Travelling via another country can give you substantial savings both in terms of AP tax and competitive fares. From LBA, I used to take KLM to AMS in Y as it was only a short leg, then fly AMS/LHR/HKG with BA.
Transfer at AMS was fine if travelling with carry-on only - just need to give yourself a couple of hours between flights in AMS in case of delays. On return leg, book a 24 hr stop-over in LHR, tear up the LHR/AMS boarding pass, and then just transfer onto the next LHR/LBA flight on the cheapest available ticket. Only downside is having to negotiate LHR security twice.
Saving on the combined fares could be as much as £1000 compared to a BA LBA/LHR/HKG C class fare.