The HfP chat thread – Sunday 22nd August

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Mark says:

22 Aug22 August 05:58

I’m relocating out of the UK and therefore my salary will not be credited to my HSBC Premier account anymore.

1) Anyone have any experience with how quick does HSBC downgrade me from Premier following that?

2) If my HSBC Premier bank account gets downgraded, does my HSBC Premier WEMC get cancelled too?
- David D says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 07:00
  
  Are you relocating to a country HSBC operate in? If so, your manager should be able to facilitate all the set up of the new Premier accounts in your new location.
  - Mark says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 08:49
    
    Yes, understand that’s possible…but also want to hold on to my WEMC if possible given it’s fee free for me till end 2022.
- Gareth says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 07:29
  
  I know people who haven’t qualified for 2 years and still have it
- Mrs_Fussy says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 09:16
  
  Open up a new HSBC premier account locally, they match status globally and in my experience, even when my actual account in home country was downgraded the one in UK has remained. CC definitely remains
  10 years and counting ( although their premier product is pretty rubbish in my opinion )
  - Sam G says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 10:20
    
    Yes and some places e.g. Singapore the criteria is lower (just salary credit) – this then applied to my UK and OH accounts too. Kept the MC (including upgrading to WE and downgrading again) for 6 years there no one ever said anything. My UK account had rental income flowing through though, not sure if it went totally dormant that’d trigger something
    - Mark says:
      
      22 Aug22 August 12:19
      
      Thanks everyone!
      
      Yes indeed, I am re-locating to Singapore. CCs here seem wayyyy more attractive than the UK!
      - BuildBackBetter says:
        
        22 Aug22 August 14:47
        
        No cap on interchange fee! Wish we can go back to those days!
      - Dubious says:
        
        22 Aug22 August 17:30
        
        Remember to check the small print. There are very few rules on advertising and marketing here and those that exist are not tightly enforced.
        What looks like a good product at first can have lots of exclusions or fees that are burried into the small print. Might still be an ok product but often not as great as the advertisements indicate.
- mr_jetlag says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 09:26
  
  They will do a periodic income review if you use their travel insurance. Other than that, have gone 5 year stretches without a review (Premier since 2007)
- Reney says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 12:02
  
  When I signed up for prem, they told me that if you fall off the criteria they will give you 6 months to remedy the situation.
- Louie says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 23:41
  
  I left the UK six years ago and haven’t worked since. Still have HSBC Premier and Barclays Premier.
Diydegsy says:

22 Aug22 August 07:35

Hi can anyone confirm if supervised lateral flow tests are suitable for Portugal and what the best price is. I know it’s been mentioned before but can’t find the link? Also do we need to upload the passenger locator form or just take it with us. This holiday has been sprung on us as a surprise which is very nice so we hadn’t taken in all the details .
- James says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 08:17
  
  Yes they are, I did Collinson at Manchester airport on Thursday for £32. Results in 30 minutes. They are at most airports with discount codes flying around including one off AMEX.
  - Diydegsy says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 08:45
    
    Hi James thanks for that, what did you do re passenger locator form, did you just bring it to the airport?
    - James says:
      
      22 Aug22 August 10:46
      
      Did mine online but nobody looked at it. Manchester wanted negative covid result, Lisbon wanted the same and proof of vaccination
- Gary says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 08:58
  
  If you flying BA, BA emailed approx 72 hrs before departure to ask to upload Portuguese PLFs, lateral flow test results, vaccine certificates via MMB (or VeriFly Is also an option I think). Once verified, one can check in online and no further checks in LHR T5 except dropping the bags. Would still print out Portuguese PLFs and vaccine certificates as they manually check these on Portugal side along with your passports.
- ankomonkey says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 08:58
  
  I used Prenetics unsupervised lateral flow tests to enter Portugal. We took our PLF with us. Nobody was interested in the detail at the UK or Portugal airport, they both just wanted to check that all travelling passengers’ names appeared on the document.
  - BP says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 10:39
    
    I plan to use Chronomics. I doubt any real checking happens.
- Alan says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 11:30
  
  In Lisbon we used a local chemist, the professionally administered test cost 25E with results available 45 min later.
MarkS says:

22 Aug22 August 08:08

Under BAs same day changes policy can you still change the flight if you’ve already checked in? Can’t do it online but wondering if I should bother ringing the call centre when it opens at 9am
- Graham says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 08:19
  
  If your booking is eligible, yes. As you’ve checked in you need to phone so they can offload you.
- Memesweeper says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 08:27
  
  Call centre already open 🙂
Boi says:

22 Aug22 August 08:14

Ok, I have met all my spend targets, haven’t applied for a new card as we are getting a mortgage right now.

However- I need to furnish the new house. Which card would you recommend to spend on?

