Camp America Flights vs Booking Your Own: What’s Actually Best for You?

If you’ve been eyeing up Camp America for 2026, you’ve probably hit that choice:
Do you book your own flights… or let us handle the whole thing?

Both options work, but they’re very different vibes. This guide breaks it all down so you can pick what’s right for you (and your bank account).

Option 1: Book a Camp America Flight

This is the £695 option.
It’s roughly £200 more than the no-flights package, but that extra cost gets you way more than just a seat on a plane.

Why people LOVE choosing our flights

1. We organise everything

No juggling dates. No comparing airlines. No panicking over “is this airport even close to my camp??”

When you’re placed, we match you to the right flight date and closest airport so your Travel to Camp works smoothly.
Camps really appreciate this because it means their Camp America staff arrive together - making arrivals way easier for them to manage, whether they’re offering a pickup or giving clear instructions for getting to camp.

2. Group travel = instant friends

Our flights often have loads of Camp America people on them, so if you want that “I’m not doing this solo” energy, this is a solid option.

Most people say the adventure starts at the airport!

3. Perfect for first timers

If you're new to long-haul travel, stop overthinking.
You don’t need to navigate connections, timings, or “what if something goes wrong?”.

We’re here for everyone, but if you’re on a Camp America flight, we’re already looped in and sorting things the second anything goes off-track.

4. The price doesn’t change - even if you get placed late

Booking your own flights in May? Painful.
Booking ours? Still £695.
Simple.

5. No need to buy a flight upfront

This one’s huge.

With our flights, you pay around £206 more upfront, and part of the flight cost is covered by your pocket money once you're at camp. 

To be clear: the pocket money shown in your online account is untouched - that’s the money you’ll actually receive from your camp. That’s why the amount might seem lower compared to someone on the no-flights option.

The big win? You don’t have to pay for a transatlantic flight right now.

6. You can upgrade to flexible flights

If you’re not sure how long you want to stay in the States, you can upgrade to flexible flights (London departures only).
You just pick your return date later - as long as you tell us at least two weeks before you want to fly home, we’ll get it booked in. You can also request to fly back from other US airports - not just NYC.

It’s ideal if you’re planning road trips, or just seeing where the summer takes you.

Option 2: Book Your Own Flights

This is the £489 package.

It’s cheaper upfront, and you’ll usually get more pocket money - up to roughly $2,250 without flights, instead of up to around $1,650 with flights.

Why people choose this option

• You want full control of airports, timings, airlines, stopovers
• You’ve got travel points or a family discount
• You’re planning a big USA adventure before or after camp
• You’re confident in sorting logistics

Totally fine. But - big heads up - you do need to buy your flight yourself.
And in Summer 2026, flights could be spicy (thanks, World Cup USA). Prices may jump.

Flights Included vs Own Travel — Quick Comparison
 

So… What do most people do?

Honestly?
Most first timers pick flights included.

They want:

• the organisation
• the guaranteed date
• the safety net
• the group travel vibe
• and not shelling out £600–£900 for a flight right away

It’s a smoother, less stressful route - especially if this is your first big trip away from home.

People going for “Own Travel” are usually:

• returning staff
• travel-savvy
• planning extra US adventures
• or just love the independence

Both options are great - it just depends on your style.
 

Bottom Line

The moment you secure your place, your American summer is on.
Whether you fly with Camp America or organise your own travel, you’re set for an unreal adventure.

But if you want things organised, social, and stress-free...
Go for the Camp America flights.

If you prefer full freedom and a lower upfront cost…
Book your own.

Either way - summer sorted.