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The HfP chat thread – Sunday 24th January

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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.

Please only comment under the main articles on the site if your comment is directly related to the topic of the article.  This has long-term benefits as it keeps the commentary relevant for people who read those articles in the future.

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General

Comments (244)

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

  • Ambient says:
    24 Jan24 January 11:49

    Anyone tried Curve Metal with Fidelity lately?

  • Mco says:
    24 Jan24 January 11:56

    Does QR through check bags on separate tickets? I have a DOH-LHR followed by a domestic on BA.

    • Andrew says:
      24 Jan24 January 12:10

      Yes, done this many times. If your journey is not starting in Doha and they are using a ground handling agent then you might need to ask to speak to the check-in manager if you get a no first time.

  • mart says:
    24 Jan24 January 12:21

    anyone know a strategy for a couple to earn aa miles and marriott points with amex sign up bonuses ?
    i believe the marriott amex and rewards amex are in the same ‘group’ so only one bonus every 2 year
    any other ideas?

  • Tracy says:
    24 Jan24 January 12:25

    Going to provisionally book 5 nights with marriott points in NYC for September….best options I can find are AC Downtown for 110k, marriott downtown for 140k or marriott marquis for 198k. Not my first time to NYC, have previously stayed TS and midtown a few times. Any opinions on these hotels for the points?

    • Harry T says:
      24 Jan24 January 12:39

      All depends on the cash rates being offered and the treatment you are likely to get. You could do well if cash rates are high and you have Platinum status or above. I’m afraid I haven’t stayed at the hotels though.

      • Tracy says:
        24 Jan24 January 13:46

        I have platinum status but don’t eat breakfast or drink alcohol so not too bothered about lounge etc. Prices are surprisingly high and I have a fair few points. Just really wanting advice if Marriott Marquis is worth the extra points over the others……

        • Fraser says:
          24 Jan24 January 15:52

          A reminder that alcohol isn’t free in US lounges, so they’re hardly worth it. Better at a Kimpton for the wine hour.

      • Tracy says:
        24 Jan24 January 14:00

        For reference, cancellable rates are approx, ac hotel $1k, Marriott downtown $1300, Marquis $1500.

    • Michael C says:
      24 Jan24 January 13:08

      Tracy, don’t know if it’s the style you’re after, but we stay at the Fairfield Midtown a lot. Obvs, not luxe, but still newish, decent double-double rooms, and b/f included (basic, but good to pop down to a bagel & coffee first thing). Excellent location: walk to Empire S. Macy’s, T. Square, theatres, & transport to just about everywhere. Also, if you fly to Newark, direct train to Penn St., right opposite hotel.
      And you’d catch the tail-end of the season of the excellent rooftop bar!

      • Tracy says:
        24 Jan24 January 13:49

        Thanks, just checked and it’s 210k points for the 5 nights, too steep for me.

        • Michael C says:
          24 Jan24 January 13:59

          Yeah, far too high. Cash price varies wildly too, from v reasonable to ridiculous! Had a decent stay in Marquis some time back, though you’ll have seen it’s massssive.

          • Tracy says:
            24 Jan24 January 14:03

            Yes, TS location is fab if that’s your thing, I quite like the hustle & bustle. Resort fee putting me off though…..

  • Optimus Prime says:
    24 Jan24 January 12:48

    ‘ We paid £22k for a year in the Maldives’ https://apple.news/AZ9YxpsplTri0lxjds18IIw

    Rob, you should have sent Rhys to try it out 🙂

    • Anna says:
      24 Jan24 January 13:44

      That’s not that bad for a full year – I bet there are a few posh pads in London where you could pay that in rent. I can imagine getting serious island fever though and what if you fall out with your partner?!!

      • Anna says:
        24 Jan24 January 13:46

        And I’d love to know how much the bill for extras was at the end! I can’t read the full article but it looks like only breakfast was included.

        • Optimus Prime says:
          24 Jan24 January 14:58

          Yeah it says only breakfast included and 25% off dining.

          Might be a good opportunity to practise intermittent fasting lol

          Like Rob says below, for those who live in London the price looks like quite competitive!

      • Rob says:
        24 Jan24 January 14:14

        A standard terraced house in Chelsea / South Ken is £3,000 per week.

        The dodgy 2-bed ex-council flat in Battersea than Anika and a friend used to rent was £18k per year.

        The 1-bed flat in Wapping I used to live in because I got married rents out for more than £22k per year (handily for me, as I still own it!).

    • Tracey says:
      24 Jan24 January 16:35

      Factor in having to leave every 90 days for a return flight to Dubai just to renew your Maldives visa.

  • Matthew says:
    24 Jan24 January 12:55

    If I get put in the quarantine hotel…will I get elite night credits and stay points?! 😂 Could help me get Bonvoy Platinum

    • Optimus Prime says:
      24 Jan24 January 13:06

      I hope you do if you’re asked to foot the bill like the Aussies…

    • Harry T says:
      24 Jan24 January 13:28

      I’d probably have a good start on Ambassador status! 😂 considering the 38 nights from Titanium status last year and the 15 from Amex.

      • Chrisasaurus says:
        24 Jan24 January 15:03

        Yeah, the 20k spend might be hard though, assuming those nights are modest in cost!

    • kitten says:
      24 Jan24 January 23:09

      Yup. And as a special bonus you have a chance of getting infected by something or the shared air conditioning at the quarantine hotel.

      NZ Pullman Hotel in Auckland just had someone complete their quarantine there, who in the course of a 160 mile meander through NZ has visited 30 locations there.

      They felt a bit ‘off’ on day 15 and tested positive around day 17.

  • George says:
    24 Jan24 January 13:13

    Can anyone share how to log in to pressreader? I used to have a library code but can’t find it.

  • Michael C says:
    24 Jan24 January 13:54

    Has anyone had a BA flight cancelled, move it within the 12 months from the booking date, then had THAT cancelled? Reckon we’ll be able to move it to beyond the 12 months if this happens?

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

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