These are all Canadian issued cards and I am getting all confused. I used to figure it out easily in U.K.

I have:
1. HSBC premier world elite
2. Amex Marriott Bonvoy
3. Amex business platinum

I just want to spend on whichever card gives the most value all things being equal

Thanks in advance and good night.
- Lev441 says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 09:59
  
  Depends on what you are wanting to convert the points for.
  
  Avios
  Amex plat business
  $1000 = 1250 membership reward = 1250 avios
  Vs
  Bonvoy card
  $1000 = 2000 Bonvoy points = 666.67 avios
  Vs
  HSBC World elite
  $1000 = 2000 points = 400 avios
  
  It excludes different earning categories which is quite common in Canada but that it the basics.
  
  E.g hotel stays for Bonvoy
  Amex plat business
  $1000 = 1250membership reward = 1500 bonvoy points
  Vs
  Bonvoy card
  $1000 = 2000 Bonvoy points
  
  But there are so many uses for MR points so I’d say spending on the platinum leave you with the most flexibility.
  
  Have you read the rewards Canada website?
- Guernsey Globetrotter says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 10:11
  
  Hello Boi ! Good to hear from you and hope your Canada move is all you expected it to be and more 😀
  I cannot hold myself out as a Canadian rewards card expert – nor a UK one really for that matter compared to some on here – but it being a lazy Sunday morning here in Guernsey and me being interested in your question I have done a quick Google and come up with at least 3 ways to look at it:
  1) Cash back – Card reward earnings rates and conversion ratios are different in Canada, so I’m not surprised you find it confusing! Amex you’ll basically get 1.25 points to the dollar (so approx 1.25% cash back in statement credits), HSBC 3 points (which seems equivalent to 1.5% cash back, so similar to the UK points conversion). If cash back is key then the HSBC card is best – I’m sure the move has not been cheap!
  2) Airline miles- The HSBC and Amex airline partners also seem different fm UK. HSBC’s 3 points basically give you near enough 1 KrisFlyer or 1 Asia Mile per dollar or 1.2 Avios. Amex doesn’t seem to partner with KrisFlyer in Canada but for BA it is a 1:1 ratio (so 1.25 Avios per dollar) and 2:1.5 for Asia Miles (0.91 per dollar). The Marriott rate is less flexible I think as they are largely used for hotel stays alone and frankly even a saddo like me hasn’t got time to research what other conversion artibrage may be available in Canada… if it’s anything like in Blighty they won’t be very attractive. On this basis it’s a choice between Amex and HSBC, likely decided on which airline program you prefer, unless you have a need for imminent hotel stays coming up, in which case the Bonvoy option may be competitive.
  3) Extended warranty cover- May trump the others given the spend you are planning to make is on household goods. It seems that both HSBC and Plat offer the same potentially very valuable perk that is highlighted on here for HK’s UK cards – the warranty on any goods you buy is extended out to double the time period (Bonvoy only 1 additional year). This could clearly be a BIG benefit in the scenario you describe and one that can give not only peace of mind but down the line the prospect of a saving far exceeding the 1.25-1.5% cash back level or even an outsize value miles redemption. So use the HK or Plat cards for warranty.
  
  So, the Guernsey vote is for using your HK or Plat card mate – happy shopping and all the best to you and yours on the other side of the pond 👍
- Lyn says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 10:13
  
  Boi, at the very real risk of stating the obvious, it will of course depend on how you want to use the points you earn. Perhaps It is not as easy for you to figure out as in the UK because you may want to use your points differently now that you are in Canada? For instance Air Canada or hotel points might be more useful than Avios?
  
  You might want to keep it simple by simply looking at how many points you would earn per CA$ on each of the three cards for buying furniture and things for your new house. And then looking at what you could convert those points into.
  
  For instance, it looks as if you would earn 2 Bonvoy points per CA$ spent, which would be much more than you would earn with a UK or US card, which earn 2 points per pound or per US$. So you are very lucky there. Do you plan to use the Bonvoy points at Marriott hotels or convert them into airline miles, and if so which airlines? Remember that if you can convert 60,000 points you get a bonus of 5,000 “miles” bringing it up to 25,000 miles with many airlines.
  
  If you like you could use Rob’s “what is a marriott bonvoy point worth” and “what is an avios worth” to give you a value to the points you would earn per pound, or convert them into CA$ by multiplying by the current exchange rate (approx 1.75 I think).
  
  And similarly for the other two cards. They will have different earning rates and conversion partners and may well have better conversion rates for some airlines.
  
  Hope this isn’t too simplistic! If you’d like to share how you would like to use your points commenters may be able to suggest the most appropriate card.
  - Boi says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 16:27
    
    Thanks Lev, GG and Lyn. I wrote a very long reply but it doesnt seem to have posted.
    
