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The HfP chat thread – Thursday 10th December

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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 (383)

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

  • rob(staaaar) says:
    10 Dec10 December 02:23

    Double ALL points currently on offer; sure Rob will provide a link…

  • Darren says:
    10 Dec10 December 05:27

    Interesting analysis of transmission due to travel
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55246112

    • Nick_C says:
      10 Dec10 December 06:20

      No surprises there.

      The virus was spread by people travelling and continues to spread that way.

      Aus and NZ got this right.

      Too many people think their “need” to have a foreign holiday is more important than the domestic economy.

      • John says:
        10 Dec10 December 06:40

        They took a gamble on vaccines coming quickly and were right. They also don’t have ten thousand lorries driving in and out of the country daily, and stopped international travel before the virus had spread too widely.

        • Lady London says:
          10 Dec10 December 13:25

          Plus Aus and NZ are islands. So they had the opportunity to contain the virus and stop more entering.

          Meanwhile Doris allowed tens of planes daily from New York at peak virus, India where it is still out of control, China who once again sent a disease around the world and whose claimed success in stamping it out still does not ring true, etc.

          NZ does have a few cases but they rigorously track and trace and isolate and have contained it.

      • Rob says:
        10 Dec10 December 08:45

        The average age of death of Covid victims, at 82, is higher than the average UK death age. Meanwhile the economy is stuffed and there seems to be agreement that unemployment will hit 3 million next year.

        History will decide if this was done the right way or not.

        • Pete says:
          10 Dec10 December 09:00

          I think I am with you, Rob – and that’s of course before the no-deal success that will arrive in January…

        • Brian says:
          10 Dec10 December 09:09

          Still a lower unemployment rate than Sweden…..

        • Chris Heyes says:
          10 Dec10 December 10:52

          Rob History will always have the “View” of whoever writes it lol
          Economy “stuffed” You wouldn’t believe how many times that’s been said throughout history lol
          The economy will recover “honest” the trick is look for the growth industries a few good buys are already evident.
          I would have thought as a x-banker you would have known that
          (i have gone heavily into a couple myself)
          in 4 years time shares (that survive) will be higher than before this
          But then there will be another set back, if your readers realise and understand the economy of the curves

        • Super Secret Stuff says:
          10 Dec10 December 16:25

          The age might be high but that could be down to all the extremely vulnerable people shielding and from my experience, older, mainly retired people, seem to be completely uninterested in social distancing or staying safe. Without shielding or prevention i bet the average age would be about 50…

      • Brian says:
        10 Dec10 December 09:18

        Not being able to go on holiday would impact people’s “mental health” though apparently.

        • Brian says:
          10 Dec10 December 09:33

          “ How many of these “employed” people are on extremely precarious casual or 0 hour contracts ”

          Only around 2.3% of U.K. contracts are zero hours.

          • Pete says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:49

            Yes, hence why I also mentioned “extremely precarious casual” contracts…

        • Lady London says:
          10 Dec10 December 13:34

          It impacts my mental health if I can’t have chocolate too.

    • Mart says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:42

      What the difference between people travelling to a country with a lower rate and people not following the rules in a country ,it’s People attitudes that’s the problem imho

  • Annie says:
    10 Dec10 December 06:12

    Morning. Can’t seem to see curve monthly limits on app. Only shows daily and the yearly amount. Under monthly says ‘unknown’. Anyone else the same? Thanks

    • Ian M says:
      10 Dec10 December 06:20

      Yeah they seem to have dropped monthly limits. Only daily and yearly now. They massively increased my limit at the same time

      • Annie says:
        10 Dec10 December 06:38

        Thank you. So I’m guessing no monthly limit! 😅 my yearly limit is a shocking £1.6 million

        • Brian Stevens says:
          10 Dec10 December 07:31

          My yearly limit has also been increased to £1.6m and monthly limit is just showing unknown.

    • BuildTheWall says:
      10 Dec10 December 07:48

      It was discussed some time ago. Curve raised limits around Black Friday and also posted on their website about this.

  • Simon58 says:
    10 Dec10 December 06:18

    BA are doing a Gold Upgrade Voucher for 250/500 Tier Points before 31MAR21. Effective for flights from 09Dec. Need to register on BA.COM

    • Tom says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:58

      Is this open for everyone with Gold status? Can anyone post the registration link?

      • Rhys says:
        10 Dec10 December 09:04

        Check here: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/executive-club/offers/golden-opportunity

        • Andrew says:
          10 Dec10 December 09:31

          Seems just a select few, maybe existing GGL. As a regular gold member I got this when trying to register: Your registration has been unsuccessful, unfortunately you are not eligible for this offer.

