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The HfP chat thread – Friday 16th July

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Comments (383)

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

  • Venturelog says:
    16 Jul16 July 11:25

    Querying the recent Tesco to Virgin auto-convert promo. I haven’t received my bonus yet, or the fact that the Tesco points haven’t automatically converted. Am I missing something here? I already have some vouchers, do I need to convert them manually to trigger it? Or is it because I’ve only collected 103 points?

    • Reney says:
      16 Jul16 July 14:25

      I googled it:

      For auto-exchanges the minimum transaction value is £1.50 giving you 375 Virgin Points.

      • Venturelog says:
        16 Jul16 July 14:40

        Thank you Reney
        But I was under the impression that every month it would automatically convert the vouchers to Virgin points. I already have a minimum of £1.50

  • mark says:
    16 Jul16 July 11:36

    Does anyone know if you need travel insurance to enter Croatia?
    Im unvaccinated and have got a negative antigen test that is required for entry.
    Im a fit and healthy 23 year old so I don’t think I will have any serious health complications etc?
    I fly tomorrow afternoon and am staying at the new Hilton in Rijeka.
    Thank you

    • Craig says:
      16 Jul16 July 11:43

      Tell that to the healthy 28 year old who ended up in ICU in Manchester.

      • Mark says:
        16 Jul16 July 11:53

        Bore off!!! How about we talk about the millions of people who have caught it and been completely fine.
        Keep your silly scare tactics to yourself!

        • John says:
          16 Jul16 July 11:56

          What if you get hit by a bus? Buy travel insurance, seriously.

          • mark says:
            16 Jul16 July 11:58

            I didn’t ask for the stats on if I’m likely to get hit by a bus?

        • mark says:
          16 Jul16 July 11:56

          Don’t want to cause a covid debate.
          I just wondered if anyone has the information regarding travel insurance?

        • Aston100 says:
          16 Jul16 July 13:43

          Anyone who travels abroad without travel insurance is taking a huge risk.
          As John implied, you could be impacted by any number of things, not just Covid.

    • Harry T says:
      16 Jul16 July 11:58

      Just remember that travel insurance covers you for more than health related calamities – travel cancellations, delays, list baggage etc. Also, at your age, your biggest health risk is probably being injured in a car crash – travel insurance could cover your hospital costs for that.

      • mark says:
        16 Jul16 July 12:03

        Thank you for taking the time to reply Harry T but my question wasn’t could I have everyone’s opinion on if I should get travel insurance or not, it was if Croatia would let me in without it?
        I appreciate your concerns but I’m very well travelled and i don’t normally use travel insurance.

        • Harry T says:
          16 Jul16 July 12:42

          No worries, Mark. I can’t see any requirement for travel insurance to enter Croatia. You do need to complete an online form before entry and a copy of your accommodation booking. Think that’s it because you have the requisite negative covid test. Hope you enjoy your travels!

        • Paul says:
          16 Jul16 July 13:08

          Look up the FCOD web site or the Coatian tourist board. Best source of actual information. Most of us offer help and suggestions

          https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements

        • Aston100 says:
          16 Jul16 July 13:46

          ***I’m very well travelled and i don’t normally use travel insurance.***
          Nice. Lets hope you don’t need a medivac if you have an accident.
          Luckily, it won’t be the UK taxpayer forking out for your recklessness.

        • GeorgeJ says:
          16 Jul16 July 14:02

          I travel to Croatia regularly and if you prefer to self insure there is no requirement to have travel insurance. An EHIC card is also valid there and would provide some basic medical cover.

        • Anuj says:
          16 Jul16 July 17:48

          I don’t understand why you would not just get the cheapest few £ insurance anyway ? It’s been very useful for me when I’ve lost a watch or phone on holiday and I usually only pay around £10-15. I’m 24

    • TGLoyalty says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:00

      Is the question is it mandatory for entry? No

      But do yourself a favour and spend the extra £10 to get some sort of cover.

      • VerdantBacon says:
        16 Jul16 July 12:03

        I dont understand people’s need to save a few quid and not getting travel insurance. Nobody ever expects something bad to happen to them, but for a very small outlay you can cover yourself for the unexpected

        • mark says:
          16 Jul16 July 12:17

          Its not about saving a few quid.
          I work in data analysis for a big bank in London and look at all types of stats throughout everyone’s everyday life.
          Most people pay insurance premiums their whole life and don’t ever make a claim.
          They would be far better off and be in full control of their money if a problem ever did arise by putting £100 a month into a long term tracker.
          Something I have been doing since I was 18.
          Ive had no problems yet and I have a very nice figure on my balance sheet if ever needed.

