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The HfP chat thread – Saturday 10th October

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We have decided to run this daily chat thread on Head for Points during the coronavirus outbreak.

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Comments (189)

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

  • Peter K says:
    10 Oct10 October 09:13

    @BJ I replied to your comments on the original thread about Amex. Have I got the gist of what you are suggesting? I’ve tried not to be too obvious with it.

    • BJ says:
      10 Oct10 October 09:26

      No, unless I misunderstood you. TG is hot, for want of a better expression 🙂

      • Harry T says:
        10 Oct10 October 09:34

        I can’t even find TG’s comment!

      • TGLoyalty says:
        10 Oct10 October 09:49

        I thought the point was you cancelled 4 cards and got nothing proactively offered by the CSA on either.

        Also cancelling and reapplying is low hanging fruit for the effort/inconvenience?

        Tbh I’ve normally been offered something but when I last cancelled my Bonvoy it was 1 extra point per £ which was pointless as I wasn’t travelling so wasn’t going to use it got more for signing up again through referral link.

        But I was offered nothing on my Platinum that I regret cancelling my in April as I missed out on atleast £300 of offers and as much as 40k points with zero hassle. Green to Plat will only met me 35k points for £4k spend and 3 years of spend history was erased.

        • BJ says:
          10 Oct10 October 10:01

          You can’t see the wood for the trees…no offense intended, just trying to help.

        • Rahaney says:
          10 Oct10 October 10:02

          I got that too… essentially I read that BJ went from 5 cards to 1 this year and he seems to suggest taking Amex right to the end of the conversation when they sometimes offer big retention offers and other times cancel the card.

          Considering the current climate and credit limits being slashed…. that’s a bit too high risk for me.

          • TGLoyalty says:
            10 Oct10 October 10:09

            They always say do you want be to
            Go ahead and cancel before they do. If you want to pull out you can.

          • BJ says:
            10 Oct10 October 10:32

            Yes, what I did was not without risk. That’s why I said in an earlier comment you need to have a back out ready. However, as TG states they usually give you the opportunity to back out anyway.

          • Super Secret Stuff says:
            10 Oct10 October 15:08

            Theyre desperate to keep you. Just emphasise you are only considering moving, ask about things like cancellation periods etc. As a genuine customer does. Ask if they can make it a better proposition as cancelling us a big move, you’ll take some time to think about it.

            They will try and list all the benefits that you already know about, just say you know it all.

            You’ll get offered something.

        • Lady London says:
          10 Oct10 October 10:25

          I wouldnt feel too bad @TG. You were following a strategy that’s worked quite well for a few years now. You were just a bit unlucky with the current external situation.

          I believe from recent reports on here Amex is trying to reduce their overall credit exposure, as we know other cards are. Cancelling a card might even bring scrutiny to your other Amex cards. 2 posters reported this in past few days when after cancelling a card other limits got dropped with no change in their personal very positive circumstances.

          So right now I’d try not to close any card while the dust settles in financial markets so as not to lose any line of credit and not be able to get it back due to providers’ overall need to reduce the credit out there.

          • BJ says:
            10 Oct10 October 10:44

            Agree on sentiments and strategy. My own strategy was much the same as TG. However, what I have done this year was not so much strategic as opportunistic. I saw comments and articles about what amex and people were doing and the results they were getting, and decided to do something a little bit different.

          • TGLoyalty says:
            10 Oct10 October 10:47

            I now actually have 1 more card than I had in April a free Gold charge.

            Plus I got 10k for my gold credit.

            I don’t really feel too bad at all (it’s a very small regret) as £300 of offers would have only offset the £290 of card fees for the past 6 months. 5k MR is neither here no there (after cancellations and such cheap rates/sales etc I have more points than I can use for the foreseeable) plus perhaps I’ll get something for retaining the card with the second round of closures and lack of benefit use imminent.

  • Pete C says:
    10 Oct10 October 09:25

    I’m looking to book the return leg of a 2-4-1 online and then call up to get the Avios refunded – do I need to use an Amex to book the return legs? I won’t be using a voucher at the time of booking so it shouldn’t prompt me to need an Amex, but would I be prevented from getting the Avios refunded if a different credit card was used?

    • BJ says:
      10 Oct10 October 09:32

      In theory yes. In practice it might depend if the CSA notices and decides to make an issue of it or not. If you have no access to an amex (it doesn’t need to be yours) just go ahead and try it anyway. You can undo anything within the 24h cooling off period if you are not happy. Let us know what happens, it was an interesting question.

  • BJ says:
    10 Oct10 October 09:39

    @Rob or @Rhys, this is probably nothing but will just mention it in event it is of interest. For the first time ever I was given the option to auto fill the personal details to the comments box this morning. Never had that specifically for HfP before even when option was there for other forms. Using latest version of android on mobile view.

    • Rob says:
      10 Oct10 October 11:37

      It has been there for a while. I think your phone was cacheing the old settings for longer than is healthy.

