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The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 17th November

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

Historically, the daily ‘Bits’ articles were the de facto repository for random comments and questions.  With the news flow being lighter, we are running fewer ‘Bits’ articles.

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 at home, we want the HfP community to have a place to chat.

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Comments (315)

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

  • Dave says:
    17 Nov17 November 09:18

    Ive got a very underwhelming spend £300 get 200 MR points in December on my Amex platinum card.

    Also…I’ve got a spend £30 get 10% on Morrison’s on my Amex card. Can I buy gift cards using this? I don’t shop at Morrison’s but do they sell Amazon or iTunes?

    • Alex D says:
      17 Nov17 November 09:23

      Been discussed heavily over the last few days, Amazon gift cards can be bought, just double check it’s been activated before you leave the store as people have had issues. Can also buy Apple and John Lewis as popular choices(easy to use I guess)

      • Dave says:
        17 Nov17 November 09:27

        Thanks Alex, will give it a go next time I’m in the vicinity of a store…

      • TGLoyalty says:
        17 Nov17 November 10:30

        The easiest and most secure way is to buy a load of £250 Morrison’s gift cards then exchange them for whatever smaller denominations of other cards you want. In general the £x-£x cards are unlimited. The £50 ones seem to be restricted.

        • Doug M says:
          17 Nov17 November 10:36

          This matches my experience.
          Agree buy Morrison’s own, that’s safest. The offer is a one-off so if the the Amazon cards fail, as oft reported, you’ve burnt the offer.

          • Tom says:
            17 Nov17 November 13:17

            If the gift cards fail to activate at the till they do not know whether the card you put in the machine to get a refund is the same card you used to pay… I would keep it to an Amex though…

          • TGLoyalty says:
            17 Nov17 November 16:24

            They do as the last few digits are on the receipt. just weather they check!

    • Nick_C says:
      17 Nov17 November 09:42

      They certainly sell iTunes gift cards. A years subscription works out at £89 with the 10pc discount, compared to £120 if you pay monthly with “cash”

      The John Lewis cards can be used in Waitrose.

      They also Google Pay cards and many others.

      If you buy John Lewis, you can only buy 1 at £50, but seemingly unlimited at £25

    • Reney says:
      17 Nov17 November 10:20

      I brought Netflix, enough for almost a year of membership. Morrison is available. I also saw Boots which could be a good option too.

      • Rob says:
        17 Nov17 November 10:54

        At least you can trigger the £300. My wife got £4600 on her Gold, which is about 5x her average monthly spend.

        • Harry T says:
          17 Nov17 November 10:56

          @Rob
          I got spend £5900! I currently spend essentially nothing on my Plat (better earnings rate elsewhere).

        • Grant says:
          17 Nov17 November 11:25

          Are these spend £x to receive y MR points offers still being rolled out? Nothing on our cards. : (

        • Sandra says:
          17 Nov17 November 15:06

          Yes I got spend £500 1 -31 Dec get 300 points which is easily achievable but others I know have ridiculous targets!

  • Rob says:
    17 Nov17 November 09:39

    IMPORTANT: We have made a change on the site which may, or may not, stop the weird scrolling some people have reported in the comments. Please let us know if you see it today.

    There is a Plan B which we can try tomorrow if it is still playing up today.

    • xcalx says:
      17 Nov17 November 10:32

      No change. Still jumping for me, firefox desk top

      • Jane says:
        17 Nov17 November 11:11

        and me, chrome & desktop

      • TGLoyalty says:
        17 Nov17 November 11:43

        Could be your cache. worth clearing then seeing how it?

        I find clearing it on Chrome on my phone does nothing though. Takes a while.

    • Grant says:
      17 Nov17 November 11:28

      The google ads seem to be loading a lot quicker for me today, which is what I think was causing the page to jump previously. I’m using chrome on a windows pc.

    • Chas says:
      17 Nov17 November 11:56

      No improvement for me (safari on laptop), despite having cleared the cache too.

