The HfP chat thread – Monday 24th August

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• BSI1978 says:

  24 Aug24 August 06:20

  Morning all, happy Monday.

  How often within the year is The Economist/Avios deal run? Been a while since the last offer I believe, keen to sign up but will hold off if there’s a possibility of a new one reasonably soon.

  • Rob says:

    24 Aug24 August 07:53

    I’d say there is a deal at least 50% of the year.

  • mark2 says:

    24 Aug24 August 09:08

    This https://subscription.economist.com/offerpage/254320/OA/partners/BritishAirwaysB/Base# is the current poor offer.
    I need to renew by end Sept.

• Algor says:

  24 Aug24 August 06:57

  After few average stays in Hiltons since March and a good stay in WA Rome Cavalieri I really enjoyed weekend break in Conrad St. James, I’d even say it has been fantastic stay.

  Maybe a bit short of staff at times but service is excellent and a la cart breakfast is a highlight. To compare this with a “to go” breakfast I had a week ago in another UK hotel (paper bag with old croissant and yogurt inside) I can’t stand the “COVID-19 excuse” anymore.

  Great HH recognition with a proper upgrade prior to arrival so I was able to choose the suite on the app, evening lounge service is in hotel Bar and feels much better than usual lounge rousey binge drinking.

  • Michael C says:

    24 Aug24 August 07:10

    Right back at ya, Algor! Had my b-day there last weekend, and loved it.

    • Algor says:

      24 Aug24 August 08:14

      Wonder how many HfPers were there.

      • Roberto says:

        24 Aug24 August 09:03

        I was too. 14th to 17th

  • Heathrow Flyer says:

    24 Aug24 August 08:30

    The Covid-excuse is really wearing thin. Why are banks STILL on reduced hours?

    • Andrew says:

      24 Aug24 August 08:46

      Totally!! Banks are the only places on the high st that still have queues outside – and long queues at that!

• Phil says:

  24 Aug24 August 07:08

  Morning all,

  Using the new flexibility with VA companion voucher, I’ve booked a family trip to Antigua in May. Does anyone please have a good recommendation for a family friendly resort? Probably looking more 4 than 5 star. Thanks!

• Steve says:

  24 Aug24 August 07:52

  Morning all,

  I’d like confirmation on my understating of a booking I have with BA.

  Flight booked in Feb for return LHR-JFK
  Paid cash for WTP with Avios upgrade to CW
  Travel mid November

  Currently I don’t have FTV available, my ticket isn’t flexible and a it isn’t all Avios no £35 change fee. As the flights have operated everyday it’s unlikely they’ll be cancelled and so my options are:

  1. Pay for a change of dates
  2. Wait and see if for some bizarre reason they do cancel/change one of my flights
  3. Hope they extend the FTV dates

  Anything I’ve missed?

  • Rob says:

    24 Aug24 August 08:05

    Correct. I wouldn’t be too concerned as 2) or 3) is likely to happen.

• Largo says:

  24 Aug24 August 08:04

  Morning All
  New to the site so this may have been covered previously but BA cancelled my return flight SEA (Seattle) – LHR booked using 2f1 companion voucher and refunded my taxes etc except for £100 and eventually (after 2 months) all my Avios. My outward flight LHR – YVR (Vancouver), on the same companion voucher, was also cancelled by BA but after I requested a full refund following cancellation of the return flight. Both flights were booked at different times but were on the same booking with same reference number. BA told me the £100 not refunded covered the cost of an upgrade from CW to F that I made plus 2 x £35 cancellation fees for the outward flight. My view is that if BA cancelled my return flight then the whole booking is refundable. If so, should I go to arbitration or SCC/MCOL?

  • Anna says:

    24 Aug24 August 08:54

    It sounds as though you were incorrectly charged 2 x £35 cancellation charges but as you say if both flights were on one booking and BA cancelled one leg, you shouldn’t be made to pay for that. The upgrade fee is a bit of a grey area, I know people have been refused refunds for seat selection and I suspect BA’s Ts & Cs will dictate your rights on this.

    • Charlieface says:

      24 Aug24 August 14:14

      I would fight for the £100 also, it’s part of the cost of buying the First flight

      • Largo says:

        24 Aug24 August 20:37

        Many thanks to you and Anna for your advice – much appreciated.

• Ben says:

  24 Aug24 August 08:36

  Flying Club Europe to Greece later this week, has anyone recently experienced the catering? Is it still pre packaged cold service? Are they doing alcohol? It’s a morning flight but a glass of fizz would be a nice touch.

  • High Grade says:

    24 Aug24 August 08:44

    Don’t worry they are still doing a drinks service and champagne is available as normal.

    • Ben says:

      24 Aug24 August 10:07

      Panic over! Thank you.

  • Matt says:

    24 Aug24 August 09:27

    Drinks are available as normal. Food is in the cardboard box – sandwich, salad and chocolate mousse on the way to Croatia the other day.

• Gtellez says:

  24 Aug24 August 09:37

  Iberia has a really good avios offer, 50% discount in avios in all routes and classes from Sept 1st to March 15 (even during Christmas); you must book by Aug 30.

  • Andrew M says:

    24 Aug24 August 10:37

    Did you get anything to price with the 50% discount? Everything is still full price when I check.

  • Andrew M says:

    24 Aug24 August 11:03

    Spanish residents only.

    • Gtellez says:

      24 Aug24 August 12:01

      Oh I didn’t realise, I have a Spanish address (quite outdated); as I used to live in Madrid. Maybe you can try changing the address?
      However, for me it shows first the original avios price and then in the next page it shows the discounted price.

• Nori says:

  24 Aug24 August 09:49

  Chargeback: credit or debit card? For smaller purchases under £100, does it make any difference if you use an Amex credit card or a First Direct debit card?

  • Harry T says:

    24 Aug24 August 10:31

    You can chargeback on either but it’s much easier practically speaking to do it with an amex (good online functionality). Plus I would bet money on you having a swifter favourable outcome with Amex.

    • Nori says:

      24 Aug24 August 10:41

      Thanks Harry, so it’s down to the ease of use and service provision, and Amex wins the prize. Good to know.

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