Skip Lufthansa and Air France as you're flying a couple hours past Scotland then back again = more time in the airplane seat.

Also pick a routing where on the return, you don't have a connection in the US. Otherwise, you'll have a long layover since you need to do immigration at your first US port of entry. So do your transfers in Europe so you're on a dirct from Europe back to Dulles.

I find the European ones the best - best food, best service and minimal delays. Lufthansa. Swiss Air, Air France, Austrian Airlines.

Sorry - I just realized 18:19 already covered the codesharing. Good luck OP and I hope you have a great trip!

I second the PP who suggested paying a little extra for economy plus. You'll be much more comfortable - it's only a difference of a couple of inches, but you can tell. I would avoid transatlantic flights with any US domestic carrier, as the international carriers are much better. But, because Lufhtansa, for example, codeshares with United, just look for who the flight is "Operated by." That will give you more options, e.g., you may purchase the ticket from United, but it is operated by Lufthansa. Though it works the other way too, obviously, so even if are buying a Lufthansa flight but it's operated by United, you'll be flying a United plane (which as I mentioned is not great on transatlantic routes). Same goes for KLM and AirFrance and Delta.

Also, I recommend searching for flights on ITA Matrix (now owned by google: https://matrix.itasoftware.com/). You can't book there but it is truly the most comprehensive search engine.

Anonymous wrote:Virgin is my preference all the way. Their customer service is excellent and they are great with kids.

Ditto. Went to Normandy via London last year on Virgin. Great flights.

OP here. Thank you so much, all very helpful advice.

I love Air Canada for international flights. Lufthansa is fine, but very German...very utilitarian.

I agree that LHR is terrible for connections-- you have to reclear security and that can take hours.

You might look at Icelandair-- they are usually a little cheaper, partly because you'd have to connect in Iceland, but if you are going to Scotland you could connect to a flight to Glasgow (you can also add in a free stopover in Iceland if you have the time).

Generally I like European airlines a bit better than US, but not enough to pay more. Keep in mind there are lots of codeshares these days, so a flight can easily be sold by KLM but operated by Delta or vice-versa (if that matters to you).

If you can buy economy plus, that is often a good idea, but the price margin (and extra room) can vary widely.

I would say the worst advice is to pick a US carrier so you can earn miles. First of all, miles aren't that valuable and second of all, the airlines are all members of various alliances, so it's quite easy to earn AA miles on BA etc.

In coach there is not much difference, the one thing I would do is look at the seat maps and avoid the airlines that are trying to squeeze in ten seats per row (3-4-3 configuration). Price and schedule should be the main consideration.

I would avoid any flight connecting in Heathrow Airport - worst airport for connections. I do love Lufthansa but the others are fine too for international flights (I void domestic connections).

We just flew Lufthansa to Spain and I were pleased with all the flights. They were very accomodating of our kids. I would definitely fly with them again.

Anonymous wrote:We fly to Scotland a lot (family). The connecting flight after an overnight flight is a killer especially with small kids. Instead we've started driving to Philadelphia, parking in long stay and taking a direct flight to Glasgow or Edinburgh (US Airways). Philadelphia is an easier airport experience than Dulles too - has always been much quieter. When flying to London I much prefer BA or Virgin, service and food is better, but I'd take US Airways to Scotland every time to avoid the connecting flight.

Maybe it's better for international departures, but Philadelphia's airport is THE WORST. Delays, cancellations, luggage problems...I've had it all. I will often pay $100 more for a routing that avoids PHL (I fly US 90% of the time, so it's a decision I have to make a lot!).

I'd spend the extra money on economy plus rather than a different airline, especially for the overnight flight. I fly various airlines internationally and while I like some better than others it's rarely enough that I will pay more for them. You aren't on the plane for that long. And the major carriers are all safe. I personally don't like Lufthansa or Air Canada but it does sometimes depend on the specific route. I don't mind the US carriers as much as some people do - they aren't the greatest, but unless you are flying business or first class the service levels just aren't that different.

I had a good experience on delta and they partner with klm which i flew home and it wax Ok. The thing I looked for was airbus 300 or Boeing 767 since the window rows only have 2 across instead of 3 or 4. It made a HUGE difference in my opinion. The downside to klm is you can't upgrade to economy comfort until the day before but if you book through delta you can do that when you book. It was about $100 each way for economy comfort and it was definitely worth every penny.

Or change the route and fly United or American-again you will use the rewards points.