        • Donna says:
          10 Dec10 December 12:39

          I’m Gold (not GGL) and received the offer by email

      • Mouse says:
        10 Dec10 December 09:30

        I am gold, didn’t get the email, and got a “not eligible” message after trying to register the link. Terms say “ This promotion is only open to Eligible Participants. An Eligible Participant is a British Airways (“BA”) Executive Club Gold or Gold Guest List Member preselected by British Airways and in receipt of the email invitation” so fair enough I guess.

        • Mouse says:
          10 Dec10 December 09:36

          Does anyone have any thoughts on whether BA might add the offer to one’s account if one were to call and ask? My guess is the answer would be a polite foxtrot oscar.

        • Tom says:
          10 Dec10 December 10:14

          Also Gold here and didn’t get an email. Got the dreaded page saying my registration wasn’t successful. Hope BA will send out more emails to more customers.

    • h2d says:
      10 Dec10 December 09:36

      For what it’s worth I am a GGL who did not receive an email and following the link was able to register successfully

      • Andrew says:
        10 Dec10 December 11:48

        I guess that’s quite conclusive then that it’s for GGL not regular Gold

        • Jonathan says:
          10 Dec10 December 12:06

          According to the BA Oracle on FlyerTalk it’s for all GGL’s & selected Golds (seemingly those with a decent track record but minimal current bookings).

    • JSS says:
      10 Dec10 December 09:41

      I’m GCH with Zero tier points so far this year (Aug start) but just over 17K lifetime

      Didn’t get the email but registered via the page and got a green success status bar after login.

  • Anna says:
    10 Dec10 December 07:31

    More BA cancellations – I had MAN – NCE booked for next August with my last (sob) Lloyds upgrade voucher. I’ve just noticed in my bookings that this has been cancelled and BA has unilaterally moved us to their service via LHR. This isn’t a disaster in itself however they’ve alloted us just over an hour between flights, which is going to be pushing it as we have to get from T5 to T3 (not to mention no time to go in T3 lounges!). I presume I’m within my rights to ask them to change the time of one of the flights?

    • BS says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:01

      You are within your rights to ask. But…
      If BA have ticketed it, they are responsible for you. Have a check and see if there are later flights that day they can put you on. If you do miss your connection, everyone in the booking will be entitled to €400 each. If it doesn’t cost you a day, it is probably worth it to leave it as it is.

    • Michael C says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:02

      Sure you can, Anna, especially as there’ll be half a dozen flights that day: do NOT miss out on your a) Cathay noodles, or b) Qantas cocktails!

    • Yorkieflyer says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:07

      T3 may not still be open

      • meta says:
        10 Dec10 December 08:33

        You probably won’t be able to enter anyway until pandemic is over as EU will bar all UK citizens from entering after 1 Jan.

        • meta says:
          10 Dec10 December 08:43

          * with a few exceptions of course

        • pauldb says:
          10 Dec10 December 09:06

          Maybe a problem in Q1 but, once the EU has vaccinated those representing 99% of deaths (assuming efficacy against serious illness reamins high), that broad rule is unlikely to last long.

          • meta says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:18

            It won’t be completed in Q1. No vaccine has been approved in EU yet and it will take a long time to roll out. Vaccine alone will not solve the problems and restrictions will remain in place for most of next year if not longer. Remember we still don’t know how long the immunity lasts either.

          • Anna says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:44

            This is all rather misleading! Individual EU member states can make their own decisions on who can enter, I can’t see the likes of Spain and Greece (and many others) opting to give their tourism industries a further extra battering by banning UK tourists who have to get a covid test prior to entry anyway.

          • pauldb says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:45

            I don’t specifically mean it drops away in April. But by August the programme will be well through. If efficacy means deaths are under 100/day in the larger countries, there will be an irresistable clamour to unlock the economy, including non-EU inbound travel.
            It may however be that unlocking domestically means infections in the young explode (R can still going above 1 with immunity at 50%), but serious cases dwindle. Then people have to decide whether to lock themselves away. Some comparisng rates between countries will start to have very different thresholds and meaning.

        • Anna says:
          10 Dec10 December 09:18

          Where have you got that from meta? I’m 50 anyway so will hopefully be vaccinated by next August! Plus if it’s only a ban on UK citizens (and not entering from the UK per se), I will just use my Spanish passport.

          • Anna says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:21

            Plus the european tourism industry will kick off big time if people can’t go on holiday from the UK, it’s nearly wiped them out already.

          • Yorkieflyer says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:22

            It’s a ban on entering from UK, Ireland clearly a possibility for transit

          • Pete says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:29

            Yorkieflyer – I really cannot see a situation where European citizens are not allowed to return “home” from the UK. This isn’t Australia! 😛

          • meta says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:32

            @Anna Yes, I forgot you have Spanish passport. You will be able to enter with Spanish passport. EU commission has indicated that this will be the case for UK after 1 Jan.

