The HfP chat thread – Friday 5th March

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Dylan says:

5 Mar5 March 17:21

I’ve got a significant birthday coming up in June and international travel is supposed to start again by May 17 but have seen in the media that it might be delayed which puts my week in the Maldives at risk. I’m keen to have a backup UK hotel stay planned and was thinking of a night in a really nice hotel and splurging on a suite/penthouse style room. Can anyone recommend a hotel in London (or elsewhere easily accessible from Manchester) please where I can treat myself? Was maybe thinking Renaissance at St Pancras or the Shangri-La at The Shard perhaps? I’ll probably contact Emyr at Bon Vivant to book but some direction is always good. Thanks
- Anna says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 17:38
  
  Emyr got me a good deal for the Kimpton Fitzroy for my replacement significant birthday in May – there seems to be a 3 for 2 offer going with some IHG properties at the moment and also we get breakfast and the $100 amenity included as well. The IC O2 isn’t taking part in the Bon Vivant programme any more but if I wanted spa/massage facilities I would probably pick that one (going to do this at The Langley in part 2 of our trip!)
  We’re driving down as staying in 2 different places and no idea what will be happening with trains by then, but the Kimpton looks to be quite handy for Euston (or even LHR, I think the train goes direct).
  I’d pick Edinburgh over London but who knows if we’ll be allowed into Scotland by then?!
  - Dylan says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 17:41
    
    Thanks, I’ll check it out. Yeah I’d love to go back to Edinburgh but as you say I’m not sure if the border will be open for us to go North so I’d rather go somewhere like London where I know I’ll definitely be able to go. I’d rather not have a backup for the backup if you catch my drift.
- Harry T says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 17:42
  
  The Langley is nice but the cash prices are obnoxious at present (even by London hotel price standards). They’ve just increased the points prices too. Maybe try one of the country house type locations like Four Seasons Hampshire or Monkey Island. The problem is the UK hotels and resorts are going to gouge the crap out of us all this summer.
  - Dylan says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 17:58
    
    Thanks Harry, I think you’re right and staycations will be expensive given the last 12 months and people being desperate for a getaway of some description. I’ll check those options out.
  - Anna says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 18:03
    
    I’ve got my 2 x 36k points nights, hoping 4th time lucky!
  - kitten says:
    
    6 Mar6 March 18:07
    
    Plus I wouldn’t trust The Langley not to take a multi-week whole-hotel booking from a film company filming at Pinewood or somewhere, like they apparently did last summer, and dis-honour all existing bookings.
    
    They might even add insult to injury by insisting those who want to transfer their booking that The Langley cancelled, should pay higher points rates for their replacement dates. Oh, wait…
- Kevin C says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 17:47
  
  The Renaissance and The Shard are quite different in style. I imagine the Shard is a good deal more expensive. I think Ham Yard is a lovely hotel. Depends what sort of thing you like. Certainly worth going through Emyr.
  - Dylan says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 17:59
    
    Thanks Kevin I’ll check out Ham Yard. Only really thought about this yesterday hence I’m just starting out for ideas before I contact Emyr to at least give him some direction.
- Paula Fleet says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 18:37
  
  Where did you read the 17th May date might be delayed by a week?
- A says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 19:29
  
  The Shard is great for a short stay, particularly if you book through Amex FHR if you have access so get guaranteed early check-in, late check-out, and room credit. The pool fairly high-up in the building (not sure if open at the moment) is fantastic. Room service is also of veyr high quality, if you’re one of those people like me who enjoys eating in their room (one of my favourite btis about a trip away is at least one meal on room service). Sad, I know.
  
  Renaissance St Pancras also good – stretch for a club room if you can if Chambers Club is open – the food and alcohol was very high quality last time I was there. They also do a Cinq Mondes bath experience (or did historically). Basically someone comes to your room, runs you a bath, with some interesting oils etc – the high point is they provide 3-5 nice little pots of snacks for you to enjoy while bathing.
  
  Definitely prefer Shangi-La over St Pancras but the cost differential is large.
  
