About the Palma de Mallorca → London route
Palma to London is one of those routes that just makes sense. It's a short-haul hop — 1,310 km, barely an hour and a half in the air — and it punches way above its weight in terms of frequency. easyJet (U2) owns this route in terms of volume, but you've also got British Airways (BA) and Jet2 (LS) in the mix, so there's real competition keeping things interesting. The crowd is mostly leisure travelers — Brits heading home after a Mallorcan escape, Spaniards visiting London for the first time (or the tenth). It's relaxed, it's well-connected, and honestly? It's one of the easier European city pairs to fly.
Why travel from Palma de Mallorca to London?
London pulls Mallorcan and Spanish travelers for a lot of reasons, and "just to see Big Ben" isn't really one of them anymore. People go for the food scene — Shoreditch alone has more interesting restaurants per block than most European capitals. There's a huge Spanish-speaking community in London, so family visits are genuinely common on this route. Culture lovers make the trip for the West End, the Tate Modern, or the kind of world-class museum access (often free!) that's hard to find elsewhere. And business travelers aren't absent either — London's financial sector draws professionals from across the Mediterranean. Honestly, I went for a long weekend last autumn specifically to eat my way through Borough Market, and I'd do it again tomorrow.
Quick stats
- Distance: 1,310 km
- Estimated flight time: 1h 32m
- Operating airlines: BA, LS, U2
- Direct route: yes
Practical tips for PMI → LGW
Fly in spring or autumn if you can — London's weather is more forgiving, and fares tend to dip outside peak summer. LGW arrivals are pretty smooth; the South Terminal is compact and you'll clear baggage quickly. The Gatwick Express train gets you into London Victoria in about 30 minutes — worth it over a taxi every time. UK currency is pounds sterling, not euros, so sort that before you land. If you're on easyJet or Jet2, check your baggage allowance obsessively — both carriers charge extra for hold luggage, and it catches people out constantly.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Palma de Mallorca to London Gatwick?
The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes to cover the 1,310 km distance between PMI and LGW. This is a short-haul European flight with minimal time difference between the two cities.
Which airlines operate the Palma de Mallorca to London Gatwick route?
Three airlines serve this route: British Airways (BA), Lufthansa (LS), and easyJet (U2). Flight frequency and schedules vary by season, so it's worth comparing options across all three carriers.
What's the best time of year to fly from Palma to London?
May to June and September to October offer the best blend of good weather in Palma, reasonable fares, and pleasant conditions in London. July-August sees peak tourist prices, while winter months may have fewer flights but lower costs.
Do I need a visa to travel from Spain to the United Kingdom?
UK visa requirements depend on your nationality; EU/EEA citizens no longer have visa-free access post-Brexit and must check specific requirements. Non-EU citizens should verify their eligibility for visa-free entry or apply for the appropriate visa before travel.
What should I know about luggage, jet lag, and connections on this route?
As a short 1.5-hour flight, jet lag is minimal (both regions are in similar time zones with only a 1-hour difference). Luggage policies vary by airline—budget carriers like easyJet typically charge for checked bags, while BA's policy is more generous; verify your carrier's allowance when booking.