      • BJ says:
        10 Oct10 October 13:20

        Thanks, don’t think it’s quite that but agree it is almost certainly related to my phone.

  • Travel Strong says:
    10 Oct10 October 11:03

    Niche audience but: If you have points in the Las Vegas Four Queens app (and probably the Binions app too very soon) – the scheme is closing an you must redeem for your choice of reward by the end of the week! (Oct 16th)
    Reward voucher will be valid for 1yr, so have to get to vegas by this time next year else its gone.

  • Ben says:
    10 Oct10 October 11:07

    Hi
    Can someone please tell me is it is possible to use the cash in an FTV to book a companion voucher avios flight?
    Cheers!

    • Ben says:
      10 Oct10 October 11:07

      and I’m guessing you can’t do it online but have to call to do this?

    • Anna says:
      10 Oct10 October 11:38

      I used an all-cash voucher towards the taxes/fees on a new 241 booking back in April. It was a refund from a BA holiday and I had to book the flights and then email BA to have the cash amount refunded, which was done straight away. Recently people have been saying BA CSAs have been telling them they can only use FTV vouchers on cash bookings, but I think they are being told to say this so BA gets more cash through the books.

      • Ben says:
        10 Oct10 October 12:11

        Thanks Anna
        So do you think this only applies to holiday FTVs or can I use a flight-only one?

        • Anna says:
          10 Oct10 October 13:38

          I would say a cash voucher is a cash voucher regardless of what it paid for originally. Others have said there is nothing in the Ts and Cs to prevent you using it for taxes/fees on an avios booking – my booking was so straightforward, I never got round to checking. If BA starts being awkward I would be wanting to know exactly where it said this as I wouldn’t have accepted a voucher with this restriction.

          • Dan says:
            10 Oct10 October 16:39

            I got caught by this. CSA kept saying he could stop with the booking to give me time to make a complaint or carry on. Every time I asked him to check – difficult with him working from home and no supervisor around – he went back to asking if I wanted him to stop making the booking to enable me to make a complaint. He said there was nobody answering the complaints line but there is an online form! While on the call I was checking the TandCs for FTVs and eVouchers. It is in there but buried a few clicks in. Well hidden as I really wasn’t aware from taking the vouchers!

          • Dan says:
            10 Oct10 October 16:57

            From FTV link on the request page, right at the bottom –

            Can I combine my voucher with Avios towards a new flight, hotel, car or holiday booking?

             No. Vouchers cannot be combined with Avios, they can only be used either to redeem against fully paid flight bookings or towards a deposit/full payment of a holiday package.

          • Dan says:
            10 Oct10 October 16:59

            From eVoucher TandC link on the request page –

            2. You can use eVouchers to purchase British Airways flight tickets on ba.com. You cannot use eVouchers to purchase tickets in conjunction with Avios or On Business points. You cannot use an eVoucher to purchase a group booking.

        • Ben says:
          10 Oct10 October 19:10

          Hi Anna and all,
          I rang BA and they confirmed the following:
          – I cannot use a ‘cash flight-only FTV’ to pay the taxes on a reward booking. I did say there is no mention in t&cs but they wouldn’t have it. Something about the type not being able to merge with an avios booking.
          – I can (and did) use my expiring companion voucher to book a near flight and then cancel it for a voucher. It came as an FTV not an evoucher and I need to call to redeem it.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      10 Oct10 October 16:38

      Can you use an Avios + cash FTV to book a cash flight. The cash flight costs less than the £ value of the FTV

  • Clive says:
    10 Oct10 October 11:11

    Does anyone know if you have an FTV when 3 Pax were travelling can you use all the credit when only 2 travel?

    • Genghis says:
      10 Oct10 October 11:28

      FTV from holiday, yes. Flight only, it appears not.

      • Nick says:
        10 Oct10 October 13:03

        If you have a FTV from a flight booking, no. If you have an e-voucher issued as an EMD then yes, you can use this for anyone you like. The difference is not always recognised but is very important.

        • Anna says:
          10 Oct10 October 13:40

          Re Ben’s query above then, it is this stated in the Ts and Cs?

        • Lady London says:
          10 Oct10 October 14:36

          what’s EMD? is that the new MCO?

          • Nick says:
            10 Oct10 October 15:39

            Yes, EMD = the e-version of the old MCO. You can see the full specs on IATA website but basically it’s an accountable document issued for anything other than travel. Including residuals and vouchers.

            When accepting a ‘voucher’, you accept a FTV – this is the T&C. Essentially this is a suspended booking, made slightly more flexible but basically is your original ticket and PNR – hence it needs the same passengers. But it can’t be used online, so BA has been working to convert some to ‘real’ vouchers. They’ve done about 40% so far, the aim is to get to around 80. Simple solo bookings (their definition, not yours…) have been done – and simple multiple ones (up to 3 pax) can be converted to a single ‘mega voucher’ on request. Once issued as an EMD it can be used online, for any passenger(s). This is why the distinction is important. Also important to note that EMDs can’t handle points, so redemptions will remain FTV (but this brings other flexibilities, e.g. return of Avios if the redemption is ‘cheaper’, so overall we can’t complain). Cash & Avios CAN, however, as this is not strictly speaking a points booking (i.e. there is a £ total to use).

