The HfP chat thread – Thursday 18th February

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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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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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Category

General

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

ChrisC says:

18 Feb18 February 02:22

My IHG 2020 nights – all 10 of them – rolled over just after midnight and now appear in the tracker dial.

Also saved £150 plus some points on some future bookings due to rebooking to some lower rates.
- Rhys says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 08:39
  
  Did you read our other article? 😉
  - marcw says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 08:49
    
    At what time was it published?
    - Rhys says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 08:57
      
      Fair point!
      - BJ says:
        
        18 Feb18 February 09:10
        
        Haha ignominious start to the day Rhys 😀
      - Doug M says:
        
        18 Feb18 February 10:22
        
        2.22 is yesterday, not the start of today 🙂
  - ChrisC says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 12:16
    
    It wasn’t there when I posted plus I’m not a mind reader and didn’t know you were going to write a specific article about it!
Joe Green says:

18 Feb18 February 07:32

Someone mentioned buying sainsbury’s gift cards with nectar points as a way to earn points on future transactions while in effect using nectar to pay. I tried buying the sainsbury’s shopping card and I couldn’t top it up with nectar so just wondering how this is done?
- Andrew says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 07:36
  
  I was wondering the same if you can buy third party gift cards and pay with nectar.
  - Jayne says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 11:13
    
    Andrew, you’ve been wondering the same question numerous times and been given answers to this. If still in doubt, why not just try it?
- Rich says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 07:49
  
  As far as I remember, you can buy gift cards with Nectar points, but you won’t earn any points on the gift card purchase (except your credit card points). If you buy Sainsbury’s gift cards, you will earn Nectar points as usual when you come to use it.
  
  Either way, there’s no real benefit here that I can see vs paying cash.
  
  Gift cards used to be a useful way of hitting Spend X, get Y targets, but I’m not sure if that works any more.
  - Rich says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 07:50
    
    Ignore the ‘except credit card points’ bit. Don’t know what I was thinking!
- BJ says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:18
  
  I have not bought giftcards since 2019 but to that point at least I could pay for both Sainsbury’s and branded giftcards using Nectar points at my local store. I read the T&C last week and purchase of giftcards using Nectar points is excluded. I have no idea if that was always the case but some stores allowed it regardless, or whether theory and/or practice has changed in the past year. It is quick and easy to check though.
- Chrism20 says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 12:06
  
  The purchasing of gift cards using Nectar points was phased out after Sainsbury’s purchased Nectar and relaunched the programme and the new app.
Nick says:

18 Feb18 February 08:30

I’m recycling a few thousand a month through Bendy into Earnie at the moment. Thinking about applying for a mortgage in the next few weeks and it looks like some of the required documents include bank and credit card statements. Do you think that will be an issue with the application? Anyone had first-hand experience?
- John says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:09
  
  wasn’t an issue for me getting a BTL mortgage and having to provide credit card statements etc. Despite them looking extremely dodgy!!
- Andrew says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:09
  
  Will probably require some explanation as to what the transactions are for. The affordability check looks at your monthly outgoings.
- Andrew says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 11:41
  
  Are they wanting *all* of your credit card and bank statements?
  
  Or is it just a proof of address thing?
  
  That would be a nightmare for me, 7 current accounts, different savings account pots, a dozen credit cards at least. Of course, not all of those accounts and cards appear on my credit report.
  - Nick says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 15:13
    
    All accounts that have been in use over the past 3 months… will take a while to collect all the documents for me too.
- Philip says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 15:30
  
  Excuse my ignorance what is “Bendy” and “Earnie”?
  - Colin MacKinnon says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 15:39
    
    Earnie is a way of earning lots of points via ERNIE – the Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment used by a certain savings business to reward its customers instead of paying them interest.
  - Johnny says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 17:58
    
    Curve card and NS&I premium bonds….the lengths some on here go to for some extra miles each month…
- Mouse says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 18:33
  
  This risk is exactly why I have avoided getting into MS for the last year or so, whilst enviously reading about all the opportunities on here. Even without your statements, your credit report will show how much went through each card each month, which could raise some red flags, and there’s also a tally of monthly cash advances, which lenders don’t like and which some MS transactions may count towards.
- James. says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 18:49
  
  I have just applied for a mortgage with NatWest. No issues and didn’t ask for credit card statements
- Steve says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 19:07
  
  Nick it sounds like you should go with another lender!
Wally1976 says:

