Originally Posted by
TedToToe
If I was London based, which I am, I wouldn't call going from LHR to MAD via AMS/CDG a "standard hop". I mention this because again, thinking about London based travellers, I cannot see how jumping ship to AF/KL or LHG is going to be that beneficial taking into account the additional travel time and chance of misconnections. Obviously, for those based in 'the regions' the decision has a little more credence!
Being based in Scotland, getting back on the island after a long haul or even an EU flight just gives a lot more options to get home in the event of irrops.
Worst case can hire a car, or there are more flights to GLA/EDI or a train. At least you can see a path to get home. If it's AMS or FRA when there's a problem it's a bit trickier.