  Plenty of nice places in Cotswolds if you’re willing to travel a little.
- KBuffett says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 19:55
  
  Corinthia
  - Hotelier says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 20:55
    
    +1 Seven different Penthouses to choose from. The Hamilton Penthouse has a Jacuzzi in the terrace. Best place for a special occasion.
  - kitten says:
    
    6 Mar6 March 18:10
    
    if sybaritc is required, Corinthia does seem to get good reviews
aDifferentSimon says:

5 Mar5 March 17:37

Just noticed that 3 months of the FT print delivered Mon-Sat is £50. And there is 25 off a 30 spend on some of my amex cards at the moment.
mr_jetlag says:

5 Mar5 March 17:40

Another Data Breach (BA via SITA). Asking to reset passwords etc. Could be time to re-enable those data protection services they provided last time…

“…We have been notified of a data breach at global technology company SITA, an IT services provider to many airlines around the world. SITA is not British Airways’ booking and reservations system provider and SITA’s breach does not involve our customers’ financial information or password as SITA does not have access to this data. Please be reassured that this incident was not a breach of British Airways’ systems.

Along with many other airlines, we do share limited information with partner airlines in order to enhance your experience when flying with them. We have been notified by SITA that some British Airways Executive Club Members’ names, membership numbers and some of their preferences, such as seating, has been impacted.

The password you use for your account is not held by SITA and has not been put at risk by this breach.

As a precaution, given the potential that customers have re-used passwords used for other websites, we are taking the following action to protect you:
Please log into your account and reset your password
Please create a new password that you have not used elsewhere
Once your password has been reset and you have completed a verification step, you will be able to regain full access to your account

We know fraudsters try to use situations like this to their advantage. We will not contact you by phone and ask for your password – please do not reveal your password to anyone claiming to be from British Airways. If you need to contact us, you can do so via our contact centres.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued support and cooperation in helping us to keep your information safe and secure.”
- Alex Sm says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 17:59
  
  my partner got similar emails from M&M and M&B but no asks to change passwords
  we both received emails from BA asking to change passwords, did so and now can’t login to our accounts at all!
  
  Classic BA…
  - Cat says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 18:25
    
    Me either, BA doesn’t recognise my membership number…
    - General Mayhem says:
      
      5 Mar5 March 19:05
      
      Glad it’s not just me then. This is hopeless. And they are also saying they are too busy to answer the phone so please call back sometime.
      - Nectar collector says:
        
        5 Mar5 March 19:18
        
        I had this problem , but had forgotten to logout of the app on my phone before trying to reset password via website – the email does mention this, so worth checking if you are having problems. Then had to go round the reset loop again, but now everything seems ok
      - meta says:
        
        5 Mar5 March 19:33
        
        I didn’t even get to change my password. The app just logged and I can’t even log in on either desktop or mobile site. Same reason as everyone else – membership number not recognised.
      - Alex Sm says:
        
        6 Mar6 March 00:45
        
        That’s why I have zero pity for them in that data breach lawsuit and still can’t comprehend why so many people here hesitate
    - Michael C says:
      
      5 Mar5 March 19:17
      
      Yep!
- MKB says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 20:17
  
  I was in my BA account when they locked it. Now, no amount of resetting of passwords seems to fix it. Have tried both username and email address without success. Have tried a browser with no cookies; no joy.
  
  Partner was able to reset and unlock his account without problem.
  
  I see some on Flyertalk having the same issue as me. Guess it’s best to leave this till Monday by which time BA IT may have sorted out this latest cock-up.
- John says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 21:36
  
  Also possibly United? I got emails from them as well as BA today, both about security breaches.
TGLoyalty says:

5 Mar5 March 17:43

Isn’t it best to consider the location and what else you want to do is dinner or lunch etc

I really like The Ren but it’s location has far more casual dining / bars than top restaurant.

Considered The Connaught (I like the location and a great Indian just round the corner) or Claridges?
- TGLoyalty says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 17:44
  
  This was for Dylan but I must’ve taken too long to reply!
  
  Still an issue Rob
  - Dylan says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 17:57
    
    Thanks TG Loyalty, London was the first thought due to plenty of restaurants, day spas and theatres etc nearby (plus friends in London) but open to other suggestions. I liked the idea of The Langley as I can drive and we can go visit other places nearby or even get the train to London so it’s not a deal breaker if transport is needed.
    
    We are super easy going so I’m sure we will find things to do wherever we are. I’ll check out The Connaught and Claridges though.
    