    • Lady London says:
      17 Nov17 November 13:37

      perfect on Android mobile

    • fivebobbill says:
      17 Nov17 November 14:22

      Something is taking a very long time to load on the comments pages Rob, every time, be it java script, code, a meaty ad, I dunno, not on the main site pages though…

      Refresh takes ages and always brings you to the top of the thread, not where you left off reading (in page code does that which may be the fault – try removing that and see)

  • marcw says:
    17 Nov17 November 09:50

    Buy On Board coming to Lufthansa
    https://www.lufthansagroup.com/en/newsroom/releases/greater-choice-on-board-fresh-high-quality-food-and-beverages-with-a-regional-touch.html

    • Rob says:
      17 Nov17 November 10:15

      You beat me to it! Was just posting a dodgy translation of the German version on Facebook.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      17 Nov17 November 10:32

      As a consumer would you rather have free rubbish or be given a choice of something better for a few more £?

      While some will say but my ticket price never goes down that’s true but did it increase? As that’s what would have happened to keep offering the “free” crap.

      • Lady London says:
        17 Nov17 November 13:45

        Unlike BA, LH is still giving a bottle of water.

        • Josh says:
          17 Nov17 November 13:54

          I would hope, now that Señor Cruz and Mr Walsh have shoved off, we might at least get free tes or water back when normality returns…though also BA will want to save every penny even more now.

          • Josh says:
            17 Nov17 November 13:55

            *tea

          • Jonathan says:
            17 Nov17 November 15:40

            Like I said a couple or few weeks ago (I can’t really remember when it was), when it was announced that they were dropping M&S food and changing to different retailer (that they haven’t yet decided on) that BA should’ve looked into trying the two-tiered BOB system that most of the US carriers have implemented, where things like sandwiches are paid for, and non alcoholic drinks and snacks are free.

            But of course that would’ve never entered BA’s mind at the time to try a system that would get them noticed, instead just simply going for the idea that makes them the most amount revenue, and not doing anywhere near as the likes of EasyJet and Ryanair’s BOB

  • Eric says:
    17 Nov17 November 10:03

    BA has been constantly rescheduling my domestic flights before ultimately being cancelled 13 days before departure for outbound, 15 days before for return.

    Is this eligible for 261 compensation or not because coronavirus might be considered the reason.

    • Lady London says:
      17 Nov17 November 18:00

      For now it’s going to be covered by prevailing covid situation so exceptional circumstances so no compo.

      All other rights still apply though.

  • Michael C says:
    17 Nov17 November 11:09

    Any recommendations out of the following for a “lovely” (nice decorations, etc.) short 36-hr pre-Xmas trip (if and when, etc.)?

    -Sheraton PL: always thought this would be my first choice, though some lockdown lounge reports a bit grim. And smaller rooms, I guess.
    -Grosvenor Sq.
    -Grosvenor House
    -Trafalgar St James (Curio): no lounge, but that lovely rooftop bar (if it all reopens!)

    All prices fairly similar (+/- GBP40).
    Thanks in advance, and here’s to all future plans!

    • Harry T says:
      17 Nov17 November 11:21

      Do you have decent Marriott status? I had a great recent weekend stay at Sheraton PL where I was upgraded to a Park View Suite as Platinum. Lounge is just snacks, tea, coffee and cold soft drinks right now. Breakfast was decent, staff are friendly, location is great.

      Sorry, haven’t tried the rest!

      • Michael C says:
        17 Nov17 November 11:27

        Thanks Harry – only gold, so not much sway! But have always liked the look of it, espesh public areas, etc.
        Other years we’ve done MPL (v. nice)/Conrad/Shard.
        Guess the “what’s on offer” will all come out in the December wash!
        Hope Tenerife was enjoyable.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          17 Nov17 November 11:53

          I liked the xmas decor at Sheraton PL but the room wasn’t for me. You could always stay and JWM and have afternoon tea/cocktails at the SPL for example?

          I think Grosvenor Sq reception will struggle to look too good at xmas with the huge video wall and low ceilings lol but I thought the two restaurants were nice and luggage room is highly rated.

