Originally Posted by
nopac6
The UK departure tax is about $180 per person and is very close to the cost of a 1-way train ticket from London to Paris or Brussels if you leave after noon or so. If the loads are comparable you might want to consider that. I hate paying that dept tax!
Good luck.
The departure tax is a mess. Also, business class is better than 1st IMO. The seats are so far apart in 1st class you can't hold hands with your spouse or even have a conversation without raising your voice so everyone can hear you. I actually don't list for 1st, I try and get business.
About the train the best strategy is to fly into Paris or Brussels, hang out there for a few days, then train to London, hang there for a few days, then train to the other city (Paris or Brussels) then fly out of there. You get to visit 3 cities and don't pay the departure tax.
IF you have the time of course.