Tips for nonrevving to the UK?
 

Heading to Old Blighty in a few weeks to see friends. Any tips on nonrevving? I have benefits on UA and DL, and was thinking of flying into LHR and leaving from MAN (I'll be up north for part of my trip, and I understand loads out of MAN can be lighter?) I read about the 100-pound LHR departure tax, so might try to avoid departing from LHR.

I'm coming from SFO, so if I can't get on the US nonstops, it looks like MSP, SEA, and DTW are options on DL, or EWR/ IAD / ORD on UA. Any insider tips would be much appreciated.

Not sure if they still do it, but Delta also used to run LHR out of ORD, PHL and one other unsuspecting airport i can't remember. They were usually WIDE open

Delta also has a LAX LHR direct

Does AA still have the LHR flight from RDU? That was the non rev express 10 years ago. Not sure anymore.

I think that's a code share VS flight now... which I can't get on. Has to be DL metal...

Can't you use an id90 or jumpseat?

Id90, yes... jumpseat, no. Not internationally, unless I am very misinformed. I've jumpseated internationally on K4 and Atlas, but neither is convenient trying to get from SFO to the UK...

You are correct, looks like they cancelled it.

Is Delta Pulling Back From London - Or From LA? - One Mile at a Time

The departure tax is generally high anywhere in the UK, with LHR being a bit more.

That being said, LHR will definitely give you the most options on DL. You can fly thrice daily to JFK and they are usually open. You can also fly to ATL, DTW, MSP, BOS, SEA, and PHL.

MAN is hit or miss in my experience. Sometimes its a lightly loaded 767 and other times its an oversold 757. Keep on eye on MAN if you want to go there.

EDI is another option but it tends to be a bit full.

ZED on VS is a fantastic option. It opens up a lot more destinations and they are great to ZED with. I just rode them from LGW - MCO and it was a breeze. You check-in online 24 hours before departure and they assign seats right then and there. No need to talk to a single agent until they scan your boarding pass at the gate. VS operates all over the US from LHR, LGW, MAN, and GLA.

PM me if you need more info! Happy to help.

Very helpful, thank you!! One more question: when departing the UK, how does one obtain a boarding pass and get through security without an assigned seat? (Assuming I'm not on VS). I've never nonrevved internationally on a pax carrier so I'm not aware of the process. And how does one pay departure taxes?

Thanks in advance :)