Don, it has been many years, but we once did an overnight at Gatwick. At that time there was a hotel connected to the airport, and as I recall we just wheeled our luggage right over to check in.

Have you found any good rates from DFW or are you going to use Delta miles? We're still trying to figure out the best way to go on our air for CROSS. I keep thinking that perhaps we will see some better deals in a couple of months, but I don't want to wait too long. Our AA miles are limited, and I hate to use them for an open jaw.

Editing to say: YEA! So glad you will be aboard for the entire CROSS itinerary!