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The HfP chat thread – Thursday 12th August

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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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Comments (618)

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

  • The Rooster says:

    I am wanting to purchase some shares in a number of companies over the coming days. Can anyone recommend a good low cost platform? It cant be 212 as the shares are not held In my name (so not eligible for shareholder perks)

    • Genghis says:

      212 not accepting anyway. When you say not in your name, you mean in a PIC?

    • ken says:

      Personal Crest accounts don’t really come as cheap as the online offers with nominee accounts.

      Do the companies exclude nominee accounts ?

      Next PLC don’t but you must request the voucher through their nominee or ISA account manager.

      I thought shareholder discounts had largely died off.

      • Yorkie Aid says:

        Assuming these are travel related, Carnival and Royal Caribbean just require a confirmation of holding from your brokerage statement.

    • David says:

      You can still get perks without your own CREST account, the more crucial question is if your broker/custodian will support taking up the perks for you (and without charging a big admin fee). Many have stopped supporting perks.

      Also – as Ken mentions – lots of perks have died out.

      HL do officially support perks:
      https://www.hl.co.uk/shares/shareholder-perks

      • Super Secret Stuff says:

        Whitbread and a few others still do it, the expensive shares tbh

    • Super Secret Stuff says:

      I have my ISA with Freetrade for four reasons:
      1) £3 a month is excellent value
      2)I know how they make a profit so less likely to collapse and
      3) Whilst limited range it is genuinely a free transaction, very competitive prices. Especially good if you want to sell at an unusually high peak and then buy back once hype dies down
      4) You can upgrade to free trade plus to make more stocks available plus earn 3% a year on cash deposits which can ofset the £9.99 fee for plus

      Email me if you want a referral link for a free share (£3 to £200)

  • Chrisasaurus says:

    So – tells me I cannot check in to my flight online on this occasion – is this like to be something fixable with a phone call or something they going to have to do at the counter?

    • John says:

      If you haven’t been ticketed then it might be too late, otherwise they just want to verify your passport and/or documentation in person

  • Mco says:

    Is the antigen test valid from the time of check-in or flight? Jet2 have delayed my return flight from 10pm tonight to 2am. Just realised my antigen test is only valid till midnight today.

    • Blenz101 says:

      From time of flight. I would be getting another rapid antigen test completed today as you won’t be getting past the check in desk without a valid test.

      • Mco says:

        There are earlier flights on EasyJet and BA which are not badly priced. If I do that what are the chances of Jet2 refunding me? I want to avoid getting new tests done as it will cost me quite a bit in taxis and test fees.

        • Sam G says:

          No chance as you need a 5hr delay under EU rights before you can get a refund.

          I am surprised Jet2 hasn’t sent some communication on this, I actually think you’ll be OK as unless they’ve told you otherwise you’ll be checking in per the original scheduled dept time, just having a rather extended journey time in departure lounge!

          • Mco says:

            Surprisingly they are still selling the flight departing at the same time too. Despite having delayed the flight a couple of days ago.

        • Pete M says:

          It’s based on the *scheduled* departure time – it would obviously be unreasonable to expect you to get a new test if you’re airside and a flight is delayed, for example. That said, and I say it every day, you are at the mercy of the check-in person. If they decide no, you are out of luck. No one in the UK cares, as no one checks anymore. Chances of Jet2 refunding you if you don’t fly with them are zero, in my view.

          • Blenz101 says:

            Well the UK do some random spot checks but they are requiring the airlines to ensure the tests are valid. In theory arriving into the UK without a valid test if checked both the airline and traveller could be fined.

            The risk is the Jet2 check in agent considers the flight has been effectively rescheduled and notice given that tests need to be valid for the new time. Perhaps worth seeing if you can speak to Jet2 at your departure airport this afternoon?

            I would have thought the cost of a new test and a taxi would be far less than the cost of an extra night accomodation and new one way flight. Jet2 won’t refund you or cover costs if you don’t have the required paperwork to travel.

          • Mco says:

            Can’t get through to anyone at the airport. I am around 45mins drive from an Antigen testing centre which is around a 150 euro r/t.

            What I am worried about is that its outsourced ground staff who will see the date has passed and refuse me travel. I think they made the change a few days ago but haven’t advised me yet. I booked via Lastminute maybe that’s why?

  • Louise says:

    Looking at hotels in Barcelona for a 4 night break in March 2022 for 2 adults – any recommendations? Would like somewhere where shopping, eating and sites within walking distance but doesn’t cost the earth (less than £200 a night)

    • bill says:

      have a look at this https://www.hotelparalel.com/

    • Harry T says:

      I can personally recommend Barcelona EDITION based on my stay in July – I’m unsure what the rates are like in March. I’ve also heard good things about the Cotton House but I haven’t stayed there.

      • Rob says:

        I think Rhys is at the EDITION next week – a review may be on the way.

        • Aston100 says:

          ‘think’ and ‘may’.
          Oh dear, sounds like you need to put your foot down Rob!

          • Rob says:

            I’ve not seen him for two weeks! He is off to Barcelona to do some stuff for Marriott. I neither know nor care, frankly, which hotels he visits when he is there as long as he comes back and writes some good content 🙂

            If your employer does not offer such flexibility feel free to apply next time we advertise for staff!

      • Louise says:

        Thanks Harry T – will have a look at both!

      • Louise says:

        Thanks Roberto – did have a look at this one, and it looks beautiful, but at about £500 a night it’s a little out of our price range!

  • Peter K says:

    Discussed on page 2 of comments.

  • nick says:

    Data breach settlements amts now confirmed. surprised no news on it today?

    • Pete M says:

      Rob is not a fan!

    • Andrew says:

      Aren’t they all technically subject to an NDA?

      Although, as I’ve said before, it’s pointless having an NDA then sending the money to a joint account.

    • ChrisBCN says:

      There is not a lot that can be said beyond that a settlement has been reached. If the settlement was, for example, around 520 quid, they would not be allowed to mention that.

      • Rob says:

        £520 is but a dream for those who signed up, I promise you.

      • kitten says:

        Weird. Why is everyone talking about things that cost exactly £520 soon after someone’s brought this topic up?

        • Lord Doncaster says:

          I’m not sure what papers Rob has seen but the figures on them are wrong…

          • Rob says:

            I have the PGMBM numbers for Cat 2A settlements.

            Feel free to send yours over from a dummy email address if you like – rob at headforpoints.com

          • Jonathan says:

            I’ll bet you a reasonable sum (around £300?) that the Cat 2 settlement is a fair bit less than £520 but enough for a pallet of 4* hotel kettles.

          • Lord Doncaster says:

            I’m inclined to think now that the settlements aren’t the same for each claimant within the same category then…

    • BP says:

      To be, or not to be? That is the £200 question!

  • Marie says:

    Any update on how randox are actually doing re turnaround of fit to fly ?
    Media all about overflowing collection boxes not about their attainment.
    Thanks

  • Sina says:

    In case anyone is interested? Dubai 3 for 2 or 5 for 4:
    https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/special-offers/american-express

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