Look, as a Londoner, you are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to jetting off. But let’s be honest, that “choice” can quickly turn into a right headache when you’re trying to figure out if it’s cheaper to trek to Stansted or just bite the bullet and head to Heathrow.
If you’re planning an all-inclusive escape in 2026 or 2027, the “London” label covers everything from the glitzy terminals of the West to the tiny, stress-free gates of the East. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit navigating the M25 and the Piccadilly line, so here is the nitty-gritty on doing an “All-In” from the capital without losing your mind—or your savings.
London’s airports aren’t just about where you live; they’re about how you like to travel.
Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are the heavyweights. If you’re looking for “Total Luxury” or long-haul all-inclusives to places like Mexico or Mauritius, these are your hubs. Heathrow, in particular, is currently outpacing its own infrastructure limits, with a record 85 million passengers expected in 2026. It’s for the “premium” traveller who wants the lounge, the flagship airline, and the widest choice of exotic destinations.
Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) are the undisputed kings of the budget-friendly “Beach Blast.” These serve the savvy holidaymaker from North London and the Home Counties. This is Jet2 and TUI territory. If you want a week in Turkey or the Canaries without the eye-watering price tag, you’re likely flying from here.
London City (LCY) and Southend (SEN) are the “insider” choices. City is strictly for the short-haul elite—think chic all-inclusive boutique stays in Malta or Ibiza. Southend, meanwhile, is the local hero for Essex and East London. It’s small, it’s fast, and for 2026, it’s proving a brilliant alternative for those who can’t face the Stansted queues.
The 2026 reality check: “Kiss-and-fly” is no longer free. In fact, most London airports have jacked up their fees again this year.
Transport: The Elizabeth Line has been a game-changer for Heathrow, getting you from Central London for under £15. For Gatwick, the Thameslink is often a stealthily cheaper alternative to the Express.
Parking & Fees: Heathrow’s terminal drop-off charge is now £7, and Gatwick has hit a whopping £10 as of January 2026. Expect to pay £90–£120 for a week’s “Long Stay” at either if you don’t book months in advance.
Transport: The Luton Airport Express is slick, taking you from St Pancras in 32 minutes. Stansted is still best served by the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street (around £20).
Parking & Fees: Both charge £7 for a 10-15 minute drop-off. Parking is slightly cheaper than the big two, usually around £70–£85 for a week if you snag an early-bird deal.
Transport: LCY is on the DLR (cheap as chips at £4–£8), while Southend has its own station with direct links to Liverpool Street.
Parking & Fees: London City just introduced an £8 drop-off fee (highest in the UK per minute!), but Southend is often the best value for long-term parking, usually around £60 for the week.
London airports open up the entire world, but for an all-inclusive in 2026, there are some clear winners.
From Gatwick & Heathrow: You’ve got the “Gold Standard.” Think Antalya (Turkey) for massive family resorts, Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) for winter sun, and Cancun (Mexico) for that high-end Caribbean luxury.
From Stansted & Luton: This is the Mediterranean heartland. You can find brilliant “All-In” deals to Majorca, Lanzarote, and Zante. According to ABTA’s 2026 trends, “Super September” is the new peak—one in four of us are now booking all-inclusives for September to dodge the school holiday prices.
From Southend: It’s all about Spain and Portugal. If you want a quick, 3-hour hop to the Algarve or Costa Blanca, SEN is your best bet for a stress-free start.
With six airports to check, you could spend your entire weekend comparing prices. Instead, I always use the Alihoco tool at www.allinclusive.co.uk. It’s the only way to cut through the “from £199” bait-and-switch deals that turn out to be Room Only.
Search “London (All)”: Don’t limit yourself to one airport. Use the “London (All)” filter to compare Heathrow against Stansted. Sometimes the price drop at a budget airport more than pays for the extra train fare.
Toggle the “Ultra” Filter: If you want the “Zero Wallet” experience (branded spirits, late-night snacks, and kids’ clubs included), make sure you filter for “Ultra All Inclusive.”
Trust the Nitty-Gritty: Alihoco pulls live data from TUI, Thomas Cook, and EasyJet Holidays. As industry authorities note, “The winners in 2026 are the travellers who use operational agility”—basically, comparing all London hubs at once to find the unsold capacity.
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