The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 11th May

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• Frankie says:

  11 May11 May 09:15

  I’ve just received this email from BA about my trip to Mexico next Monday. I am assuming they are auto sending emails that are now out of date.

  A message from British Airways about your flight to Mexico City
  Booking Reference: XXXXXX
  Dear MR XXXX

  Important travel information about your trip

  National travel restrictions – you can only travel for essential reasons 

  You can only travel internationally from England for legally permitted reasons. This does not include holidays. You must complete a travel declaration form and carry it with you along with any evidence supporting the reason for your trip. 

  • Anna says:

    11 May11 May 09:21

    I’m getting similar messages on bookings well into the future – I’m assuming BA and other travel providers are just covering all bases until the legislation has actually changed.

    • C says:

      11 May11 May 09:27

      Same email with respect to a future booking to Portugal.

• Jonny says:

  11 May11 May 09:28

  I have a “free 25k night” certificate in my Marriott Bonvoy account (earned from Amex Bonvoy spend a while back) which expires shortly.

  Presume I don’t have the option to use the 25k towards a higher category hotel?

  May just use it for somewhere in/around London with a pool. Any recommendations? Possibilities up to 25k points seem to include the Marriott Twickenham, Sheraton Skyline, Waltham Abbey Marriott, and possibly Heathrow Windsor Marriott. Thanks.

  • Rob says:

    11 May11 May 09:32

    No, this is the biggest weakness with the certificates. The UK selection is all a bit desperate unfortunately.

    • Jonny says:

      11 May11 May 09:40

      Yeah it’s a bit miserable. Will prob just take the kids swimming somewhere (if allowed) and not bother actually staying…

      • meta says:

        11 May11 May 09:56

        All vouchers from last year have been extended till 3 January 2022. I was planning on using mine in either Istanbul or Romania this summer for a weekend break, but with isolation and testing it doesn’t make sense to do a weekend break for amber countries.

  • James says:

    11 May11 May 10:26

    I’ve stayed at Marriott Twickenham and Sheraton Skyline. If you’re after the pool I’d go for Marriott Twickenham, those pool is actually that of the Virgin Active in the stadium. I never used the pool at Sheraton Skyline as it’s surrounded by ground floor corridor, which makes me feel a bit watched…

  • Kyle says:

    11 May11 May 13:08

    I had the same issue. Gave a call to Bonvoy and after a bit of back and forth they extended it by another year. I think University Arms in Cambridge is the best option in UK however this only works for off-peak rates.

    • Crafty says:

      11 May11 May 23:29

      Increasingly few nights at the University Arms can be accessed, because while the point rates for this property have inflated, the value of the voucher hasn’t. It’s very annoying.

• michael says:

  11 May11 May 09:34

  The amex gold 50k promo that ran until 9th April – has anyone received their 50k points yet? It says it will pay out after the 3 month… but i was hoping it was like the Companion voucher – i.e. they actually give it to you when you hit the spend, not after a fixed time period… if anyone has any experience / clarity with this please advise … (As I’m hoping to book a trip soon and could do with the points before the 3 months are up)

  Thanks

  • zark says:

    11 May11 May 11:26

    Rob ran a piece about the 50K promo not picking up and Amex had written to him to tell people to call to get it fixed.

    • Rob says:

      11 May11 May 11:35

      There are 2 issues here:

      1) Did you receive a 20k bonus? If so, this means that they didn’t put you on the correct promotion and you need to call to get the 50k.
      2) Did you get nothing? If so, this is a different problem – for some reason the business cards are not counting spend properly so the Amex computer doesn’t think you’ve hit the target. Amex has not admitted to this one yet so the call centre may bury their heads in the sand and shout ’90 days’.

      This assumes that you haven’t had a Membership Rewards personal card in the last 6 months and do qualify for the 50k.

      • Fk says:

        12 May12 May 00:14

        I’ve phone at least 3 times and have been told wait 90 days or wait 30 days, I have the 20k but not the full 50k

        Q- what should I say to get them to manually add it there and then, also I asked to have the dell offer added ri my account but I dont see it, he also said I can order from the normal dell site, is that correct?
        Thanks

        • Rob says:

          12 May12 May 09:39

          Dell – you register via this page: https://hfp2022.headforpoints.blog/hfp/american-express-benefit-registration/

          You can order off any Dell site, I have used both the trade and consumer ones with no issues and readers say Dell Outlet works too.

          Call back re the 50k. The call centre have a briefing on the issue. Unless, that is, they tell you that they are aware of the problem, are working thrugh a fix but it may take 30 days.

      • Chas says:

        12 May12 May 16:51

        Rob – looks like we are in the same boat, as my wife has received 40k points already, and we are just about to go through the £10k spend mark (Business Plat card). Can I clarify something though? I thought if she followed a referral (as she did – from me…), then the 100k points was uplifted to 105k – is that right?