    We would normally just stay in a cheap and friendly chain hotel when in London so a splurge would be good.
    - Anna says:
      
      5 Mar5 March 18:13
      
      The Kimpton reservations staff told me that Neptune restaurant isn’t re-opening in May so I’d love some suggestions for dining in Bloomsbury. We like steak and Italian but will eat most things!
      - Rachel R says:
        
        5 Mar5 March 21:47
        
        Ciao Bella on Lambs Conduit Street for Italian.
      - Chris Heyes says:
        
        5 Mar5 March 23:01
        
        Anna bet you draw the line though at what you eat ?
        I’ve had Hedgehog, Snails, Sparrow’s (i think sparrows, was in France in 60s)
        Horse, Snake, Rattler, Deer, Frogs plus many other animals
        Only one i wasn’t to keen on was Hedgehog they press mud into it, then dry it out and cook it in a fire, i always imagine a hedgehog to be full of bugs
    - Anna says:
      
      5 Mar5 March 18:15
      
      I was pleasantly surprised that parking is only going to be £15 per day in London, that’s cheaper than Manchester! And cheaper than 2 of us going on the train.
      - Tariq says:
        
        5 Mar5 March 18:57
        
        Remember that Kimpton Fitzroy is just within the Congestion Charge zone, unless you’ve arranged parking north of Euston Rd.
    - TGLoyalty says:
      
      5 Mar5 March 22:46
      
      All the of social distancing measures have played havoc with the roads and made getting around in the summer terrible. If there is more of the same this year I’d consider places within walking / tube distance of your preferred neighbourhood
Joe Carraglio says:

5 Mar5 March 18:03

Hello everyone – I’m BAEC Gold but have just had a baby and wondering how BA implements its status hold for new parents. Does anyone know if there is a time limit in which I can apply (ie within six months from birth etc)? And also how the status is implemented – is it jsut a one year extension (as they’ve already extended my status becaues of Covid I’m not sure whether they’d apply another year of non-flying on top).
Thanks!
- Andy D says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 19:38
  
  We applied with a couple of weeks to go before my gold status would have expired. Got a reply within a week or so confirming extension. It’s a great service.
- The real John says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 21:17
  
  I don’t think there is a fixed time limit.
  
  Apply just after your membership year has ended but before your card expiry date. Then your status will be extended for 23 months.
  
  My status has now been extended by 35 months because of the auto covid extension. Born May 2019, membership year end 8 Nov 2019, applied on 9 Nov, status to 31 Dec 2022
  - The real John says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 21:18
    
    Just to be clear I did not requalify for my status in the year 8 Nov 2018 to 8 Nov 2019. If I had requalified then it wouldn’t really be a 23 month extension.
Craig says:

5 Mar5 March 18:15

Following on from the SITA data brach, had an email from BA to change my password which I duly did. Now I can’t access my account!
- Craig says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 18:19
  
  *breach, where’s the edit button?
- Craig says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 18:23
  
  From FT, using email rather than Exec Club number works.
  - Cat says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 18:27
    
    It’s not working for me, sadly!
- kevbar says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 18:24
  
  I haven’t updated password yet and cannot logon, it says the account number does not exist which is not very encouraging!
  - John Caribbean says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 18:26
    
    You can’t until you change password
  - Capt Hammond says:
    
    5 Mar5 March 18:41
    
    Same here
- John Caribbean says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 18:27
  
  I can’t read the emails on my phone, ever. I have to click through the link, and login to read the message. Except I couldn’t do that because the message is telling you to change your password and then login. A frustrating ten minutes
- Craig says:
  
  5 Mar5 March 18:34
  
  Try using your registered email address rather than the Exec Club number?
Anna says:

5 Mar5 March 18:21

Also for Dylan as the replies are getting a little convoluted!
We’re also planning a London visit between Xmas and New Year and I’ve booked the MAN-LCY flight on Boxing Day for 9000 avios plus £25 each as a little CE treat. Also great value as the cash price is £349 pp! The schedule is Saturday/Sunday at the moment (though I haven’t checked for this summer), so we’ll go home by train.
Noggins says:

5 Mar5 March 18:40

I have tried logging in to exec club using membership number, email address (‘your email address is in use on another exec club account’) and phone. Nothing works.
Looking like a new BA debacle…..
- Alex Sm says:
  
  6 Mar6 March 00:49
  
  Just another confirmation that BA is a travesty of an airline…