          • JDB says:
            16 Jul16 July 12:22

            Hope your naive analysis allows for the Black Swan…

          • Simon says:
            16 Jul16 July 12:22

            Wise words mark.

          • mark says:
            16 Jul16 July 12:30

            FAO*JDB*
            A bit like the black swan when your insurance provider doesn’t pay out which I see happen all the time?

          • Tim says:
            16 Jul16 July 12:59

            But your analysis is poor. Travel insurance costs £50-£100 per year, not £100 per month. Over 50 years £2,500 – £5,000 presuming inflation is nil. If over 50 years you expect never to have a flight cancelled or lose your bags, or be stranded somewhere, or be unfortunate enough to be in a car crash or even just break your ankle, then fair enough. but if you’re travelling properly to all corners of the world and taking 100+ segments a year, travel insurance is a steal.

          • VerdantBacon says:
            16 Jul16 July 13:09

            Sure, everyone has their own method.

            I’m not sure if I would be comfortable with just £6,000 in the bank (£100 a month from 18 to 23), to cover me in case something were to happen to my home, car, health or job. Break a bone in the US and you’ll need 10 years of built up savings to cover it. Fire or flooding in the home and you’ll need three life times to cover it. Meanwhile I pay less than £100 a month for that peace of mind.

            Sure, once I reach 90 and haven’t had to claim much on insurance, it might feel like a waste and you’ll have £86k saved up in an insurance fund that you can enjoy, but I find it works better for me to not have to set aside £100 a month for peace of mind that can’t afford to cover a catastrophic event and instead pay much less than that for cover every day.

          • Paul says:
            16 Jul16 July 13:14

            I have been paying Amex Platinum fees for 15 years. If I live for another 20 I might just about pay them back all the claims I have had. A single visit to a Hawaiian doctor for an ingrown toenail costs more than 4 years of fees. I wasn’t admitted, I saw him for 10 minutes and got a prescription. I also visited the NHS when I go off the plane and before I went home as he botched it!
            I get your analysis may reassure you but I suspect most people have no idea just how expensive medical treatment is overseas. personally I would make the purchase of travel insurance compulsory and a requirement to enter any country including this one.

          • Chris Heyes says:
            16 Jul16 July 16:36

            I’ve had no house insurance for over 30 years prob even longer than that
            insured now though Niece is living in it
            although I Do have flat insured, I think Flats are a differant kettle of fish lol
            Was once asked by an agent what would happen if house collapsed I said I would move to Flat (Flat wasn’t main accommodation at the time)

          • The Savage Squirrel says:
            16 Jul16 July 19:18

            “I work in data analysis for a big bank in London”
            If that’s meant to suggest competence in sound risk management estimating the impact of, and management of, unforseen negative events then I’m just thinking back to 2008 😀
            “Ive had no problems yet”
            And that was the banks in 2007…

          • Lady London says:
            16 Jul16 July 20:38

            Well that’s exactly how the insurance companies work Mark so you may have a point.

            Sometimes though while you’re unconscious with crushed internal organs or whatever, it’s nice if an insurance policy would help ensure you got a more competent conscious person to organise your care, than might otherwise be the case. Such as in the US where you had better go in waving your insurance policy before you pass out or found in your wallet and attached to your stretcher to ensure that there is someone who will pick the job up or organsing your care. Regardless of how the bill is eventually settled.

          • Dubious says:
            16 Jul16 July 21:21

            That is kind of the point about how insurance works. A group of people pay into a pot and in the event that one of them is unfortunate enough to need financial support in the future the pot is there. If they all needed to claim the system wouldn’t work hence the low. If they all self-insured they would each need to set aside a greater amount of cash than their equivalent premiums.

          • Dubious says:
            16 Jul16 July 21:42

            Whether or not you get insurance is up to you at the end of the day, but to rule out insurance on the basis that [“Most people pay insurance premiums their whole life and don’t ever make a claim.”] is a fundamental misunderstanding of how insurance works. Insurance Is designed to work on groups (of people or property) and thus should be viewed through this lens rather than what it mitigates for any one individual.

            (Some text in my last comment got lost so correcting here).

    • AJA says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:26

      I would buy travel insurance. I would not be comfortable travelling anywhere without it. You will probably be fine and will not need to claim but you would regret it if something did happen and you didn’t have any insurance.

      Look at travel insurance or indeed any insurance as a product that you hope never to use but is a safety net in the event of something unforeseen happening.