        • Rob says:

          12 May12 May 19:47

          Correct

        • Chas says:

          13 May13 May 08:37

          Thanks Rob, especially as you picked up my comment the day after the article was published – I was playing “catch up”, and didn’t twig until too late that I was commenting on a non-current article…

  • Tazzy says:

    11 May11 May 11:49

    I got mine last week

  • Connor says:

    11 May11 May 15:04

    Phoned today about not getting only 40k and not 100k and was added basically instantly. Very helpful.

• PK says:

  11 May11 May 10:15

  Contemplating whether to get Curve Metal or not. I don’t have any HMRC payments to make. But I could use Metal for payments to Seagulls, Hong Kong & Solihull using Hong Kong & Solihull.

  1. I know Metal comes with zero fronting fees, but does using Metal attract cash advance charges or interest charges from Hong Kong & Solihull?

  2. Also, does having Metal prevents the MCC from being shared with the underlying card?

  • Reney says:

    11 May11 May 10:43

    1. Solihull no interest for paying amex but subject to 300/500/700 limit.
    2. I think they have been passing on since some point last year.

    I have HMRC payments but Che/Solihull does a similar job so I’m on the fence whether to renew in June.

    • Lula says:

      11 May11 May 11:23

      What are the 300/500/700 limits? I can’t see any reference to these in my limits, so am a bit confused, and don’t want to end up with charges?

      Thanks

      • Reney says:

        11 May11 May 13:12

        Lula – rolling limit daily 300, £500 every 3 days and £700 every 7 days. It has been referenced here many times on the chat threads. It isn’t written anywhere, I think people just worked it out over time. You shouldn’t get charged if you go over, your transaction just gets rejected. From what I can tell that limit doesn’t apply to Che and not everyone is subjected to that limit. I never used to, that limit came on a while back for me and only for Seagull and a few other similar transactions like topping up isa.

        • Lula says:

          11 May11 May 14:45

          Thanks!

  • egold says:

    11 May11 May 12:06

    If I can jump on the bandwagon.
    can anyone explain the words ‘lounge key’ on the back of the curve metal?

    • Rob says:

      11 May11 May 12:10

      You can enter any lounge in the Lounge Key network (basically the same as Priority Pass) by showing your Curve Card. £20 will be charged to your card. I think you need to register via the Lounge Key website first?

    • Anuj says:

      11 May11 May 12:19

      It means it lets you access lounge key lounges for a fee per entry

    • Reney says:

      11 May11 May 13:19

      I googled curve lounge key, article is less than one month old, should be accurate?

      https://support.imaginecurve.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001631477-How-exactly-does-LoungeKey-work-?mobile_site=true

• Tom says:

  11 May11 May 10:23

  Was hoping to secure a couple of RFS to a Greek island for May 1st next year. I believe today is -355 days. BA will allow me to book to a myriad of other global destinations, but not to the island I need to travel to.
  This despite BA.com referencing flights operate on Saturdays and Sundays only – and 01May22 being a Sunday…
  anyone able to shed any light? The BA silver phone agent just told me I’m a day too early for 01May22… I’m fairly certain I’m not!

  • Alex says:

    11 May11 May 10:49

    Are you sure the seats haven’t gone? Or can you not select said place at all?

    Also bare in mind 24th April is Greek Easter so dates around that time are likely to go very fast!

    • Tom says:

      11 May11 May 10:56

      Thanks Alex, and apologies I should have been clearer – the flight isn’t on sale whatsoever

      • Alex says:

        11 May11 May 11:12

        That’s strange – have you gone back a few weekends to check if they are going on those dates? Not what you want I know but just to make sure it is running and the site isn’t lagging behind

        • meta says:

          11 May11 May 11:23

          I think some Greek islands are seasonal, so they might not be on sale until later in May, so it would be helpful to know which Greek island you’re trying to book.

        • Tom says:

          11 May11 May 11:28

          Thanks both,

          Meta – I specifically need to be in Zakynthos (Zante)

          Alex, I haven’t – but I will!

          Appreciate the feedback!

  • Phil says:

    11 May11 May 13:51

    I think today is 356. Flights should be released at 01.00 tonight.

• wilsnunn says:

  11 May11 May 10:39

  Recently upgraded my HSBC Advance account to Premier so that I could get the HSBC World Elite MasterCard. Unfortunately as I already have an HSBC Rewards Credit Card they cannot give me a World Elite card (or indeed ANY other HSBC credit card) without first cancelling my current card and waiting 3-6 months. I don’t particularly want to be churning credit cards at the moment (mortgage application coming up) so it seems like I will miss out for the time being. Rather disappointing.

  • Sina says:

    11 May11 May 11:31

    They should be able to change your card to WE, just speak to their premier team!

    • wilsnunn says:

      11 May11 May 11:35

      I spoke to the premier team and they said that I just needed to apply online. When I tried to apply online it said I couldn’t because I already hold a card. When I then spoke to the online chat they said that because I already have a card I cannot apply for a new one and because it is the HSBC Rewards Credit Card that I currently hold, I cannot change it to the WE card.

