Ash UK/US

Interesting, I used to get good deals flying United/BMI via Chicago a few years ago now I get the cheapest deals going via AMS. I also used to get a better deal flying into Teeside instead of Newcastle now the opposite is true.

Poppy girl

I normally pay the extra because by the time you drive which is about 3 hrs from LHR and the gas is expensive as we know it really is better to just soak it up.

1chumly

Yes, it is more expensive but by the time I take into account train fares and taxis there is not much in it. I don't rent a car and drive up from LHR as I am always too knackered for the 3-4 hour drive. Plus, going to LHR can add another 5 hours to my journey. It would be the cheapest way for sure if I rented a car but for ease and convenience, for me its via Amsterdam to Humberside.

Ash UK/US

It is actually cheaper for me to fly from my local airport (Grand Rapids) into Newcastle via Amsterdam then it would be to fly from Detroit direct to Heathrow. There is approx $200 difference in the ticket price, plus it is about a 6 hour drive from London to my sisters house, like you said with the price of petrol it is just not worth doing a direct flight.

Poppy girl

Wish Stansted had direct flights from the US well from SFO at least or SMF (Sacramento)

Schnorbitz

I've had a similar thing flying from either Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids into either Detroit, Minneapolis or Chicago and then into Manchester via AMS. Strangely worked out cheaper. Although last week we flew GRR - DTW - LHR and all was good (with Delta on air miles). Through immigration with bags within 20 minutes.

Giantaxe

I'd take a non-stop from SFO to at least somewhere else in the UK than LHR!

Jerseygirl

The OP didn't say anything about price...he prefers flying into France or Amsterdam to avoid 'aggro' at UK customs/immigration.

DeltaSierra70

And then flying to a small airport nearer where I really want to be.
I used to HAVE to go to London, but now I can't think of a reason why I would WANT to go there.

Jerseygirl

It makes no difference where I am flying...I prefer to fly non-stop. If I can't then I probably won't go. Just personal preference.

Titchski

Because there's a Van Gogh exhibition at Schipol

Manc

I'd rather fly to Manchester via Buenos Airies than Heathrow. - FACT.

Mummy in the foothills

I want Sacramento to Man direct please There was a SMF to Vegas to Man for a while I never got to try it.

Do they even fly anywhere else than LHR direct from SFO? I think theres no option than LHR anymore.

Giantaxe

There's only been LHR non-stop the whole time I've lived here. In fact, I think that's true of the west coast in general. I guess Las Vegas is the nearest place with flights to elsewhere.

Poppy girl

There is no point in me going to somewhere else in the UK then LHR I would be working backwards, the flight from Schipol to Norwich is 30mins most times depending on the tail wind.