Travel: Bargain of the week

something to declare

The low-cost airline Ryanair is facing a boycott from Britain's travel agents from Thursday, when it reduces the commission paid on flights between Britain and Ireland. This issue has obscured the airline's latest bargain between Scotland and London. With a new pounds 19 one-way fare on the Stansted-Prestwick route, plus special low-cost rail fares, you can travel between any ScotRail station and central London for a total of pounds 55 return: pounds 43 for the flight (including tax), pounds 7 for the Stansted SkyTrain and pounds 5 for rail travel in Scotland. The airline offers 3,000 seats a week at this price. Several points:

1. The ScotRail special deal of pounds 5 return can be obtained on producing your air ticket at Prestwick airport or any staffed ScotRail station, but the Stansted SkyTrain ticket requires a seven-day advance booking.

2. Scottish residents who have no intention of travelling to England can still benefit from the offer; Thurso to Prestwick normally costs a minimum of pounds 49, pounds 1 more than if you use this deal but throw away the plane ticket.

3. If your travel agent won't sell you the ticket, book direct on 0541 569569.