      • 747_Brat says:

        11 May11 May 11:51

        I also faced the same issue when I upgraded from Advance to Premier. But I was happy to cancel my Rewards card, which was sitting in the drawer anyway.

      • Sina says:

        11 May11 May 13:30

        When I upgraded to Premier, they automatically upgraded the card as well, no new credit scoring, just a product transfer with same limit. I think it’s best if you give it a push!

        • wilsnunn says:

          11 May11 May 14:02

          This is what they said they could do during the upgrade call. But then said I could call at any point in the “next two weeks” to do it.

• Scott says:

  11 May11 May 11:01

  Advice please: Virgin Atlantic has cancelled my 7th May outbound flight but my 22nd May return flight is still operating. As Virgin cancelled my flight, I believe I have a right to be rerouted to the same destination when it is convenient for me at no extra cost.

  I tried to rebook for late 2022, the agent said those flights haven’t been released yet and recommend me to take a travel voucher. Do I have any other option if I do not take the voucher as I am not keen on being liable for any fare difference.

  • Alex says:

    11 May11 May 11:14

    You say they have cancelled your flight, have they put you on an alternative? Or is it just cancelled? If it’s just cancelled you can just leave it sitting there until you decide what to do. I did this a few weeks ago and booked last week which meant the date I wanted in March 22 was open

    • Scott says:

      11 May11 May 11:21

      Hi Alex, they did not put me on an alternative, just left it as cancelled. My concern is the return flight as it is still operating. If I don’t turn up for the return flight, will this affect me being rerouted at a future date?

      • meta says:

        11 May11 May 11:25

        You physically can’t book yet for late 2022. You can book only 330 days out on Virgin.

      • Alex says:

        11 May11 May 14:09

        Just call them to say you want any active segments removed from the booking and then mention you want your booking to be kept open for re-booking at a later date. Should work.

• MCO says:

  11 May11 May 11:12

  Anyone stayed at the Hilton London Hyde Park. Is it a good location for a central London stay? Looking for a Hotel that has connecting rooms for families but they have only one room like that which they can’t guarantee. Any other recommendations?

  Will be driving down so any suggestions for 2-3 days local parking?

  • Rob says:

    11 May11 May 11:31

    I did about 15 day room bookings there last Autumn 🙂

    It’s nicer than you might imagine if you get a room overlooking the park. All a bit 1980s inside. There is one huge suite I was given once which didn’t overlook the park but would be a good size for a family if rollaways are OK. The road which runs down the side of the hotel is 100% shops and restaurants, albeit downmarket, so you won’t starve.

    If you are using points and other hotels are similar points pricing you may want to look elsewhere. If it is noticeably cheaper than other options then I’d recommend it because it is clean and safe and has a bit of Victorian flair to the building – and is built over a tube station, handily.

    • MCO says:

      11 May11 May 14:02

      Thanks Rob.

  • Michael C says:

    11 May11 May 12:00

    @MCO, we (the fam) are off there a week on Sat.! Originally asked for a family room, which they do have, but after I put “park view if possible please” in the comments section, they kindly wrote to say those rooms are on the “lower ground floor”, and I think also interior views. They’ve offered two doubles instead (low capacity of course, but still v v nice) but, as you say, they can’t guarantee the connecting rooms.
    If you have smaller kids, the Princess Diana garden is right opposite (massive pirate ship, sandpits, etc.), and as Rob said, tube straight into Oxford St.
    In the other direction, Westfield/Kidzania, if that’s your thing!

    • MCO says:

      11 May11 May 12:14

      Just put off by the 1980’s look. I prefer a contemporary look. Any other central London Hilton’s or Hyatt’s (to utilise Amex offer) you would suggest?

      Would have loved to try out the Shngri-La but they don’t allow 4 in a room so two rooms is £800 after cash-back!!

      • The Lord says:

        11 May11 May 12:28

        Doubletree just down the road (2mins walk west). Not been in or stayed but a more modern building. Probably a touch quieter as away from Queensway too

        • Mco says:

          11 May11 May 13:21

          Thanks all. What about parking in the area?

      • Tariq says:

        11 May11 May 18:46

        In reply to your parking comment, depends where you’re coming from I guess, but I usually park at Westfield London and then take the tube when visiting that side of the city. Think it’s £15 per day if you setup automatic plate recognition on their website. Was far better when they first opened and it was £5 per day!

  • CramondBen says:

    11 May11 May 18:07

    Conrad St James has 3for2 offer available for its family connecting rooms, which can be booked via Emyr, my upcoming stay of 3 nights costs only £830 with all benefits (thats for 2 rooms), cracking deal.

    • MCO says:

      12 May12 May 00:03

      Very good rate. I guess you could also stack this with the current Amex £50 back on £200 spend.

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