            Also worth noting, Holidays are a law unto themselves, and have their own policies, T&C and processes. Some of their ‘vouchers’ can be used for flights, some can’t, but it’s up to them.

  • Aston100 says:
    10 Oct10 October 11:58

    Hello, considering going to Oman in May half term (first week of June pretty much).
    Anyone have any experience of the Intercontinental or the Crowne Plaza? The CP seems more expensive.
    Any thoughts on things to do, or what Muscat is like please?
    Will it be unbearably hot?
    Thanks.

    • DB2020 says:
      10 Oct10 October 12:21

      It will be very hot. Muscat used to have a lot more culture than the big cities of the UAE, but that has changed and it has been more than 10 years since I was last there, so I can’t give you any specific recommendations.

      Haven’t tried either of the hotels either. All I will stress is that it will be hot, so your outdoor activities will be limited.

      • Anna says:
        10 Oct10 October 13:43

        Re the heat – we’ve been to the Caribbean in August for the past 3 years for various reasons (mainly school holidays!), and you have to structure your day so if you want to sunbathe do it early morning and late afternoon, use the middle of the day for a lie down or lunch in an airconditioned restaurant etc, plan an activity in the evening if possible. This way you don’t just end up in your room going “OMG it’s hot!”

    • TGLoyalty says:
      10 Oct10 October 12:28

      Muscat is a nice city I know the CP is a well regarded property and the sunset views are meant to be the best in the city.

      I believe the IC is the oldest hotel in the city and was recently going through a refurb I don’t know if it had started or not.

      I really enjoyed Bustan Palace but it’s out of the city.

      • Rob says:
        10 Oct10 October 14:58

        We’ve reviewed the Al Bustan.

        There is a brand new Jumeirah about to open which should be excellent. Shangri-La is the other high end city beach option.

        • Andrew (@andrewseftel) says:
          10 Oct10 October 15:30

          Supposedly The Chedi too but it was closed for renovations when I visited so didn’t investigate too closely.

          • TGLoyalty says:
            10 Oct10 October 15:55

            The Chedi looked lovely and the Indian restaurant was very good but ££&

            the location wasn’t that good.

    • Rob says:
      10 Oct10 October 15:02

      If you’re going to do Oman, most people do half the week in the mountains (eg Alila) and a bit on the beach. If you only want beach then there isn’t much point vs Dubai / Abu Dhabi in my view. If price is an issue then fly to Dubai and go to the Waldorf in Ras Al Khaimah which beats any Muscat hotel hands down.

      • Aston100 says:
        10 Oct10 October 15:15

        Thanks but this is in order to use the Qatar teacher promo. I found a flight to Muscat, which was about the 50th place I checked, so poor is the W booking class availability with QR.
        They obviously don’t fly to most of the region due to politics / embargo.

        Thanks

        • Rob says:
          10 Oct10 October 15:25

          In that case, go for it. Remember you need a visa before you go, unlike the UAE.

      • Alex M says:
        10 Oct10 October 16:18

        Do you get turtles crawling on the beach or dolphins swimming in Dubai sea? No. Muscat is so much nicer than UAE. People from uae spend 3 hrs driving to Oman to spend weekend there because its so much better. And people are so nice there too. It’s a different world Oman is.

    • Andrew (@andrewseftel) says:
      10 Oct10 October 15:16

      Muscat is okay. You need your own car – or a taxi – to get around (but it’s very straightforward driving there). The grand mosque, opera house and souk/corniche are worth seeing.

      My main bit of advice would be to get out of the city and explore! The countryside is spectacular. Have a night or two in the mountains (e.g. Anantara or Alila), go to a desert camp, head over to Nizwa and jebel shams, drive/hike up some wadis.

  • dezbez says:
    10 Oct10 October 12:00

    Random query, does anyone know if when you do a 2x points rate e we it’s Hilton do you get double on all your points earned for your stay or just the base amount? I’m gold status ie with 80% bonus, plus there is the current 100% offer on all stays. If all of this is then doubled that’s a very decent return for an extra £20.

    • Gavin says:
      10 Oct10 October 12:20

      Only the base amount is doubled. So, normal earning rate is 18 per $ with gold, and it becomes 28 per $ with the double points offer.

    • Scott says:
      10 Oct10 October 12:20

      @dezbez – sadly it is just double the base amount. If you are gold, you will get 2x base points + 80% Gold bonus. This effectively means you get 280% of your base points for a stay.

      • dezbez says:
        10 Oct10 October 13:32

        Thanks all for clarifying. For the extra £20, the 2x rate takes me just over the £200 mark though ie eligible for the £50 refund with Amex so makes sense to do it

    • BJ says:
      10 Oct10 October 12:23

      Always thought it was only double base points so I haven’t done it.

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