    But your comments have helped greatly and I think I will use the platinum for flexibility and insurance.
Hugh says:

22 Aug22 August 08:22

Can someone remind me of best way to add a return flight to a 121 outbound booking? I believe that 2 options are make a booking online and ring to apply voucher when office opens or ring when office is open and make booking that way. I recall that the cost differs between the 2 approaches and one way is recommended if going to USA but can’t remember which. We are flying to YVR but could return from SEA if that were cheaper. Any suggestions?

I realise both options assume I can get through to a BA office which from
Comments this week sounds like it won’t be easy!!!
- avidsaver says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 08:37
  
  The best way is to call BA to add the return to your 2 for 1 if the flight is for the USA. This way you will pay the correct amount of Avios plus taxes and charges.
  If you book the return online (you’ll need the full amount of Avios) and then call BA to have it added to your 2 for 1 they will adjust the Avios but will not adjust the taxes and charges. For USA flights this costs considerably more!
  - Hugh says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 08:44
    
    Thanks, I had a feeling that was the case! Fingers crossed I can get through to BA when the time comes to book the return!
    - Number9 says:
      
      22 Aug22 August 08:53
      
      My brother tried ringing both Japan and USA last week to add his flights back from YVR … USA was closed and Japan said they couldn’t do it. He had a nerve wrecking 3 hours next morning trying to book them on the phone. I took the hit on taxes and booked on line at 1am for my return from MIA then went on chat and sorted it out next day.
      - OP says:
        
        22 Aug22 August 11:24
        
        Is this anyone else’s experience too RE Japan refusing to add the return to the 241 booking? Will have to do this myself again soon so keen to hear.
      - Hugh says:
        
        22 Aug22 August 13:09
        
        @Number9, when you sorted via chat, did you just sort the Avios and still take the hit on the taxes or did you get any cash back?
        
        We could not book outbound over the phone, didn’t try japan but US numbers would not book, tried 3 times
        With no luck, so did it online and were lucky that it worked out ok.
      - Number9 says:
        
        22 Aug22 August 14:04
        
        @hugh sorted avois had to take hit on taxes but I did ask. I knew the route I wanted would go quickly so I felt I had little choice but to book on line at 1am fortunately I had enough points to do so. I’m choosing not to think about it and just be happy I’ve got 3 business seats booked in school holidays in new club suites.
captaindave says:

22 Aug22 August 08:32

Hi all, first time poster, been reading for a fair time, still pretty mind-boggled by the level of knowledge on here !

I recently opened an Avios account ( to link to nectar for competition entry ) my points are the same as the average UK entry to eurovision..
Based in the far south of Devon, not far from Fulham-on-sea, Exeter is nearest airport, is collecting Avios going to be a worthwhile project ?
I have a Virgin Flying Club account, ( have the free card ) but Xferred most of my points to Hilton .
About 170K HH currently, but i guess i need to get up to the 400-500K mark for a few days at a top drawer hotel .

Just completed 2 years Amex stretch, previously had the Gold Rewards, and Nectar.. not sure on next move.

Sorry for the ramble anyway 😉
- Rob says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 12:20
  
  Given that you will need to travel into London for long-haul flights anyway, then there is still value for you.
  
  It is different if you live in, say, Manchester and so can fly direct on non-BA airlines long haul but, frankly, you’re a bit stuffed.
  
  That said, I assume if you are planning a European trip you’d just go to Bristol if you could and pay cash to get an easy life.
  - captaindave says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 12:50
    
    Cheers Rob,
    
    We tend to go to Canary Islands or Zante pretty often ( pre-covid) so Exeter is ideal for those, and we love using that airport, its so easy and stress-free, even doing the extra miles to Bristol is a PITA.
    
    Hoping to get to Thailand again early 2022, but thats looking dodgy ( son lives and works in BK and expecting their first kid in Dec ))
    Last time we flew from Edinburgh !!! train-ing it up from Totnes wasnt my best ever idea haha.
    - Ikaz says:
      
      22 Aug22 August 13:58
      
      It depends on what your expectations are for avios. I live in Scotland and get a huge value from collecting avios (but can get a flight from here to LHR). Long haul premium flights with a 2for1 are typically good value. Happy for Rob to put us in contact if you like to go into more details and provide some specific goals for you. For info I have ~3 million points total and status with BA, Air france, Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accorhotels and more, and know how to get value from the points
      - captaindave says:
        
        22 Aug22 August 15:28
        
        Thanks Ikaz, appreciated.
        