      • JDB says:
        16 Jul16 July 12:37

        @ AJA indeed you are right! Insurance of all types seem like a burdensome expense, but if you need to make a claim, it suddenly looks like a total bargain. A few months ago I had my car written off after mice chewed all the electrics – £14k paid out; you can’t plan for that. We have really only claimed twice on travel insurance, one medical, one when stuck because of the volcano, but between them paid out about £7k = many years of premiums. I think people travelling in Europe also think the EHIC/GHIC is the answer, but most countries don’t have a healthcare system anything like as good as the NHS, so you often need to pay for private treatment as many local people do.

    • Mike says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:30

      Mark – buy travel insurance ! ( hope you don’t have to use it ) to travel without is not worth the gamble

    • Patrycja says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:37

      Mark, no you don’t.

      Here’s the link to entry requirements for Croatia.

      You need a negative Covid test and to fill in locator form.

      Hope this helps.

      https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements

      • mark says:
        16 Jul16 July 12:45

        Patrycja, fantastic and just what I was after and it would have saved the huge debate above.
        Thank you and take care 👍😁

        • Sean says:
          16 Jul16 July 12:51

          Or you could have saved the debate by using google yourself!

          • Paul says:
            16 Jul16 July 13:19

            +1
            Google entry is
            FCO Travel advice …name of country…
            Not difficult even for someone in data analysis:))

          • mark says:
            16 Jul16 July 13:19

            Wrong Sean.
            I asked a question, it was other users who waffled on and offered their unwanted opinion, one that had nothing to do with the simple question I first asked in the first place.

        • MD says:
          16 Jul16 July 13:53

          Mark, could you please tell me what bank you work for, so I can avoid doing business with them? For someone who claims to work in the field you appear to have zero understanding of risk vs benefits.

        • Patrycja says:
          16 Jul16 July 16:14

          You’re welcome. Enjoy your holiday

    • Jonathan says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:58

      Ignoring Covid, I know 2 <35 yr old people who are to all appearances successful, intelligent, professionals who got into serious bother overseas without insurance. One is a doctor who was hit by a car in states (was only there for a weekend for a wedding). Other was an accident in Austria.

      £20k & $150k bills. One lost his house deposit savings the other’s parents had to remortgage house. Seriously not worth the <£20 saving (& I’m generally sceptical about insurance).

      • Jonathan says:
        16 Jul16 July 13:05

        I follow your thinking on self insuring btw, I don’t have life insurance or insure contents of my house but at my age when travel insurance premiums are less than price of a cocktail I’d rather have the piece of mind. Remember if you really need it you probably won’t be in a position to access your slush fund it’ll be friends & family having to try & sort you out from afar.

      • Sandra says:
        16 Jul16 July 13:18

        If you still have a EHIC that will cover you for basic medical treatment as Croatia is a EU country but, as others have said, the very expensive bit would be if you needed repatriation or, possibly, if you were blue lighted to a private hospital & treatment was delayed until you proved you had the means to pay (& I know someone that happened to). The other stuff like delay, loss of luggage etc is less serious & a matter of choice as to what you’re prepared to pay yourself. Personally for the sake of a tenner or so I’d cover myself. Surprised in your job you haven’t a packaged bank account that includes it.

        • idrive says:
          16 Jul16 July 15:21

          Mark by the way, the debate is very interesting, regardless of the original question answered straight away or not and your frustration in getting the answer:-)
          Said that , there are two things that came to my mind while reading your posts: 1) if you are here somehow you may have one of the numerous credit cards we discuss on a daily basis(therefore you may have insurance) 2) a big bank in London would probably offer you an insurance package as benefit that covers your travels as well not only your private medical insurance.
          This is to say that many people are insured, even without knowing it…not that I would think you are naive. My GF got her mobile stolen and later discovered she was in fact covered!
          I personally have several travel insurance policies as well, but I do not “buy” travel insurance.
          Where are you then? Where do you stand? It would be interesting to know your point of view.
          I do not think that any country in Europe is requiring a policy (like Russia for some visa types for example used to) but after Brexit some countries started playing it hard with some people entering, requiring proof of funds ticket back to UK etc.

