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The HfP chat thread – Friday 26th February

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We are running 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.

Comments (198)

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

  • pauline says:

    If BA cancel a first redemption 241 booking is it better to phone You First to try to rebook 365 days out or just the normal phone line (I am Blue so no status)

    • AJA says:

      Definitely phone YouFirst if you have a First class booking. Especially as you are Blue.

    • DT says:

      I always call YouFirst for an F booking. I’ve found them to always be very helpful and accommodating but YMMV of course. I think I have read comments on here previously where YouFirst has not been as helpful as they’d hoped. Can always call them and if you aren’t happy with the answer just HUACA the normal line

      • Andrew says:

        I also call them if I have a BA Holidays booking and they will not be able to help you themselves but they will put you through to the next available agent in Holidays and introduce you etc so don’t need to wait in the queue (this if for a Holidays booking with a First flight of course).

  • Ana says:

    What are the top 3 Radisson hotels to go with points? Beach destinations preferred!

  • AndyGWP says:

    I don’t suppose that anyone knows when the Scots plan to let the English back in?

    I’m unsure as to what stage of the roadmap (if any) it could tie in with.

    The stay at home restrictions could be lifted on 5th April and the 26th April could see the return of the levels system (historically, I don’t think it tied with either though.) :/

    • Harry T says:

      The road map is for England only. The Scottish government have alternative plans and I don’t think they’ve given concrete dates (which I can see the logic behind).

    • Peggerz says:

      Hi @AndyGWP. As well as wondering when the Scots will let the English in (I work in the travel industry) I’m also interested to know when they will let Scots in (I have relatives -including a daughter – in England looking to visit ASAP).
      Even tho under 12’s have been able to mix,, 2 people can mix for exercise, golf courses and tennis courts have remained open (in a Scottish winter) and now lower primary school and upper secondary schools have re-opened, the FM has given some indicative dates, but not to the extent of the PM. However the FM has said that Scotland re-opening will not lag too far behind England, but will return in Levels (like the English tiered system). And it all depends on the data.
      For example, Orkney & Shetland may go into Level 1 – bars, resto’s open minimal restrictions. Edinburgh/Glasgow may go into Level 3 – no alcohol sales, resto’s open until 6pm etc etc. And no travel between these areas.
      So it may be a little longer than I – and I suspect you – would wish.

  • Harry T says:

    Has anyone ever managed to sweet talk their way past the income requirement for HSBC Premier or Barclays Premier if their income is likely to exceed the requirement within the next few years? My planned pay progression is essentially guaranteed and I’ll be past 75k within three years.

    • Aston100 says:

      *flex*

      • Harry T says:

        Haha Aston I’m not trying to flex, honest. Just thought it would be relevant.

      • BJ says:

        Hardly, early years remuneration on his career path is abysmal.

        • Aston100 says:

          You might want to re-evaluate your definition of abysmal.

        • Harry T says:

          @BJ yes, the pay until about ST3 level is pretty atrocious when you consider the amount of study and time that precedes it. We’ve had pay cuts in real terms for a long time too.

          • LST says:

            Still a lot more than the average person on the street. Not saying you don’t deserve it by the way, health professionals are generally underpaid and undervalued.

    • H says:

      HSBC has a good relationship with my employer. I know of a couple of junior colleagues who were able to open a Premier account whilst earning approx £50k (however their salary was guaranteed to go up to 75k+ in a couple of years). I was also able to open a Premier account despite not having a product with them (no questions asked, was over the salary threshold though). This was all preCovid so YMMV

      • Harry T says:

        Thanks, that’s good to know. Sounds like it would be worth my while to enquire.

        • sloth says:

          I think it more depends on how much you are away from the requirement. if you are not too far away atm then they will be flexible to a degree. Also as mentioned previously if you have an Advance ac, which I recall you do, just apply as a new account for premier, dont worry about asking them to convert. it will convert automatically

          • Harry T says:

            Thanks, don’t actually have an Advance account – was going to switch to HSBC for a bonus but my relatively recent switch to FD makes me ineligible.

        • LST says:

          Definitely ask the question, I was given a premier account solely on my profession and career pathway. I didn’t meet any of the criteria at the time. Although this was quite a few years ago! I have been with them since my first student account (when it was still branded Midland) and they have never given me any reason to change.

        • babyg says:

          i just applied online monday and was approved in minutes, premier card has arrived already (i used the switching service for £125 extra too)… just add your MS to your real salary 🙂

  • James. says:

    Has anyone had issues with paying Virgin using Bendy? I have noticed in the last week I have been unable to make payments

  • TomD says:

    Has there been any new Premier offers with Spotify/Deliveroo over now?

  • Steve says:

    Not sure if it looks different on iPhone, but on Android: find the Curve Cash card in the carousel, tap the cog underneath it, then tap the “Curve Cash >” entry in the menu below.

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