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The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 16th March

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General

Comments (415)

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

  • Chris says:
    16 Mar16 March 12:57

    Thanks

  • will says:
    16 Mar16 March 12:59

    Any update on the Avios to Nectar conversion being re-enabled online?

  • peter says:
    16 Mar16 March 13:18

    Has anyone managed to convert Avios->Nectar over the phone? I did mine, was told it will take up to 10 working days.. 7 days ago and still nothing, always optimistic with them as Amex’s Nectar transfer “up to 4 days” usually occurs the next day.

    • Buxton says:
      16 Mar16 March 13:26

      Mine took nine days from 22nd feb

    • PaulH says:
      16 Mar16 March 13:54

      … on hold for 25 mins and they came thru in around 10 days… also transferred from my daughters account at the same time but they still have not shown up…. hopefully soon as she needs to do a sainsbo’s shop :))

  • Mike Bor says:
    16 Mar16 March 13:32

    @Rob – I’m sure you’re aware of the offer of Amex £150 credit on Platinum Business rewards for spending £1,000 in one transaction before end of April? Are you planning to run a story on it? I’d welcome your comments on what you can/can’t spend the £1k on. Many thanks. Mike

  • Ste Cox says:
    16 Mar16 March 13:46

    Has anyone managed to use the Platinum benefits page to sign up for the hotel accounts recently. I am all signed up with mine but when I am trying to get my OH’s card sorted before Shangri-La leaves at the end of the month but I just keep getting the following error message “Sorry, our systems are not responding. Please try your request again.”

    • PaulH says:
      16 Mar16 March 13:56

      … I use the chat option (if i have a query) which is normally very efficent…

  • Simon says:
    16 Mar16 March 14:06

    Datapoint • Virgin Points posting from CC

    Called Virgin Money CC today regarding missing Virgin points from my March 11th statement (in every previous billing cycle, points have posted immediately or, at worst, 24 hours later; five days and counting now…).

    Virgin rep told me that it is a known issue and they’re working on remedying it now, but no timeframe given for when it might be fixed. Just mentioning in case anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation.

    Btw: calling the Virgin CC line makes calling BA seem in comparison like I’m also sauntering through a field of the cutest ponies en route to a unicorn from whose bony protrusion hang the winning lottery numbers.

    • Ste Cox says:
      16 Mar16 March 14:10

      Do they still have the hold music really loud as well?

    • Patrick Cold says:
      16 Mar16 March 14:14

      I have discovered that Virgin CS is a disaster in the last few weeks.

      • MikeB says:
        16 Mar16 March 14:19

        Totally agree. They keep messing with their contact rules making the What’sApp channel not fit for purpose and no other chat service so you have to hang on for an agent. Very disappointing.

    • BLG says:
      16 Mar16 March 14:41

      Why people can’t wait at least until the next billing cycle is beyond me. Putting yourself through all the crap that calling virgin CS throws up is crazy unless you need the miles for an imminent booking. Chill.

      • Jayne says:
        16 Mar16 March 15:07

        Tell me, too many people on this chat are serial panickers. Lord knows how they function in real life.

  • PK says:
    16 Mar16 March 14:26

    Data Point:
    As you probably know my Barclays Premier account was blocked couple of weeks ago on suspicion of fraud. Someone from Barclays Fraud team called and asked for reasons why I have transferred money in and out. I had to come out and honestly accept the fact that I was doing it to meet the Barclays Premier income requirement.

    The person was far from impressed when he heard that. He warned me from doing such things in future, and unblocked my account with a caveat that they will shut my account if I do the same thing in future. I have now decided to credit my salary to Barclays Premier and forego any Nat West Black account benefits!

    • TGLoyalty says:
      16 Mar16 March 15:00

      Who doesn’t have money come in an out of current accounts. You’re a mug if you leave it earning 0% interest.

    • Jayne says:
      16 Mar16 March 15:09

      Well, at least it sounds like Barclay’s will do something about the grifters.

    • CH says:
      16 Mar16 March 18:07

      But you can send money in/out of Natwest Black instead!

    • The real John says:
      16 Mar16 March 20:50

      Make a complaint. There are no terms and conditions saying that you are not allowed to transfer your own money in and out.

  • Amar says:
    16 Mar16 March 14:33

    I have ~250k MR points, a wife, and no kids and I’m looking to book a bucket list First redemption. I’ve only ever flown BA Business & First.

    Looking to book a redemption anywhere between Nov21-Jul22. I know SQ First on A380 isn’t likely anymore. Emirates First looks good – any recommenations for other “once in a lifetime” kind of bookings?

    • 747_Brat says:
      16 Mar16 March 14:41

      With that many MR points, you should also look at Cathay First Class!

    • Rob says:
      16 Mar16 March 14:50

      You want the brand new Emirates first on the 777 – see our review – which is astounding. However, only 9 aircraft have it and it is very unpredictable at the moment where you will find them. Singapore seems to have blocked F bookings until next Spring.

      Doing Amex to Virgin to book ANA First Class is also worth considering if you look at our coverage of ANA’s new seat.

      • Amar says:
        16 Mar16 March 15:08

        I’ve been really keen on ANA First but from the article I took away that it’s practically impossible due to restricted availability?

        I do already have enough flying club miles for the redemption (as I’ve just been hoarding and never flown Virgin!)

        • memesweeper says:
          16 Mar16 March 18:09

          I found availability — for two — in F from London on ANA for late 2021 when I looked last. Now might actually be a great time to look and book this. Availability for two is usually impossible to find.

    • Russ says:
      16 Mar16 March 14:52

      Hmm…I’d try and build in as many ‘once in a life time’ opportunities rather than blow it all on one throw of the die. Try Emirates A380 on the DXB-AMM run. That way if you don’t like it you’ve got it out your system with little damage to your point stash. Also not exactly F flight but if not done before I’d try to include a beach landing at Barra. Apart from the actual beach landing you also get to experience prop flight if not tried before. Have a great time.

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