          • Sandra says:
            16 Jul16 July 15:50

            Packaged bank account travel insurance which I know covers the whole family for travel & is more than adequate plus we get other useful benefits for our monthly fee. Also insurance via Amex card, so yes am covered more than necessary but since I want the card & other benefits I can’t not have the extra insurance that comes with it. Also still have EHIC until it runs out. If I weren’t covered I’d buy a policy but, until you need it, you never know how good any insurance cover is

    • Lady London says:
      16 Jul16 July 20:33

      advice would be you should have travel insurance just in case of a lot of things, anyway.
      Try Battleface

  • Princess says:
    16 Jul16 July 11:38

    Good morning everybody. Looking for opinion. I transferred some amex point to my radisson account on the 2nd and 3rd of july (2 separate trasfers)
    Points arrived on the 8th, but instead of transferring 1amex=3 radisson they transferred 1=1.
    I’ve contacted Radisson immediately and they opened a ticket and said they will get back to me in 3-5 working days (I provided them with Amex email transfer confirmation). I called them back on day 4 and again, in a really rude way, they told me to wait day 5. I called them on day 5 and they asked to have 2 more days (quickly closing the call in a really rude way again)
    Is it happen to anybody else before? I’m quite upset because I wanted to use the point for a redemption in august and the one night is now already unavailable…

    • BuildBackBetter says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:37

      I transferred on 8th and haven’t received the points yet.
      Radisson customer service gone worse after the recent management changes

    • VickyTM says:
      16 Jul16 July 13:25

      I cancelled a 70k Radisson redemption booking a few days ago and they didn’t re-credit my account. I emailed them about it and they said it will take 7 – 10 days after I am due to check out on the 21st!! I’m sure it used to be instant…

      • Princess says:
        16 Jul16 July 16:44

        Ohhh! I doesn’t look good then!!!

      • Crafty says:
        16 Jul16 July 21:00

        It took me 75 minutes on the phone today to get a booking cancelled, and that’s without even giving me the points back. They’ve quoted 7 business days to return my points. Think somebody royally messed up when they split the loyalty programme and it’s had all sorts of knock ons. I won’t be booking with them again until I hear on here it’s sorted out.

  • Tony says:
    16 Jul16 July 11:52

    Hi folks. Looking for some advice. I need to place a large order with an online merchant, who will be looking for payment in USD. The total will be around $8,000. They accept Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards. What would be the best way to do this to minimise FX fees etc? If it helps, I own a Curve Blue card, and ideally would like to nab some points by posting the transaction to my IHG Mastercard credit card.

    Any thoughts how best to go about this? (I see this as a one off, and don’t anticipate making similarly large transactions again in future).

    • Harry T says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:00

      I think that will technically exceed the free FX spend allowance on Curve Blue – that doesn’t mean you will be charged though.

      Just be careful because paying on a debit card will forfeit a lot of consumer protection eg section 75. You may wish to consider a free FX credit card like Halifax Clarity. Some things are more important than points!

      • Tony says:
        16 Jul16 July 12:25

        Yeah thanks. The merchant is well known and I use them a lot – I have no issues with their fulfilment. Would upgrading my Curve for a short period of time be an option?

    • Rob says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:25

      Curve will charge you 1.5%, but would your daily Curve limits allow it? Is Section 75 coverage important in case of trouble?

      Arguably you could get a 0% FX card and treat the 3% FX saving as the equivalent of a sign up bonus.

      Or pay £150 for Curve Metal – but an expensive upgrade if it turns out Creation won’t process a Curve transaction that big.

      On the other hand if you want the IHG status points and/or the free night voucher on IHG Premium then perhaps paying the 3% works (or 1.5% if you think Curve could handle it)?

      • Tony says:
        16 Jul16 July 12:27

        Thanks Rob. As above – The merchant is well known and I use them a lot – I have no issues with their fulfilment. Would upgrading my Curve for a short period of time be an option?

        • Rob says:
          16 Jul16 July 12:29

          You need to check the rules – I think there is a minimum charge of £50 if you try to downgrade but still cheaper than paying 1.5% on $8k.

        • Harry T says:
          16 Jul16 July 12:44

          Double check if Curve Black would cover your FX requirements. Checking the plans in the app, it says that it offers unlimited free FX but it’s worth reviewing the fair use policy. I have previously upgraded to Black for a single month because of high spend abroad – they didn’t have an issue with me upgrading and then downgrading again. Curve Black is £9.99 a month. I don’t think you would need to shell out for Metal.

  • Joseph AJ says:
    16 Jul16 July 12:06

    Thought I would say hello to everyone from the Palma Bellver Hotel in Mallorca, also known as the government quarantine hotel! I was desperate to travel as most are on here but please learn from my experience and be careful in the week before you fly (I am probably the only idiot who didn’t – Wembley and no pre flight test as double vaccinated). Long ten days ahead for me…

    • bafan says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:12

      That is bad luck! Keep us updated on what it’s like etc.

    • Mark says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:21

      Hope you got a room with a sea view if anything! Did you have to pay for 10 nights then?

