The HfP chat thread – Friday 25th June

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Paul says:

25 Jun25 June 17:31

Flying back from Ireland and just want to check my understanding of test requirements. I need to get an antigen test to fly and buy day 2 & 8 tests?
- Sam G says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 17:45
  
  from Ireland to England you don’t need anything
- Oz_Traveller says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 19:34
  
  I flew back from Ireland yesterday and there are no PCR testing requirements on arrival.
Zoe P says:

25 Jun25 June 17:35

Does anybody know how I get in touch with BA to change my holiday. Phone not taking calls, live chat has had me at no 19 in queue for 30 mins now and Twitter promised to put me through to an agent but didn’t and is now ignoring me. Holidays…. Turns out not so relaxing.

Also to the person who landed in Dom Rep yesterday before hearing the announcement. I hope you are ok I have thought of you a few times today.
mutley says:

25 Jun25 June 17:41

Remember shop small ends today…………
- johnny_c-l says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 17:51
  
  Only done two shops this time, a record low
  - Youllnever says:
    
    25 Jun25 June 18:32
    
    One for me!
    - Andrew says:
      
      25 Jun25 June 19:08
      
      Managed about five, but two are flukes (one was an online retailer I had no idea about and the other was a conveniently timed hygienist appointment…)
  - stevenhp1987 says:
    
    25 Jun25 June 20:46
    
    Zero here. Should have been one but despite showing a shop small logo they were “cash only”.
  - Degsy says:
    
    25 Jun25 June 21:51
    
    My (student) son has managed to squeeze in three. One more than me.
    Taught him well!
WaynedP says:

25 Jun25 June 17:58

Nice room on 5th floor of HI STH on the eve of our MSC Virtuosa cruise.

Enjoyed ice creams in Mayflower Park following recommendation here on HfP, thx

MSC just emailed to confirm our cheeky upgrade offer was accepted, so we’ve been bumped up to a Yacht Club Suite with whirlpool.

Mrs dP is delighted, but I’ve always shunned the elitism of Yacht Club.

But you never know, after 7 nights of butler service, fluffy bathrobes and luxury slippers, I may be ready to start looking down my nose at the riff raff 🤣🤣
- Jody says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 18:37
  
  Enjoy your cruise WaynedP. Every review I’ve seen of Yacht Club from these cruises has been fabulous!
- Craig says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 19:28
  
  Enjoy Wayne, we shall be at the same hotel in a few days time prior to a RC cruise.
- WaynedP says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 21:08
  
  Thanks, both. And glad you and your OH are getting a holiday after your toils on the frontline, Craig. Weather’s looking good.
  - Craig says:
    
    25 Jun25 June 21:24
    
    Thanks Wayne and Bon Voyage.
- WaynedP says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 21:08
  
  Unexpected £5 back at George’s Restaurant, Southampton (highly recommended) on last day of Shop Small 🙂
- Aston100 says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 21:44
  
  I went past that ship the other day in Liverpool!
- Matt C says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 23:31
  
  You should try the Dancing Man Brewery which is just a short stroll from HI in Southampton
- Gtellez says:
  
  26 Jun26 June 08:15
  
  I was invited yesterday too, Titanium and 47 nights this year (including the 37 free nights Marriott gave us at the beginning of the year)
YC says:

25 Jun25 June 18:12

Invited to join Marriott Point of View (POV). Anyone done this before and any perks?
- Cabal of rabid baboons says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 19:03
  
  Have you plenty of points YC?
- Andrew says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 19:09
  
  I’ve just had that invite. Anyone have any experience of it? (I’ve v few points = 1,500 and one stay with Marriott *ever* which – after the £400 Amex credit cost me pretty much zilch)
  - Cabal of rabid baboons says:
    
    25 Jun25 June 19:18
    
    Nothing to do with the size of our stack then? Maybe everybody has been invited?
    - Tariq says:
      
      25 Jun25 June 20:35
      
      Same, got the email this evening. Platinum with 160k+ points. Doing my 75th night tonight.
- Degsy says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 19:37
  
  I’ve just been invited and was going to ask the same. No obvious perks as far as I can see – just done a 5 min survey and no reward for it. I can see my engagement tailing off pretty quickly if there isn’t any incentive.
  As the other survey type sites show, it doesn’t need to be big
  - Andrew says:
    
    25 Jun25 June 19:42
    
    +1
Liz says:

25 Jun25 June 20:00

What’s the best number to call up at 1am for adding a return booking to a 241 – i’ve missed out the past 2 mornings waiting for the phone lines to open – they were there at 6am but lines not opening till 8 am – by then they were gone. Thanks
- Travel Strong says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 20:32
  
  I couldn’t make this work either … so called virgin instead! They were a delight to deal with in comparison. (Japan and USA were theoretically the numbers to try, but I got nowhere with that approach either)
s879 says:

25 Jun25 June 20:24

Family flying to the USA from Canada (Ontario) and need an antigen test and certificate. Quite a few seem expensive and she needs 6 tests done! I know Toronto Airport is doing them for free till 9th July but she doesn’t want to take the risk of on the day slot. She lives quite far so staying overnight would wipe away any savings. I have looked at the companies being used here in the UK but so far none offer a service in Canada. A lot of pharmacies are doing antigen but don’t give a certificate like we get from Prenetics, for example.
Please let me know if anyone knows the cheapest, reputable one. Thanks
- marcw says:
  
  26 Jun26 June 00:48
  
  I think you will have better luck in Canadian focused travel blogs/sites
Tuppy says:

25 Jun25 June 20:27

Has anyone received their 99 Nectar points for entering the Esso competition last month?
Entered on 12th May and they stated the bonus 99 point award will be processed within 28 days – nothing yet!
- TJ says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 20:41
  
  +1 Nothing
- Rob says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 20:51
  
  We’re not past 28 days from the closing date.
  - Degsy says:
    
    25 Jun25 June 21:59
    
    Rob: do you (& others) keep track of everything? I think I need to start keeping a log/ journal. (And screenshots.) The recent nectar offers have been so prevalent I’m pretty sure there have been some I’ve not got but forgotten about so not chased…
    - Rob says:
      
      25 Jun25 June 22:13
      
      I just search up our original article which would have the deadline in it 🙂
- Steve S says:
  
  25 Jun25 June 21:07
  
  I won the P3 prize £50