18 Feb18 February 08:34

Any tips on car hire for 11 nights in Sicily (PMO) in August? I’ve done a quick search on Skyscanner and Kayak and the very cheapest is coming out at £330 which sounds steep to me! Am I too early maybe?
- Anna says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 08:41
  
  I suspect prices are just going to be high this year, even if you take a gamble and leave until the last minute. I’ve booked car hire in Spain for August through BA holidays and prices were also high, however, I think that if/when it’s announced that we can travel this summer they will only go up further. Obviously if they go down unexpectedly I would get a FTV for my £150 deposit to BA (I’ve booked car hire plus 2 nights in a hotel to take advantage of the package holiday terms) and re-book.
  - Wally1976 says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 08:49
    
    Thanks Anna. Just looked on BA Holidays (car hire only) and their cheapest was £500!
    - Anna says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 09:00
      
      Try combining it with one night in a hotel, you might get a better deal, plus it will count as a package for cancellation purposes. Use the ” create custom trip” facility.
    - Paul says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 12:23
      
      I have just had a quote for 6999 AUD for 14 days in Sicily from Hertz in Aus. Is it any wonder they went bust!
- Jonathan says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:34
  
  Italy is always expensive for car hire (far more than Spain). £30/day in August is actually not a bad deal for a Group B/C size car.
  - idrive says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 09:46
    
    it depends when where what. I average very cheap ones out of season as well.
- idrive says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:44
  
  I almost always book via Ryanair website – car hire portal during discounted promos periods. That usually gives me flexible bookings and all in all I have had good experiences, My favourite are Sicily by Car Hertz-Firefly and Avis(Gold/Preferred).
  August Palermo is super high season. That is less than i spent last year in that period i think and it is not even that much for 11 days honestly.
  
  I usually book a medium and upgrade there.
  I got a 7km old car! I was the first to drive it
  
  Book only operators with AMEX – stay away from scam VISA/MC only ones like Goldcar/Rhodium!
- idrive says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:47
  
  i could give you many tips, what is your trip idea? this may well affect your car hire as well, you need to be smart!
- Chris says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 10:19
  
  if you have amex plat, the amex travel service for car hire is often cheaper than direct
- Wally1976 says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 10:54
  
  Thanks for all the replies folks; extremely helpful lot on here as always :-).
  
  Last time I hired a car was 2015 in Majorca and I seem to remember we paid about £140 for 8 days. Sounds like I need to recalibrate my expectations with regards to August 2021 in Sicily!
  
  In answer to idrive, unfortunately I don’t think we’ll be doing that much touring of the island. It’ll be a case of driving to and from the airport (about an hour’s drive) and dragging the kids away from the pool for a couple of day trips!
  
  I have also had a quick look at airport transfers and they’re coming in at £260 return so we’ll bite the bullet and pay the car hire price I think.
  - idrive says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 12:06
    
    Yes you need to raise the overall budget.
    Where are you going exactly?
  - Wollhouse says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 18:01
    
    Also, I would recommend driving! Sicily is beautiful and has some stunning places w restaurants and wine. I really encourage you to get out and explore- Taormina, Ragusa Ibla especially. Eat your way around, cheaply!!!
    - Colin MacKinnon says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 23:18
      
      Ragusa – had great pizza in a Michelin-starred restaurant there! Seriously.
- Wollhouse says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 17:59
  
  Where are you arriving? If pozzallo
  port, then I’ve used these guys a lot and their pricing is good. You can go direct or via virtu ferries. I’ve included the virtu link in case you are arriving at Syracusa as they may also be able to help there. At the port, these guys are on site and OPEN! Well, they were before lockdown;) hertz were never open and a nightmare. It’s a little shack, but don’t panic, they’re ok:) hope that helps http://www.virtuferries.com/?page_id=811Pozzallo
Anna says:

18 Feb18 February 08:37

Re the discussion on bonus Bonvoy points last night, my account also shows that the bonus is 40%, however when I log in again on the buying page it goes up to 50%. I’m also undecided at the moment and agree that redemption rates are fast becoming ridiculous for some properties!
- meta says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:07
  
  I am rebooking Japan soon for next year, but the cash prices have come down significantly while redemption rates are the same. I am wondering whether I should just combine cash and points.
  - Harry T says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 09:47
    
    Why not book a flexible cash rate and watch to see if prices get better too?
    - meta says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 12:14
      
      I’ll probably do that and then also make another booking combining cash and points.
F says:

18 Feb18 February 08:38

Did daily Mail auto cancel anyone else’s subscription for the points?
- Rhys says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 08:39
  
