Originally Posted by redsock

My apologies to the moderators if this is inappropriate to post here, as I have also posted this on the Delta forum.

From searches I have conducted here, it appears my options for getting from the US to Scotland using DL miles are these:

1. DL to LGW or MAN + some form of travel to Scotland;
2. CO to MAN, EDI, or GLA, probably renting a car at any of the above locations; I have read some of the comments about CO to GLA and EDI on this forum.
3. VS to LHR + some form of travel to Scotland. (I note that VS offers a pseudo-UC service from MCO to MAN, but I am not sure that this is worth the miles)

My international experience is limited. I have flown VS in Upper Class and loved it. I also found LHR to be very convenient into London. However, having spent time in London but nowhere else in the UK, I am looking to spread my wings a little bit and might be willing to give up the comfort of the Upper Class (Suite, potentially, as my trip is not until Summer 2005) if I can have a decent flying experience into an airport more convenient to Scotland. Similarly, I am not too concerned about having to fly coach from RIC to my interational departure hub, as I know I would if I flew VS.

I would appreciate any and all advice on this decision, especially from those of you who may have flown the DL and/or CO route(s). It is likely that I will rent a car in Scotland at some point regardless of the air travel, if that impacts the advice. Thanks in advance!