The new HFP chat thread – Friday 24th July

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We have decided to run this new daily chat thread on Head for Points.

Historically, the daily ‘Bits’ articles were the de facto repository for random comments and questions. It is unlikely that the news flow will be so big over the next few weeks that we will need many ‘Bits’ articles, however.

The comments under this article are where you should post questions about travel and, indeed, anything else on your mind. At this tricky time, and given that many of you are stuck at home self-isolating, we want the HFP community to have a place to chat.

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Category

General

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

Mr. AC says:

24 Jul24 July 04:42

In the vein of the TAP Star Alliance status match, are there any SkyTeam status matches happening? Barring that, a reasonable status challenge? I know Aeroflot is running one for the first time in 5 years, but they won’t match top status and require miles earned on cobranded credit cards which is way too much of a hurdle.
- Pablo says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 11:31
  
  With Flying Blue double XP Points until 31 Dec 2020 it’s easy to earn Gold with a couple of European trips in business class if you force 2 connections in CDG and AMS
  - David D says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 18:59
    
    Yes indeed, just have a look at Bergen or Oslo Torp where you fly UK Airport-CDG-AMS-BGO/TRF-AMS-CDG-UK Airport, normally 6 flights equals 90 XP as long as you cross borders each time, doubled equals 180 XP. Two of those in J equals 360 XP and Flying Blue Gold. Other locations like Krakow are available too.
  - Mr. AC says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 19:26
    
    Thx for the info, I’ll take a look at it.
Ian M says:

24 Jul24 July 05:13

Has anyone who signed up for the TAP status match been offered the matched status yet? I’ve not had any emails from TAP other than the initial email on sign up. I signed up on the day the article was published here.
- BJ says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 05:33
  
  Yes, seen it confirmed elsewhere, and I think there was at least one comment here too.
- The Original Nick says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 07:14
  
  I’ve received an email and gone ahead and joined TAP miles and more at the basic level but not had my status changed to Gold yet. I’ve not received anyother emails to confirm either. I’ve emailed custmwer services as a direct reply from their email and awaiting reply.
- Mr. AC says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 10:20
  
  No emails for me as well, I plan to wait until 30 days pass and then email support.
Craig says:

24 Jul24 July 05:49

What is the consensus on how long it takes an IHG Creation free night to appear, tracker showed £10k? Just had my July statement which shows this includes the £99 fee and without it the spend is below £10k, not sure if this is an issue. I have taken a screen shot of the tracker to be on the safe side.
- BJ says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 05:57
  
  Anna reported yesterday that she got hers posted with her 12th statement. I doubt the £99fee contributes to the £10spend but happy to be corrected on that.
- Alan says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 07:44
  
  Used to be a few weeks from what I recall – however just checked my account and it is showing up along with this month’s points! Now have two to use!
  - Secret Squirrel says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 08:12
    
    Got mine immediately with the 12th statement also.
  - Craig says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 08:15
    
    Ta, I feel a phone call coming up. Statement was issued today so I will give it a day or two.
    - Louise says:
      
      24 Jul24 July 10:59
      
      In previous years it was around 4 weeks after the renewal date. This year it posted either just before or on the card anniversary date.
      
      I know this because I cancelled the card and managed to do so without paying the fee but getting the night.
      
      No way I can spend £10k on it and £10k on the BAPP.
- Chrisasaurus says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:50
  
  Spend does not include the fee I’m afraid, needs to be 10k actual spend
  - Craig says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 08:54
    
    Yes, I realise that but the tracker stated quite clearly that I had earned my free night.
Tanya Wade says:

24 Jul24 July 07:15

I cancelled a 2-4-1 redemption to Hong Kong in business for February 2021 as I’m not able to get the dates off work. In the past I have been able to cancel and get the Avios, 241 and money back in a few days. Now I’ve received a voucher. I obviously haven’t been following these threads, but really want to have Avios, money and 241 back , not a voucher.

What do I do? TIA
- Alan says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 07:44
  
  If you’ve already accepted the voucher I’m not sure there’s much you can do, unfortunately.
- Rhys says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:40
  
  No harm in calling up and telling them you made a mistake/were confused and would like a refund instead.
- AJA says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 12:46
  
  You can try phoning them up as Rhys says. I think you may have a struggle but I read reports on FT that you can apparently pay £55 to get the Avios and 2-4-1 refunded. I also read that BA has slowly been amending their IT to enable people to redeem the FTV online, not sure whether that works for the 2-4-1 / Avios bookings or whether that is purely for cash bookings within the FTV.
  - Tanya Wade says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 17:44
    
    So after 66 mins I got through. Got everything refunded without any difficulties. The woman said most people preferred the travel voucher, which I would doubt.
Alan says:

24 Jul24 July 07:46

Received 13 free nights status credit from Marriott – a bit surprised as was only Gold via Amex Plat!
- Secret Squirrel says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:13
  
  Same here!
  - LB says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 08:43
    
    +1
- BJ says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:18
  
  Yes, and some got loads more. Not really sure I want to take nights away from Hilton though to do the challenge and make this work for me. I’m two years from Lifetime Diamond and trying to figure how current Hilton policies and practices impact qualification, if at all.
  - Alan says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 18:06
    
