Sputnik

Thinking of taking one kid to London for a quick trip around the holidays. I have never non-rev'ed international. Any and all tips would be appreciated. I think I know what we are going to see and do once there but no idea how to get from airport to town, hotel tips, etc.

tomgoodman

You can take the “tube” (subway) downtown. I got a room at the Doubletree Victoria Station, which is centrally located. Don’t know about Holiday prices, but they might be steep.

Hossharris

Look to flights in and out of philly, usually empty.

We stayed at the doubletree ealing for less than $100 (American) a night. Easy walk to tube station...10 minute ride to downtown.

We couldn’t get any deals at the layover hotels

Jodi

The tube is simple, get an Oyster card which is refillable. Costs 5 sterling, but you can redeem the card when you return to LHR. The last stop is Cockfosters, which gets a kid to giggle everytime--after flying all night to get there.

We did an AirBNB near Westminster...simple and convenient.

Varsity

The taxes in and out of LHR are eyewatering, even for a non-rev. The highest in the world if I recall correctly. Your family will easily be a grand or more.

London is expensive, easily spend $30-$40 a day/per person just on the tube/bus.

Rooster435

A One day travel pass on the Oyster card for central London (zones 1&2, which go pretty far out) is about $7. Good on tubes, buses, light rail...

Concur on the taxes. I thinks it's about $170 per person to depart.

Jodi

The taxes and fees get payroll deducted after you fly the leg. You don't need to pony up the dough at the airport.

zippinbye

Did what you are doing almost exactly one year ago. Took my 16 year old girl. I decided to head home in 12/23 - close to Christmas - good idea, right? Well, it was a Wednesday and I thought an S2 and 20 years’ seniority would make it all good. Plus I was willing to fly into any US Delta gateway. So LHR to the West Coast was sketchy, but I was more focused on LHR departure taxes - avoiding them, that is. So I decided to convert the taxes into fun by taking the Eurostar train through the Chunnel to Paris. 2 nights there plus train nearly funded by tax savings! Loads were more favorable out of CDG as well; MSP in Delta One! Turns out that MSP- LAS was the biggest challenge; thanks and Merry Christmas Delta colleague for slamming the door on a plane with six empty seats all in the name of an early departure. ZED fare to the rescue - And a sincere thanks to Southwest for accommodating “runners” with a smile.

We really enjoyed London in the Christmas spirit. Turns out Paris is more enjoyable when Delta is covering the hotel and you’re not trying to impress your kid with your very lame Francais skills! But Paris cafes, time in the Louve and a night time ascent of the Eiffel Tower proved to be magical. The trip was awesome overall. The Hyde Park Christmas Market was great. For a girl who loves things UK ( Dr. Who, Downtown Abbey and Victoria fan), Kensington Palace was perfect. Tower of London and the Churchill War Rooms were fantastic too. The Tube and hop on/ hop off boats on the Thames were a great way to get around. Harrods in full decor is a “ don’t miss” freebie. If you haven’t yet checked out Londonpass, I recommend it. Museum and tourist trap entrance fees alone pay for it and there are definite transportation and tour benefits too. Plus it gets you past lines at many attractions.

Just recently both of us were reflecting fondly on our trip one year ago ... special memories. Have fun!!!

Sputnik

Doing the London pass with Oyster. Aware of insane exit taxes, the Chunnal is an interesting idea.

Just have to see if the other 9 zillion Delta employess living in ATL have the same idea.

CFin

Fly into LHR, ZED out on KLM to AMS and come home from there. That’s how I’ve avoided the exit taxes in LHR, usually around $175.