            @Yorkieflyer Ban will not apply to EU citizens (and passport holders) living in the UK and Britons living in the EU.

          • The real John says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:33

            The UK will be treated in the same way as Canada – EU citizens and their families will still be allowed to enter as well as British citizens who are resident in the EU and their families. British citizens wouldn’t be allowed to enter regardless of where they are coming from.

            Canadians were allowed to enter Schengen as tourists from July to October (?), but now they are not because their infection rate has gone up again.

          • Mouse says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:41

            @Yorkieflyer Ireland isn’t in Schengen so I don’t think transit via Ireland would help

          • Pete says:
            10 Dec10 December 09:44

            Do also remember individual states can override the EU on this – I suspect UK tourists are rather important to Spain, for instance!

          • Yorkieflyer says:
            10 Dec10 December 10:59

            If and I agree it’s a fairly big if, the rules are adopted by all EU Schengen countries, it would be a ban on entry from the UK with exceptions for eg EU citizens but not a ban on UK citizens entering per se. Whether there would be many flights for the lucky few would be another question. Travelling via Ireland is of course interesting, in the CTA also in the EU but not Schengen….

          • The real John says:
            10 Dec10 December 12:36

            Ireland’s position is not really relevant, EU citizens (including Irish) and EU residents and their families will be able to fly from Ireland to the EU. British citizens who aren’t EU residents or family of an EU citizen/resident won’t be allowed on those flights unless they have a good reason for travel. British citizens will be allowed into Ireland (but may need to quarantine) due to CTA.

            Flights from the UK to Schengen will still run, just like flights from the US to Schengen have continued to run even though non-US citizens/LPRs cannot enter the US directly from Schengen, and Americans cannot enter Schengen for tourism. So flights that cater primarily to British tourists may be reduced/cancelled.

        • ankomonkey says:
          10 Dec10 December 10:53

          Won’t this trigger a load more flight cancellations and uproar from airlines and UK airports?

    • Chris Heyes says:
      10 Dec10 December 11:08

      Anna Politely tell them it’s not convenient, but you would accept a flight the day before flight to LHR providing they put you up in the Sofitel including Breakfast
      (They have done it for us (3) on more than one occasion once BA agree keep their e-mail) You have to book it yourself pay and send receipt to BA cs after your trip with kept e-mail you get paid within 10 days (well we always have no dispute)

      • Anna says:
        10 Dec10 December 12:08

        I’d love that Chris, but there are 2 earlier flights from MAN which would give me plenty of time to connect so I can’t see them agreeing.

        • Chris Heyes says:
          10 Dec10 December 16:28

          Anna OOOooo That’s a shame lol No wouldn’t work
          We was only traveling from Gatwick and they transferred the flight to LHR (But i was traveling by train to Bognor Regis then Gatwick)
          Took a supervisor from first each time but they agreed both times
          One was a few years ago (easy to get agreement) last one was harder to get agreement, but included a night at Sofitel, plus a night in Naples due to late arrival but agreement was reached eventually when i said i would accept Ibis in Naples

          • Tony says:
            10 Dec10 December 18:07

            Have stayed at all the Accor properties in Naples. The Styles is much better than the Mercure ( just avoid ), but the railway noise is dreadful. Good pizza just around corner though. The MGallary (Palazzo Caracciolo) is the best of the lot – well worth the extra 20€/night

          • Chris Heyes says:
            10 Dec10 December 19:27

            Tony, The MGallary (Palazzo Caracciolo) Was the one we wanted to stop at in Naples. But BA wouldn’t fund it didn’t really blame them lol
            After all they paid for the Sofitel (LHR) But we agreed the Ibis and Sofitel as BA was funding both i think a good compromise was reached, we was on our way to Sorrento to our usual place Surriento Suites yes correct spelling owned by Pamela and her teacher husband, brilliant place we’ve been going regular off season around Sept
            Tony have you tried them ? (you should better than any B&B Naples) she really looks after her guests and i mean really only 3 suites though (well only 3 in total must book, next to Harbour) Hotel next door will let you use their lift up for drinks then out front into town saves walking round for public lift to top or Taxis/buses

      • Jonathan says:
        10 Dec10 December 12:12

        There’s no way they’re paying for an overnight stay if an earlier flight from Manchester gives you more than 2 hours for the connection. 1 hour is tight for T5-T3 (I believe 90 mins should be minimum) but equally I’m very sceptical that T3 will be open again & if it is that the Qantas or Cathay lounges will be open.

        • Lady London says:
          10 Dec10 December 13:45

          I have a feeling qf lounge might not reopen even if t3 does

          cx already had to vastly cut lounge provision at their home airiport Hong Kong so not sure about that one reopening too

          We could have seen peak Lounge at T3

          • Nick says:
            10 Dec10 December 16:40

            I’m really confused… even if T3 is open by then (unlikely), aren’t MAN and NCE both T5 routes anyway? So 60 mins MCT.

