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The HfP chat thread – Friday 20th 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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General

Comments (447)

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

  • Matthew says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:01

    BAH booking to Dubai. Anyone have experience of not collecting the car entirely? Does it matter? Can you be charged a non-collection fee? Thanks.

  • Katie says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:03

    What is the cheapest day 2 and 8 test right now?

  • Gareth says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:04

    Is any like me having to reduce Amex spend so as not to trigger companion voucher till after September 1ss

    • Anna says:
      20 Aug20 August 12:08

      Just having to remember that OH and I need to use other Amexes!

    • BJ says:
      20 Aug20 August 13:19

      Freeze your card to prevent any accidents, and watch out for any recurring payments that are unaffected by the freeze.

      • Guernsey Globetrotter says:
        20 Aug20 August 14:38

        +1 This – although it’s a bit of a pain that you can only do if for 7 days at a time and then in unfreezes…

  • Paul says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:05

    For those that managed to pick up Hospitality for the PGA at Wentworth, have you heard from either Hilton Honors or the Event itself yet with more information?

  • HAK says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:14

    Anyone know if I can do a day 2 test at St Pancras coming off the Eurostar?

    • Nic says:
      20 Aug20 August 12:23

      Looking for some help on booking outbound with Avios and adding return later, impact on taxes?

      I have read the article but I am still unsure. If I book my outbound and then phone up later to add the return leg, do I pay taxes on 2 one ways or as a return?

      thanks

      • Anna says:
        20 Aug20 August 13:16

        If you ask for the inbound to be added on the phone, they should re-calculate the taxes. That said, I am £100 out of pocket as last time I tried to do this YouFirst refused to anything other than cancel the outbound and re-book both legs on one PNR and charged me all the related fees! I complained but they just brushed it off and have failed to answer any further emails.

      • BJ says:
        20 Aug20 August 13:22

        What you fo depends on your destination. Where are you going?

    • Matthew says:
      20 Aug20 August 14:00

      Yep, if you don’t mind paying a bit more for the convenience, you can do your Day 0-2 test with Collinson right inside St. Pancras after arriving.

  • Michelle says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:18

    Hi, has anyone stayed at the doubletree golf and spa resort la torre, murcia and have any info on it or the local area? Also does anyone know when the gov.uk website says a PCR test is ‘advised’ from Spain as a pre deparature, is this definite or can you still use an antigen as long as it reaches specificity? Thank you for any info.

    • Sean says:
      20 Aug20 August 12:20

      Its just advice. No need to actually do it. You can still use an antigen test that meets the requirements.

    • Anna says:
      20 Aug20 August 13:17

      PCR is just advisory for the time being, you only need an antigen test to return.

      • Michelle says:
        20 Aug20 August 13:34

        Thank you so much, that’s put my mind at ease and saved some pennies!

    • Hbommie says:
      20 Aug20 August 16:48

      I’d recommend a trip to Murcia for a wander, nice town.

  • Aso40 says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:32

    There’s a few examples appearing on Flyertalk of people getting a 25% bonus on HSBC WE to Avios transfers, without it being advertised anywhere. Might give it a go!

    • Nigel W says:
      20 Aug20 August 12:48

      I saw this, I did a ‘test transfer’ a few days ago, but it hasn’t come through yet.

    • Red Flyer says:
      20 Aug20 August 13:02

      I have done 2 in past 2 weeks and no bonus showing for me online or on statements.

    • BP says:
      20 Aug20 August 13:41

      Sitting on about 300k HSBC points so a bonus will be most welcome!

      • BP says:
        20 Aug20 August 13:54

        Have taken a punt and transferred the lot! Finger crossed!!!

      • Harry T says:
        20 Aug20 August 14:16

        Why wouldn’t you do a small test transaction first?

        • BP says:
          20 Aug20 August 14:21

          It’s about time I made use of the HSBC points with or without a bonus. All it takes is for HSBC to decide they don’t like how I operate and the points are gone anyway. I’ve rather take the 150k avios and a potential bonus.

  • KP says:
    20 Aug20 August 12:38

    BA is offering £100 discount on flights using 5k avios as part pay. Valid this weekend. Emails flying around

    • His Holyness says:
      20 Aug20 August 12:43

      If I swap a current booking for a FTV, I won’t be able to then use the part-pay option? It seems to be one or the other?

      • KP says:
        20 Aug20 August 13:16

        You cant combine a FTV or e-voucher AND part pay with avios. The latter option is greyed out if the former is used

    • Harry T says:
      20 Aug20 August 13:15

      Yes, I’ve just used this – very good value to knock £100 off flights for 5000 Avios – hard to get 2p per Avios or above outside of UUA.

    • BJ says:
      20 Aug20 August 13:26

      Somebody reported earlier with all the part pay options. Probably somewhere in pages 2-4.

    • Amy C says:
      20 Aug20 August 14:58

      Anyone know if you utilise this offer you still earn avios and tier points on the flight?

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

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