        • Harry T says:
          17 Nov17 November 13:38

          Gold won’t get you much, I reckon – it’s a shame because the suites are very nice. But I liked the decor and public areas of the hotel.

        • Harry T says:
          17 Nov17 November 13:43

          Gf has received a targeted postal offer for £100 off the wine flyer, which I understand is actually charged as Laithwaite’s. The Amex offer for £20 off £75 spend expires today – any chance Lathwaite’s will charge our card if we order today?

          • David D says:
            17 Nov17 November 17:46

            Mine was charged instantly yesterday with immediate advice of the offer triggering.

    • Nick says:
      17 Nov17 November 12:06

      Hi Michael, similar position for me but I have OH Birthday to contend with on 20th December. I am toying with 3 nights Great Scotland Yard (a bit selfish as an Ex Murder team detective) via Emyr, which is a great deal. I also looked at the Trafalgar St James for same reasons as you, great rooftop bar. As you also say who knows whats next about things opening up

      • TGLoyalty says:
        17 Nov17 November 13:08

        That thought has crossed my mind!

        • Michael C says:
          17 Nov17 November 13:38

          Thanks for the thoughts, Nick/TG: guess there’s no harm in reserving then playing the waiting game!

      • Carol says:
        17 Nov17 November 16:56

        I highly recommend Great Scotland Yard – I booked through Emyr and stayed last month. We were going back last week but are going to rebook for January

        • Nick says:
          17 Nov17 November 17:42

          Carol how was it with the restrictions on only certain areas of the hotel accessible?

          • Carol says:
            17 Nov17 November 21:30

            The restaurant was open for breakfast and the bar was open later for drinks and a limited menu. We were out most of the day so it was not an issue. The hotel was incredibly quiet – only ever a handful of people at breakfast.
            The staff are really friendly and helpful – we look forward to returning.

  • Optimus Prime says:
    17 Nov17 November 11:56

    So… just got a phone call from 01273344194 saying she’s my Plat Business account manager and wanted me to tell her my password…

    • Grant says:
      17 Nov17 November 12:05

      At least they used a Brighton area code

    • Lady London says:
      17 Nov17 November 13:20

      did you give them “remmacsuffossip” ?

    • the_real_a says:
      17 Nov17 November 15:52

      I always wind them up… If they are not swearing at you by the time they end the call you really haven’t tried hard enough. Its really annoying when my consignment of cows gets delayed between Pune and Mumbai and it IS their personal fault and i want them to sort it out.

    • Gormlesstraveller says:
      17 Nov17 November 16:41

      interesting.. what can they actually do with your account I wonder? it’s not like a bank account where they can transfer out.

      • Andrew M says:
        17 Nov17 November 16:57

        I’d imagine that they could change the address on your account, get a new card sent to them and start spending heavily.

    • Nick_C says:
      17 Nov17 November 18:12

      That number is a genuine Amex number, but of course any number can be spoofed.

      • Anna says:
        17 Nov17 November 18:27

        It’s always fun when you ask them what name they have on the account and they have no answer!

  • 747_Brat says:
    17 Nov17 November 11:57

    @Sam
    You mentioned on yesterday’s thread that you managed to get the welcome bonus on Platinum, while upgrading from PRG without having to go through the 2 year cool off. Please could you spill the beans on how you managed to do it.

    I am also looking to upgrade to Platinum from PRG, but was turned down on welcome bonus when I called Brighton to check.
    Thanks.

    • Vit says:
      17 Nov17 November 12:06

      Same here. So ended up with the “Green card” route.

      • 747_Brat says:
        17 Nov17 November 12:16

        I am still holding on to my PRG, as some people have posted here that they were declined for subsequent Amex cards, and some even had their credit limits reduced.

        • Tom says:
          17 Nov17 November 13:50

          I am one of those that had their credit limits slashed after downgrading from Plat – downgraded from £4000 and £3000 to £800 and £700 (£700 subsequently closed thinking they would then increase the £800 to £1500 which didn’t happen).

          We now think this is actually due to Amex now being part of Open Banking and downgrading triggers a check and one of those checks is comparing declared income with other credit products you own. If these do not match then it appears as though Amex will slash your credit limits, stop you from being able to open new accounts, not be able to refer friends, not be eligible for offers or various other things.

