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The HfP chat thread – Sunday 7th February

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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.

Old chat threads are hidden from the HfP home page.  If you want to look for something in an old thread, click here.  This brings up all the articles in our ‘General’ category which includes the chat threads.

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General

Comments (182)

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

  • BA-Flyer says:
    7 Feb7 February 09:16

    I’m finally getting around to contacting Avios (as in the travel agency) to re-book my cancelled Thailand flights with a Lloyds voucher. Can I choose any future date, regardless of reward availability? If new dates are peak would I be expected to pay the extra Avios? Thanks.

    • Mikeact says:
      7 Feb7 February 09:24

      At the moment you have until the end of next month, March, to rebook anywhere, in the next 12 months, as long as it’s in the same Zone as the original booking., and there is space available.

    • memesweeper says:
      7 Feb7 February 21:27

      Avios — the travel agency — are an utter nightmare to deal with when trying to enforce EC262 rights. Be prepared and good luck.

  • Donna says:
    7 Feb7 February 09:36

    Does anyone know when the 2,000 virgin points will be paid, after setting the tesco account to auto convert?

    • Navara says:
      7 Feb7 February 10:12

      Probably in the next 28 days
      New auto convert bonus is now only 1000 points if you register before 28th February

  • Anna says:
    7 Feb7 February 09:48

    Do any BA insiders know if all Easter flights are likely to be cancelled? Our DXB flights have been cancelled and I’m going to try and persuade BA to let us move them to another destination in the unlikely event that we’re allowed to travel then as that’s the only time my OH can take annual leave. I’d like to have something in place instead of having to scramble for availability at the last minute, but still have the option of getting a refund.

    • Brian says:
      7 Feb7 February 16:12

      They’ve not cancelled “all” flights up to now so I don’t see why that would be the case for Easter because of cargo etc

    • babyg says:
      7 Feb7 February 21:51

      I cant remember the exact distance (300 miles rings a bell) that BA will let you change, but otherwise BA will say take an FTV is you want to travel somewhere else…

  • Anna says:
    7 Feb7 February 09:55

    Not sure if this has been covered – as well as Kimpton accepting Ambassador BOGOF bookings, Regent hotels seem to be doing this as well (the Berlin one, anyway).

  • Kin says:
    7 Feb7 February 10:04

    I’m relatively new to the UK and very little credit history. What’s the fastest way to build it up so I can get a V+ or IHG creation credit card?

    • Rob says:
      7 Feb7 February 10:54

      You need a UK bank account, you need to be on the council tax register and the electoral roll and you need gas, electricity or mobile bills in your name.

    • ComeFlyWithMe says:
      7 Feb7 February 11:31

      Would recommend using MSE’s credit club tool – helps to understand the different elements and see how your credit is building over time (incl. suggestions). https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/creditclub/

      • David says:
        7 Feb7 February 12:50

        Thanks for sharing this link, ComeFlyWithMe. I didn’t know MSE had a free credit checking tool. I had been paying for one, so you’ve just saved me about £70 pa!

    • The real John says:
      7 Feb7 February 12:44

      Electoral roll is most important. If you are not allowed to vote, then it will be difficult until you have spent 3 years in the UK.

      Get a credit card with your current bank if possible.

      Credit agencies do not have access to council tax registers.

      Only the big utility providers (which tend to be most expensive) report to credit agencies. I’ve never had a utility bill on my credit report except for the 3 weeks it takes to switch when I have move into a new house which was supplied by a big supplier such as British Gas or npower.

      I have never had a mobile contract.

      I suspect that you will have little chance with Virgin Money or Creation until the 3 years have passed, but there is no harm in trying once a year, since records of your credit applications cannot be seen after 6-12 months; companies also cannot see whether applications were successful or rejected, nor the bank you applied to.

      • Charlieface says:
        7 Feb7 February 13:32

        You can also register to vote if you are:

        a British citizen
        an Irish or EU citizen living in the UK
        a Commonwealth citizen who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission
        a citizen of another country living in Scotland or Wales who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission

        This is because you can vote in locals also as a Commonwealth etc permanent resident

    • Charlieface says:
      7 Feb7 February 13:31

      Get a basic bank account from any bank.
      If you have Amex in another country, you can use Global Transfer to get a card here. Don’t forget to claim sign-up bonus

  • mark2 says:
    7 Feb7 February 11:03

    During the Amex promotion I discovered that you can buy gift cards from PayPal using Amex.
    Here https://www.paypal.com/uk/gifts/brands/giftchoice you buy £25 GiftChoice units which you can exchange here https://www.giftchoice.co.uk/RedeemGiftChoice/Index for e-giftcards at John Lewis, Sainsbury’s and many others.
    It is a bit painful for large amounts, unless I have misread.

    • mark2 says:
      7 Feb7 February 11:06

      This is an answer to Anna’s query above about Amex spend on gift cards.

  • Mco says:
    7 Feb7 February 11:32

    Anyone seen the news about at home Covid tests for travellers during the 10 days quarantine to check for new strains. Decent idea then forced hotels for all travellers.

  • Tarmohamed says:
    7 Feb7 February 11:44

    Anyone know when the UAE travel ban will probably end? I’m hoping it continues until at least 17th Feb, so I can get a full refund and book with Qatar QSuite

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

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