  • KBuffett says:
    10 Dec10 December 07:46

    I’ve just received a new Curve Card to replace my soon to expire card. How do I know if it’s a personal or commercial card? It doesn’t state either way on the card anywhere.

    • Andrew says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:33

      What’s the difference?

      • Rob says:
        10 Dec10 December 08:37

        HMRC charges for business. If it doesn’t say commercial on the back it should be personal.

        • Ali M says:
          10 Dec10 December 10:30

          hey Rob – my metal says ‘business’ at the back – have been able to pay off HMRC till earlier in the year. hope that hasnt changed

          • TGLoyalty says:
            10 Dec10 December 11:04

            You still can hmrc will just charge 0.1% and you need to make sure you select the right type in the drop down.

          • Rob says:
            10 Dec10 December 12:28

            Rules changed 1 November, you now pay a fee.

          • Ali M says:
            10 Dec10 December 16:39

            oh dear @ 1st Nov 🙁
            0.1% is likely not restrictive – will have to work out whats better when the next tax is due. As long as I have my ‘curve fronted’ on – its HMRC that charges only?

    • TGLoyalty says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:49

      It no longer has commercial or personal on the MasterCard foil?

  • James. says:
    10 Dec10 December 08:02

    I have a booking at the O2 IC for NYE. I have never experienced the Club Lounge or any Club Lounge to that fact. Is it worth the £75 for two they offer? Wasn’t sure if worth booking to go for drinks before a meal given Bars can only sell alcohol with food.

    • Pid says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:22

      As it includes breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés ( including alcoholic drinks) we have normally found it a good deal, especially when we have had the kids with us. You can take breakfast in the restaurant which is better than in the lounge as there is more selection.

      At the moment however the lounge is shut. Instead they will serve the afternoon tea and evening canapés in your room. It will still include alcoholic drinks in the evening but not sure if you will get as much food/drink unless you keep calling them for a refill.

      We were going his weekend but have had to cancel.

    • Phil says:
      10 Dec10 December 09:34

      It’s a very decent lounge and in normal times had an a great range of food or drink. If you are IC Ambassador, you usually get a discounted rate of £50 per night per room.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      10 Dec10 December 09:34

      IMO no you can do better for £75 in the local vicinity.

      I have booked a club room using my 2-4-1 as the average nightly cost worked out ok.

    • Peggerz says:
      10 Dec10 December 11:03

      Presently residing in O2 IC. It is quiet, breakfast room 1/4 full at busiest time. I enquired about Club access etc. Advised Lounge was closed. Other bars closed too. Spa is open, bookings taken for visits however. Still a great hotel tho.
      Got a great deal on the room, worked out at £100 b&b with upgrade as per Ambassador status and good number of points heading my way.

      • Anna says:
        10 Dec10 December 12:12

        Glad you’re enjoying your stay – we have 4 nights booked at the end of the months (depending on the tier situation!) and for the 2 Ambassador nights we’ve got in a Club Suite, they have said we will get breakfast in the restaurant, plus afternoon tea and evening canapes and drinks delivered to the room.

  • Sprout says:
    10 Dec10 December 08:04

    Morning, I’m contemplating upgrading my Curve Blue card to Metal as the blue doesn’t play nicely with anything anymore. Is there anything I should be wary of before taking the plunge – I vaguely recall some previous comments that people had problems with limits? thx

    • Jonathan says:
      10 Dec10 December 08:51

      Metal only gives you HMRC fee free. All the other issues recently are related to the underlying cards not playing ball. Metal won’t change that.

      • Sprout says:
        10 Dec10 December 09:11

        Decision made then – I won’t bother as I don’t have any HMRC payments to make. Thank you.

      • TGLoyalty says:
        10 Dec10 December 09:35

        It’s gives you all methods they charge you a fronted fee for free not just HMRC.

        • Jonathan says:
          10 Dec10 December 12:21

          MCC 9399 which is HMRC, DVLA & Student Loans etc.

          MCC 6012 which is loans, crypto, foreign currency & credit cards. This is pretty much dead in the water now that Curve have started to pass through the correct MCC’s again though so definitely not worth the Metal subscription.

      • Alan says:
        10 Dec10 December 12:56

        I have just acquired a Beardy card with £15k limit, with the aim of racking up Virgin points.

        If I take out a metal can I
        1 Pay a CGT bill with Beardy via metal £15k in both Dec and Jan
        2 After that buy £15k of Ernie per month up to the £50k limit

        • The Savage Squirrel says:
          10 Dec10 December 13:46

          You might want to look again at your current limits and adapt accordingly.

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