Don't automatically assume that you have to fly from Heathrow to get long-haul. Look at your alternatives, including the very handy London City Airport or the further away (but sometimes more convenient) Stansted or Luton Airports. Dedicated business-class-only flights to New York can now be had from SilverJet (the only such airline still around) out of their Luton base. BA have also excitingly announced an all-busines-class flight to New York from London City. Starting in 09, it will stop for operational reasons in Ireland but passengers can take this time to check through US immigration (due to an age-old agreement between Ireland and the US), saving valuable time when landing.