Updated 10/05/2011
Getting Here
Flights
- I'm sure everyone knows this already, but Bing has a wonderful flight tracking feature which automatically compares all the airlines to find the best price. Also, you can set up travel alerts that email you when costs change. Also, there is StudentUniverse.com. It has youth airfares, so if you are in the age range (which I think most people are), you can use it, but it is best for students and teachers.
- The downside of Bing is that it doesn't give you flight flexibility, and the difference of a day or two coming or going can wind up saving a lot of money. I usually check Virgin Atlantic, which shows three days on both sides of the provided date, and then use the cheapest combination to set up my Bing alerts. Virgin is the best airline and usually the cheapest, anyway, so it's more that I'm double checking something cheaper isn't available.
- Round-trip flights from DC usually run about $750, and the lowest I've ever gotten is $600. If you are paying more than $850, there's something wrong. I know people who have gotten flights from NY for less than $300, but I ma not that skilled.
- I always fly in and out of Heathrow, but there are four more airports in London. Also! There is an international airport in Birmingham, which makes getting to Strats a whole lot easier, should you find a flight that gets in there.
Getting from Heathrow to Strats
There's no way around it, getting to Strats is a pain, and the best option will depend on your flight and how much time you want to kill/money you want to spend. This I usually do, which I have found to be the best combination of cheap and direct:
- Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington station (there are usually people selling tickets at the bottom of the escalators going to baggage claim)
- Take the Bakerloo tube line two stops to Marylebone (if you are spending time in London, it might be worth it to get an Oyster card)
- You can get a direct train to Strats from Marylebone via Chiltern Railways (tickets can be bought online)
- I have found it takes about two hours for me to get through customs, get my bags and get to Marylebone, so I usually buy a train ticket in advance for trains leaving three hours after my expected arrival time at Heathrow
Staying Here
Accommodations
- We have guest sheets and towels, so don't worry about packing those (unless you are also traveling elsewhere)
More information to come in time!