    • Sam G says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:33

      Ouch! When did you get “caught”? Hearing of a lot of positives either from Wembley or travelling to/from/around London last weekend

    • MattB says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:46

      That’s a sickener, we’re flying tomorrow, i’m WFH but the wife is a teacher and i’ve told her to be extra careful over the past week (try to eat lunch on her own etc).

      Also both been taking the lateral flow tests every day, they have thousands left over at her school so we stocked up.

      • MattB says:
        16 Jul16 July 13:13

        To add my father in law is in Latvia and quarantining after testing positive in his fit to fly test home.

        Strangely the authorities don’t seem to care just said come back in 10 days. He is a bit dim didn’t know he needed a test to fly and you had to fill in the PLC and buy day 2/8 tests to be allowed on board. He had no insurance but thankfully no symptoms.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      16 Jul16 July 13:22

      So you tested positive on the lateral flow to return home?

      • Joseph AJ says:
        16 Jul16 July 13:35

        Hi all, I actually do have a sea view balcony which is a bonus!
        Although was separated from my partner who has neither a balcony or sea view. No charge for the stay here, its covered by the mainland Spanish government. The worst thing so far is the lack of information, no one can explain anything. Hotel workers are friendly but are separate to the medical team who are no where to be seen.

        • Joseph AJ says:
          16 Jul16 July 13:38

          Yes it was the fit to fly test, took one through the hotel that was linked up to the system

        • Crafty says:
          16 Jul16 July 21:02

          Why have you been separated?

  • Martha says:
    16 Jul16 July 12:27

    How much can you withdraw at an atm abroad using curve? What happens past £600 per month?

    • Mark says:
      16 Jul16 July 12:31

      Using your Curve card at ATMs abroad
      If you make an ATM withdrawal in another currency while abroad, we won’t charge you any fees up to a certain amount. Your limits will depend on which Curve card you have:

      Curve Blue – £200/ month
      Curve Black – £400/month
      Curve Metal – £600/month
      Any amount that exceeds these limits will be charged either a 2% or £2 fee, whichever is higher.

      • Martha says:
        16 Jul16 July 12:52

        Is this calender month?
        do they enforce it the £600 limit?

        • Muhammad Abdullah says:
          16 Jul16 July 13:54

          Yes they do it charges you the whole amount, and anyway, I think it was £500 before, so slight improvement for metal

  • Mark says:
    16 Jul16 July 12:32

    All travellers to mainland Portugal (aged 12 or older) are required to show a negative Covid-19 test:
    – RT-PCR taken within 72 hours of departure or
    – Lateral flow test taken 48 hours prior to departure

    Silly question but…lateral flow taken 48 hours prior to departure. I assume they meant within 48 hours prior to departure right? They used the within word for the PCR…

    • TGLoyalty says:
      16 Jul16 July 13:24

      Yes they both say prior to departure. Since it takes 30 mins for a lateral flow (and you’re eligible to arrive in Portugal with one) I wouldn’t be too worried by departure or arrival.

  • Ant says:
    16 Jul16 July 12:51

    Need some advice pls.
    I had first booked a flight with avios to Nairobi paid £414, then changed it to Johannesburg & paid an extra £13.80. I then took an FTV and used it for a flight to Miami in the hope the flight will be cancelled and I paid an additional £291. Total £719.64 & avios.
    When the flight got cancelled I requested a refund, the avios turned up but only £371 in cash.
    I have spoken to BA on phone and twitter about this about 10 times now, every time they promise to escalate as it has been going on since May but I hear nothing back. They always agree the figures that I paid and received, and promise to escalate “with duty manager and will be settled in max 7 days” Every time after 10 days I call back & go through the whole thing.
    What should my next step be? Thanks

    • Yorkie Aid says:
      16 Jul16 July 13:02

      If you paid on credit cards I would do a Section 75 claim and let the bank sort it out for you.

      • Nick says:
        16 Jul16 July 13:36

        Send a PM on FT to the BA refund guy. He’ll have it sorted in a day or two.

    • Sam G says:
      16 Jul16 July 13:29

      if you’re on flyertalk (or don’t mind registering) PM BA Refund Helper – they’ve helped unpick a couple of messy refunds for me and get it sorted out

      • Rhys says:
        16 Jul16 July 13:37

        Not sure if BA Refund Helper is doing this anymore.

        • Sam G says:
          16 Jul16 July 15:09

          I thought not but messaged them on the off chance recently as Twitter / phone wasn’t helping and had it sorted within 24hrs so it’s worth a go

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