          In my case, my declared income is higher on my credit cards than on my mortgage because i didn’t include my self employed income for my mortgage (didn’t yet have 3 years worth of accounts).

          • 747_Brat says:
            17 Nov17 November 13:57

            One needs to provide Amex access to Open Banking. They can’t check your accounts on their own, without you providing them with OB access. Did you provide them with OB access?

            I haven’t but they also never asked. I am happy to provide bank statements for a certain period, but I won’t be comfortable giving them access on a continuous basis!

          • Tom says:
            17 Nov17 November 14:18

            I didn’t knowingly give them access. Neither did (i don’t think) the person who reported what the Amex credit team told him. But it makes sense because he also had a discrepancy with his declared income. I would have no problem showing bank statements to prove income but there doesn’t seem to be that option.

            My plan is to close my accounts once i use my 2-4-1 voucher and wait 6 months and try opening an account again.

          • Charlieface says:
            17 Nov17 November 14:36

            Could be flagged by National Hunter.
            Someone should do a SAR to Amex asking where they got information. It’s free to do so.

          • TGLoyalty says:
            17 Nov17 November 16:30

            Seems strange as it would depend on when you applied for you accounts. i.e. I applied for my Lloyds bank account and credit card 5 years ago and my personal income was far lower back then! I don’t think they have ever asked since.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      17 Nov17 November 12:46

      When you say turned down for welcome bonus you applied via the link available on the website and they’ve said you’re not eligible?

      • 747_Brat says:
        17 Nov17 November 14:00

        I did not apply. I just called in to check if they can make an exception with the welcome bonus, because I have held PRG for a number of years. But they simply said I can apply for the Platinum card sans the welcome bonus.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          17 Nov17 November 16:28

          OK but if you have a gold charge you CAN get 20k for £4k using the upgrade link

          • 747_Brat says:
            17 Nov17 November 17:55

            I have Gold Credit Card, not the Gold Charge Card. Can I still use the link to upgrade and receive bonus?

  • Nick says:
    17 Nov17 November 12:01

    On a personal level I am a huge fan of this site, however I am staggered at how many points of various kinds people manage to gather, it must be almost a full time job juggling the cards and looking for those triggers!
    Any tips on how to increase my harvest would be gratefully received

    • Peter K says:
      17 Nov17 November 12:53

      The best tip is to read and learn.

    • Coucou says:
      17 Nov17 November 13:32

      2 words. Manufactured spending (MS).

    • The Savage Squirrel says:
      17 Nov17 November 13:34

      Read every day and much can become a bit clearer.

      Also remember though, quite a few people on this site will be “road warriors” to some degree with large numbers of points/flights/nights/etc accumulated in the course of employment/business travel. Being sent away from your family and your home tree by an employer to places you don’t necessarily want to go at times you don’t necessarily want to go there – some people love it, but it wouldn’t be my choice of a career or lifestyle, and no amount of points would change that – so don’t feel too envious of everyone with a giant points haul!

      • memesweeper says:
        17 Nov17 November 16:00

        +1

        I used to be a ‘road warrior’, albeit one who’s week’s would start and end at a London airport, so I started learning about points to maximise the benefits the lifestyle might give me.

        Now I’m at home 4 days out of 5, and thrash the life out of a couple of credit cards, and get many of the same benefits as travelling near full time. I push a fair chunk of business spend through the cards which helps no end.

    • Waddle says:
      17 Nov17 November 13:44

      Read as much as you have time for about different cards, sign-up bonuses and referral bonuses but don’t let it consume you. Be realistic about what you can earn – remember, some readers run their own business and can put larger business spends on their cards and accrue more points that way. Have patience, don’t break the rules. Always choose the former if faced with a choice between saving money on something you want to buy or spending more just to earn some points with the purchase.

    • BuildTheWall says:
      17 Nov17 November 14:01

      Most of these people either run businesses or know someone close who run businesses, so that they can put their business expenses on their cards or loyalty accounts.

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