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The HfP chat thread – Sunday 16th May

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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.

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General

Comments (251)

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

  • MCO says:
    16 May16 May 11:49

    HFP team any word on whether the Vitality cash back card will stay still pay out at 1% + what you qualify from Vitality? Or is that going to change with the recent cash back going down on the Plat cards?

  • egold says:
    16 May16 May 11:56

    having major difficulty Enrolling in Avis preferred plus.
    using existing account won’t work and neither will it allow me to make a new account as my profile already exists

  • Chris says:
    16 May16 May 12:39

    May be setting myself up for a fall with an obvious response here

    But anyone ever had success with an Amex offer that says in store only work with the online store? I’m specifically thinking about the current Hackett offer, 30% off this weekend but can’t get to a store

  • xcalx says:
    16 May16 May 12:50

    Q Re Virgin CC voucher. Does anyone know how I can see my end date for the spend to be completed. Thanks.

    • Harry T says:
      16 May16 May 12:57

      I don’t think you can.

    • Bob says:
      16 May16 May 14:14

      Call Virgin CC and ask them for your anniversary date, that’ll be the annual reset date by which you have to make the spend usually

    • xcalx says:
      16 May16 May 16:55

      Thanks will call them

      • Alex says:
        16 May16 May 17:33

        also ask them on YTD spend and they can tell you that so you know how much extra spending you need, if any.

  • S says:
    16 May16 May 12:53

    Got some great tips on Edinburgh restaurants from HfP recently. Any similar tips for Bath?

    • Peter K says:
      16 May16 May 13:23

      For an afternoon tea the royal crescent hotel was excellent.

      • Tracey says:
        16 May16 May 16:28

        Royal crescent is also good for dinner, plus if you are staying there most rates give you 30% off dinner.

    • Ryan says:
      16 May16 May 13:58

      The Ivy on Milsom Street for the top end of prices

      Opa! for a great Greek experience

      Ponte Vecchio for a decent italian with a good view if you’re lucky

    • Barry says:
      16 May16 May 16:08

      What are the Edinburgh recommendations?

  • Roberto says:
    16 May16 May 13:56

    Cant even get through to the executive club today the computer keeps saying they are too busy.
    I’m a blue member and need to move Avios to Necter, and ideas etc how I can get through?

    • Jonathan says:
      16 May16 May 14:22

      Pretty low on the list of BAEC priorities I’d imagine! Their Indian call centre is currently closed so relying on U.K. staff WFH & a few in RSA. Waiting times have been 15-20 mins for me this week on Gold Line going through the book/change flight option so can imagine Blue & “other” option is setting yourself up for a long wait.

    • AJA says:
      16 May16 May 14:27

      Call 0344 49 333 03 to transfer Avios to Nectar

      • Andrew says:
        16 May16 May 14:41

        Don’t call the main number Roberto – there’s a dedicated line for nectar transfers, they answer instantly but only Monday to Friday office hours so call tomorrow morning.

  • paul says:
    16 May16 May 14:09

    Sure I asked this in the week but cannot find it and no search option for old chat (hint).

    I am looking at a one-way flight to Miami next April 2022 (aware not on sale yet so I’ve been checking out flights for March).

    Want to use Virgin Points for an Upper Class x 2 and due to the higher UK taxes I’m thinking of flying from Paris (Air France) or Amsterdam (KLM) – plus it’s just as quick for me to get to those from Somerset as it is to Heathrow.

    Anyway, when I search flights they are all via Heathrow.

    Do Air France nor KLM fly direct to Miami?

    If they do, can someone give advice on best way to book using Virgin Points please.

    Thank You

    • Travel Strong says:
      16 May16 May 14:25

      There are 100% direct flights (just check on KLM’s own site), but its very hit and miss what appears on the virgin search. For example, a search for a specific date may not show the direct flight at all, or may only show it when searching cash, or only show it when searching points. It may also struggle to find anything when searching returns, and is safer to find using one way searches, and then call to book if need be. Good luck – it’s a treasure hunt for sure!

      • IanM says:
        16 May16 May 14:30

        Yeah thats about right, I am not sure the criteria but only the occasional Delta or KLM flight shows up, no rhyme or reason as far as I can see. 2 x one ways prob best.

    • kitten says:
      16 May16 May 14:39

      Why not try Orlando?

    • Jonathan says:
      16 May16 May 15:05

      It only shows a flight that has availability in my experience (though availability could be in a different class) so not surprising they aren’t showing as partner redemptions on a route like that aren’t that easy to find.

      You won’t be able to use 241 voucher on KLM/AF either. A connection via LHR will save you the £360ish APD but not sure if you can use 241 on Virgin legs if there’s a partner short haul connection.

    • ChrisC says:
      16 May16 May 15:06

      The KLM wiki page says AMS-MIA is seasonal so it’s possible they haven’t decided whether to operate it next year yet. Not checked AF.

    • paul says:
      16 May16 May 18:52

      Thank You for all the replies.

  • Josh says:
    16 May16 May 15:25

    Looking to stay at a Grand Hyatt next month and take advantage of the 100 off 250 spend via Amex however I’ve been told to use something called “Hyatt Prive”

    What are the benefits of doing so and how do I use this?

    Thanks!

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