  Yes, everyone. Lots of comments yesterday.
  - Leigh says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 10:03
    
    I received the cancellation email yesterday but haven’t received the refund yet (PayPal). Just tried to login to my mail account and noted that my subscription (The Ultimate Pack + £150 worth of Nectar points) is shown as active. Surely this means that they’ve accepted my subscription?
    - TGLoyalty says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 10:20
      
      well exactly!
    - Hotelier says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 10:32
      
      Received cancellation email yesterday and online was still active. Woke up this morning to refund on PayPal and couple emails confirming cancellation / refund. Subscription now shows inactive.
      Emailed them yesterday to challenge their decision.
      - Youllnever says:
        
        18 Feb18 February 11:49
        
        Same here. Subscription was still active yesterday when I received the cancellation email, but it seems like as of today, the subscription has been cancelled.
  - Alex Sm says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 12:49
    
    Definitely worth an item in the next ‘Bits’ email, Rhys.
    Many readers who acted on the cue from HfP, are now confused about what to do next
    - Rhys says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 12:53
      
      We’ve been doing far fewer bits recently which is why it hasn’t appeared.
    - James says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 16:28
      
      With the greatest respect, how about try being an adult and decide for yourself?
      You were clearly told that applying was a risk and may not result in the points, and that the promotion was a targeted one. You chose to apply using a personalised weblink you’d not actually received for an offer not available on the DM public facing offers pages. Why you’re surprised they have done this is beyond me, as is why you think HfP needs to tell you what to do next.
      - TGLoyalty says:
        
        18 Feb18 February 22:36
        
        As pointed out elsewhere
        
        1) It wasn’t a personalised link
        2) no where was it noted it was targeted, after all this a link on the internet but even targeted mailers via post will have a note saying this is for those targeted only. It doesn’t matter if HfP mentioned it might be targeted.
        3) they sent out confirmation emails and online accounts showed active subscriptions. DM can’t just change their mind and cancel at that point a contract has been agreed.
      - James says:
        
        19 Feb19 February 01:11
        
        Personalised, targeted… be pedantic over language if you wish – but it was an offer you were not targeted for…. and the original article told you from whence the offer came.
        Keep crying your tears, it doesn’t change these facts which have led to your subs being cancelled.
Zoe says:

18 Feb18 February 08:51

I (probably foolishly) booked a holiday last October to the Dom Rep in June from London. What are peoples thoughts on the likelihood of me actually being able to go on it?
I will move it if I have to stay in a hotel after!
- AspirationalFlyer says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 08:59
  
  I have a trip booked in June too (Black Friday offer last year). I’m still optimistic, but also realistic. Are you familiar with the booking terms and conditions? is it worth waiting until nearer the time before taking action in case they cancel and you are entitled to a cash refund?
  - Zoe says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 17:01
    
    It is with British Airways. I think I can take future Travel Voucher 3 weeks before. But what I can’t figure out is if that means I have to pay an increase if the date I move it to costs more. I booked in the sale.
- Anna says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:06
  
  Is it on the red list? There might be a bit more clarity after Boris does his pathway out of lockdown thing on Monday. June might be a bit early to be allowed foreign travel, though quarantine requirements could remain for much longer than foreign travel is banned with the focus now shifting to covid mutations.
  - Andrew says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 09:11
    
    The Monday announcement will only have a date attached to schools reopening. The other restrictions will be linked to case numbers/R rate/deaths so no timescales will be attached at this point, just metrics to be met.
    - Zoe says:
      
      18 Feb18 February 17:03
      
      Looks like I will have to make a last minute decision 3 weeks before. But I am wondering if I should just move it to next year to take the pressure off.
  - Geoff says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 10:47
    
    Red list countries will keep changing so even if it’s not there now it might be at some point, which adds uncertainty to travel over the next few months (although this is now known so people booking something for the next few months are, or at least should be, aware of the risks).
  - Zoe says:
    
    18 Feb18 February 17:02
    
    Nope not on red list… yet. This bunch could change that at any moment…
DR says:

18 Feb18 February 09:04

I have 2 x BA/Amex 241, one is now 5/8/18 to 5/2/22 which has been extended
several times by BA, the other one is 12/8/19 to 12/2/22, long story the second one was in a booking when I think vouchers were extended, should there be another
6 months extended on the 12/8/19 to 12/2/22?
- Steve says:
  
  18 Feb18 February 09:35
  
  No, only vouchers due to expire by 31/12/21 have been extended right now.