europe.
The new San Diego service, which begins on June 23, is a surprising cheap flight destination. Although San Diego is California's second-largest city, this will be the only direct, non-stop flight between it and a European city. Currently passengers who travel from San Diego to London each year have to change planes at other US airports. The budget flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, to and from London Gatwick.
Based in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, Zoom Airlines was founded in 2002 by Hugh and John Boyle, two brothers with more than 20 years' experience in the holiday business in their native Scotland.
At the time of writing, Zoom offers the lowest scheduled air fares for transatlantic travel. These are full-service flights too, so the fare includes a meal, a snack, and in-flight entertainment such as movies and music.
Although budget flights are notorious for their cramped conditions, Zoom doesn't skimp on space. Its planes have a wide body cabin configuration, giving passengers as much – if not more – leg room and personal space as they would find on the large international carriers. There is also a Premium Economy section with greater pitch and extra service.
Zoom Airlines has daily flights between London Gatwick and New York JFK. There are flights twice a week from London to Bermuda and back.
In addition to its new twice-weekly service to San Diego, Zoom launched a twice-weekly flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida from London Gatwick in May 2008.
Zoom's Canada to Europe service is even more extensive. Passengers can fly between eight Canadian cities and five UK destinations. It also has flights to Paris and Rome. Canadian destinations include Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. UK cities include London, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast.
To get the best budget fares, book early and book online. Zoom's reservation system is based on one-way fares, and you select each leg of the journey separately. There are no restrictions or penalties if you want to fly into one city and leave from another, making it ideal for travelers who are touring widely within their destination.
Zoom's low-cost fares are also based on availability. As a given flight fills up, the price rises for the seats remaining. So it pays to book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. But even last-minute travelers benefit from cheaper fares, as Zoom's highest fares are still lower than those for the same flight on other scheduled airlines.
With new cheap flights to San Diego, UK visitors will find it easier than ever to explore California's second city. For top things to do there, see Summer in the City: San Diego.
For a guide to San Diego restaurants, click here.
For information and reservations on Zoom Airlines flights, click here.
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