    I find Marriott properties and elite status pretty rubbish so I’m unlikely to give them any extra stays!
- Harry T says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 09:17
  
  Yes, they’ve been doling them out in batches. I was Gold last year from Amex Plat and received 13 nights about a week ago, although I only just received the email today!
Wally1976 says:

24 Jul24 July 07:52

Anyone know if the Hilton at St George’s Park Burton will give free breakfast to a family of 4 with the booker being a gold member? Thanks
- Wally1976 says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:24
  
  Failing that, does anyone have an email address for them? I can’t find one online. Thanks
- Travel Strong says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:48
  
  It seems discretionary. You should get 2 breakfasts, but I have had 4 granted across 2 rooms booked as a gold member. If you want certainty, and if you are gold via Amex Plat, and staying across 2 rooms, add another one of the 4 as a supp to give them gold too.
  - Wally1976 says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 10:07
    
    Thanks. I am gold via Amex Plat but cancelled a while ago! Also, we will all be in 1 room.
- Claire says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 09:51
  
  I have stayed here several times as a Gold then a Diamond and they always gave all 4 of us breakfast (2 adults + 2 kids) they are also awesome with upgrades ( 1 bed suite twice) and access to the executive lounge. I have stayed in so many Hiltons and NEVER once have any in this country or abroad charged me for my children to eat breakfast 🙂 Good luck
  - Wally1976 says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 09:58
    
    Sounds great Claire, thank you 🙂
    - Wally1976 says:
      
      24 Jul24 July 10:14
      
      Anyone know what their current breakfast offering consists of?
      - Claire says:
        
        24 Jul24 July 11:14
        
        In the past it was pretty good in quantity, choice & quality, starting with a cold selection of salmon & cold meats, cheeses & yoghurts etc, a hot selection of the usual sausage, bacon, with a chef to cook your eggs to your liking. Breads, pastries, cereals, fresh juices and smoothies. I do not know if Covid has changed anything? Lovely restaurant and service. If you get executive lounge access the choice of food is really good and complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks. This is actually one of our favourite hotels in the UK, good for Alton Towers. Hope you enjoy it too 🙂
      - fivebobbill says:
        
        24 Jul24 July 15:39
        
        They should offer you a job there Claire, feel like going myself now 😀
      - Wally1976 says:
        
        24 Jul24 July 19:26
        
        Thanks again Claire, we are indeed looking to use it for Alton Towers!
Robman says:

24 Jul24 July 07:53

RNS Number : 9980T
International Cons Airlines Group
24 July 2020
IAG and American Express extend global partnership

International Airlines Group (IAG) announces that it has signed a multi-year renewal extending its worldwide commercial partnership with American Express.

Under the agreements American Express will make a payment to IAG Loyalty of approximately GBP750 million, a significant part of which is a pre-purchase of Avios points that American Express will utilise in the UK and world-wide for its British Airways co-branded cards and Membership Rewards Programme.
- Wally1976 says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:24
  
  Sounds like good news to me, thanks 👍
- NvT1115 says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 08:33
  
  Yes looking good. Wonder how it sits with the Visa agreement?
- spk says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 11:02
  
  Great news! Cancelled my BAPP last month and was worried the card will be pulled.
BJ says:

24 Jul24 July 08:13

Any readers stayed at Hilton Odawara Resort and Spa; would be grateful for your thoughts? Looks like I will be able to pick up 5 nights for 212k points using 5 for 4. Figured it might be a bit of a steal as a late arrival and early departure would effectively be two extra days in Tokyo at non Tokyo hotel prices. Also, a good base to pick up a hire car for four days to explore Fuji Hakone area without going into Tokyo with car.
- ankomonkey says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 09:15
  
  Stayed there about 4 years ago. It’s nice and the food is good, but I’d struggle to rate it higher than that – i.e. nothing was exceptional. It’s location is quite remote and it’s not near Odawara city. The nearest train station is at least a 10 minute drive away. The journey to/from Tokyo is at least 1.5 hours (nearest station-Odawara then Odakyu Romance Car Odawara-Shinjuku). It certainly doesn’t match a ryokan experience.
  - BJ says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 14:34
    
    Thanks, sounds ok. Location would be fine as I am assuming we could pick up car at station or nearby. I think it is only about 30 minutes from Shinagawa with Hikari train.
    - ankomonkey says:
      
      24 Jul24 July 14:55
      
      Yes, Odawara is a shinkansen stop, but those tickets will be quite a bit more expensive than Odakyu Line or JR Tokaido Line.
      
      You will definitely be able to pick up a hire car from Odawara city and possibly more local to the hotel depending on who you use.
- meta says:
  
  24 Jul24 July 09:28
  
  That’s a lot of points. I’ve seen it going for 28k for standard room. So this is nearly double!
  - meta says:
    
    24 Jul24 July 09:30
    
    Sorry misread. I though it was Odaiba one.
    - BJ says:
      
      24 Jul24 July 14:38
      
      Will keep an eye on that too but at the moment most hotels just available until April or May and prices are high. Have to spend about two weeks in Tokyo so will be looking for any good value use of Hilton or IHG points.