It’s no secret that Scotland is my favorite place to travel, so I’ll take any excuse to write about it. And with Scotland’s popularity growing, not just for Harry Potter fans or Outlander enthusiasts, but for families and adventurers alike, now is the perfect time to plan a trip. Whether it’s the cobbled streets of Edinburgh that you’re after, the whisky distilleries of Islay, or the sweeping landscapes of the Highlands, Scotland truly has something for everyone. In this post, I’ll show you how to make your dream trip a reality by using points and miles to get there, no matter your budget.

 

Best Time to Visit Scotland

One of the best things about Scotland is that it’s a year-round destination, but the experience can change depending on the season. 

Spring (March-May) brings longer days, blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds. It’s a great time to explore some of the more touristy spots and you’ll find lower prices on flights and hotels compared to the summer.  The weather can still be unpredictable, but the crisp air and greenery make it worth it! 

Summer (June-August) is the peak travel season in Scotland.  The weather is at its warmest, daylight lasts until around 11pm in June, and the festivals are in full swing.  It’s the most expensive time to visit and it will feel crowded—but the energy is unbeatable. Make sure to plan far in advance if you have any desire to see The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo or attend the Fringe Festival. 

Autumn (September-November) is one of Scotland’s most underrated seasons.  The highlands glow, the crowds thin out and the weather is still mild. Airfare and hotels are often much less expensive compared to summer, making it a great time to visit. 

Winter (December-February) in Scotland can be cold and dark, but like other European destinations, it has a magic of its own. Think Christmas markets, pubs with roaring fires, and fewer tourists. You’ll find the lowest prices on flights and hotels this time of year. 

 

Budget Points Visit to Scotland

If you’re working with a modest stash of points, economy redemptions are the way to go.

Aer Lingus via Avios

From Boston or New York, you can book one-way flights to Dublin for as low as 13,000 to 20,000 Avios + $100 in taxes and fees.

 

 

 

From Dublin, you can connect to Edinburgh or Glasgow on a low-cost carrier or an Avios redemption.  An off-peak flight via Aer Lingus Avios is only 4,000 points + $11.70! 

 

 

 

 

United MileagePlus

Economy awards to both Ireland and England often start at around 30,000 miles one way, and one of the biggest perks booking with United is avoiding the steep surcharges that many other programs impose. If you’re a United MileagePlus credit card holder, you can usually stretch your miles even further with additional discounts on award flights. Once you land in London, you’ll have two great options for getting to Scotland: either hop on a low-cost carrier for a quick flight, or enjoy the scenic four-and-a-half-hour train ride to Edinburgh, which winds along the beautiful coastline.

 

If your trip takes you through another European city before heading to Scotland, be sure to check out Flying Blue Promo Rewards from Air France and KLM. These monthly deals can offer significant mileage savings on transatlantic flights. Once you’ve arrived in Europe, getting to Scotland is simple with just a short flight or train ride away.

 

It is also possible to find flights all the way to where you are going (like Edinburgh) using these rewards although there may be less availability in dates. Here is a flight I found with the current Flying Blue Promos—Seattle to Europe that could take me to Edinburgh for 18,750 miles, using this month’s Promo Awards.

 

 

Moderate Points Visit to Scotland

If you can spare a few more miles, premium economy and off-peak business class are great sweet spots.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic has really competitive points rates. For example, if you’re flying from JFK, you can snag a premium seat for 17,000 miles. Taxes and fees are a bit higher, but the comfort on this long-haul flight may make up for the additional costs.  

 

You may be lucky enough to find a Delta Premium Select seat via Virgin Atlantic to Europe, which often starts around 45,000 miles one way.

American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is a great option for getting to Europe with its off-peak awards. You can find economy flights starting at just 22,500 miles one way, 40,000 miles in premium economy, or 57,500 miles in business class. The key is to be mindful of being booked through American but flying on British Airways planes, as the hefty British Airways fuel surcharges can sometimes outweigh the value of the redemption. In many cases, it’s worth spending just a few more miles to book directly on American aircraft and avoid those extra fees. While this example highlights departures from Boston, similar award pricing can also be found from other U.S. cities. 

 

Splurge Points Visit to Scotland

If comfort is a priority, you might want to splurge on a lie-flat seat to Scotland.

You can book United and its Star Alliance partner flights using either Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus. Business class awards typically run 70,000 to 80,000 miles one way, offering a solid value for crossing the Atlantic in comfort. One example is a business-class Lufthansa flight booked through United from JFK to Glasgow, putting you in Scotland after a long flight in a comfy lie-flat seat. 

 

Here is another example booked through Air Canada from Boston to Glasgow: 

 

One of the best sweet spots to Scotland is through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. For as little as 47,500 miles plus about $586 in taxes and fees, you can fly nonstop from Atlanta to Manchester. From there, it’s just a quick three-hour train ride through the English countryside to reach Edinburgh.

 

 

For a list of lodging options in Scotland fit for all budgets, check out our blog post 10 Best Points Hotels in Scotland.

 

Bottom Line

From budget-friendly economy seats to splurge-worthy business class redemptions, Scotland is within reach no matter the size of your points balance. As long as you plan ahead and have a little flexibility, you’ll be sipping whisky in Edinburgh, hiking the Highlands, or exploring medieval castles before you know it, all thanks to credit card points and miles.

Note: These are just flight options for inspiration—there are countless other options you may find. Please share your best ways to get to Scotland with us!

 

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