With business class flights its even more savings. If your fly BA/Cathay Amsterdam-London-Hong Kong-Manila return its considerably cheaper then London-Hong Kong-Manila return even with the additional flights to Amsterdam.
Next year I'm flying into Bristol and will be routing Muscat-Abu Dhabi-Dublin-Gatwick-Amsterdam-Bristol all on one ticket. Yes its a bit of a killer, but its a cleverly setup and a very cheap routing which will ensure I remain a gold card holder with Etihad and retain Silver with KLM.
