I'm taking the hubby for a trip to London this month and we're both booked on CO flights. I'm a Platinum Elite, he is not. But my question is really about getting around Europe and earning miles doing it. We want to go to Edinburgh or Dublin for 2 days and the airfares I am looking at are ridiculous- they all fly back to the US and then to Ireland, etc.

I've heard that people can take trains to Edinburgh for reasonable prices, but am I missing a chance to earn miles? And where's a good place to look into these things- I am not getting anywhere. I'm looking to either fly to Ireland on cheap fares, OR take a plane or train to Edinburgh.

Is there a way to earn miles while traveling in Europe? I mean, can I earn miles taking the train, and if not, what airlines do you recommend to get us to Dublin or Edinburgh? We leave in about 3 weeks and I have hotels reserved in London and Edinburgh, but wonder if we'll be able to make it to Edinburgh for a reasonable price, and earning points, too. Anyone? Thanks in advance!