        I need to make a decision on which Amex card to get next…
        planning to retire in around 4 years, which will obviously give me much more flexibility around travel etc, until then work commitments will probably restrict travel opportunities. so it may be better for me to play a longer game and look to continue points accumulation to use in retirement.
      - Ikaz says:
        
        22 Aug22 August 16:35
        
        A good starting point if you after 2 year break from Amex is Rob’s article here (I am not sure from your message if you have had Amex’s for 2 years or no Amex for 2 years):
        https://hfp2022.headforpoints.blog/2021/01/22/how-a-couple-can-earn-186875-avios-from-american-express/
        Hilton has some nice sweet spots also, not only in the hotels that charge 500,000 points for a week, some Egypt and Oman hiltons used to offer amazing value for points, my best redemption so far was the Hilton Xian in China, soon to be beaten by the Waldorf Maldives if it is removed from the red countries, and the Conrad Japan if they open up for tourists for next year’s cherry blossoms season.
        If you will need a hotel in Thailand, look around for the values in cash/points, check if it is worth chasing status (the Platinum Amex could help for this, even if you only keep it for a few months). Plenty of opportunity!
Navara says:

22 Aug22 August 08:44

@Rob Any thoughts on the Emirates subscription membership?
- Andrew says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 08:51
  
  I was wondering when we were getting an article on that – it’s quite a revolutionary idea.
  - KBuffett says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 09:52
    
    It would be good to get more Emirates coverage, including redemption sweetspots etc.
    - Rob says:
      
      22 Aug22 August 12:14
      
      Both Rhys and I are away and it is more work than we are prepared to do 🙂
      
      We will get to it in September.
Jenster says:

22 Aug22 August 08:48

Has anyone travelled to Barbados since it went green? We are due to go in October with kids (11&12) and wondering how the airport rapid PCR test work when you land. Do you need to pay for them? I believe you can do them then go to your hotel and wait for the results there which seems pretty good. Also if someone on your plane tests positive does the whole plane have to test again or is it just those in close proximity, anyone know?
Slightly nervous about what happens with a positive result after ready the story in the Telegraph the other week but I guess that’s the risk you take when you choose to travel.
Beginning to wonder is Spain is an easier option due to less testing which is crazy given it’s amber and Barbados is green!
- TGLoyalty says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 09:05
  
  What’s crazy?
  
  Neither Spain nor Barbados base their own Covid testing requirements for travellers on what random colour the U.K. give them.
  - Jenster says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 09:06
    
    @TGLoyalty I totally understand that, it’s just a crazy system we have is what I meant.
- Steve says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 09:05
  
  Hi Jenster,
  
  We just got back from Barbados a few weeks ago. At the airport, you all will have to take a rapid PCR test, but it does not cost you anything. You do have an option to take this at the hotel instead for a ludicrous fee of $200 usd each. Doesn’t take too long and results normally back within 12 hours.
  
  With the plane, guess it’s just the calculated risk you take? Have a lovely time though, it’s really worth it!
  - Jenster says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 09:08
    
    @Steve – thanks for the info, good to know the tests are free at the airport and sounds like pretty quick results too.
    I think the risk it worth it after 2 years of not being abroad I am so ready for this.
- roberto says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 09:12
  
  When you arrive into Barbados you are tested for free at the airport. It’s fairly chaotic but seems to work OK.
  
  You then need to go straight to your hotel where you are quarantined until the results of the test come in. Some hotels insist on room only imprisonment and others allow you around the property (not the beach). Your results should come through with 24 hrs but ours took about 5 hours.
  
  If others on your plane test positive you will be contacted if you sat near them ( I have no idea what constitutes near ) and you will be tested again, have to isolate for 5 days and be tested again before release.
  
  Others have reported getting “pinged” on the Island following a positive contact on a boat trip and the like.
  
  It’s unlikely but yes it could all go wrong and your holiday will be effected detrimentally, ours was a blast with no issues..
  
  If you want to read a bad news story I suggest you have a look at this thread. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147262-i230-k13645293-Our_Barbados_holiday_became_a_quarantine_nightmare-Barbados.html
  - Jenster says:
    
    22 Aug22 August 09:29
    
    @roberto – thanks for the info, good to know some results come back so quickly!
    I read that story in the Telegraph last week which is where my nervousness has come from but that’s the risk we need to take if we want to go.
    - meta says:
      
      22 Aug22 August 12:05
      
      This could happen in Spain or anywhere in the world. Remember the stories we read about quarantine facilities in Greece last year.
      
      The sensible thing is get vaccinated, you reduce some chances of catching it. Don’t do anything too reckless 10 days before the trip; that means no socialising, no going to the pub or the office. Do a free antigen test yourself before you do the paid fit to fly one. Take ffp3 mask for the flight and also couple of free antigen tests as well to test yourself while on holiday.
- Simon says:
  
  22 Aug22 August 14:46
  
  Currently in Barbados now- arrived last week- still pretty quiet on the island. You are correct the PCR test done at the airport is free- results back in 12 hours. Obviously different rules for different hotels- but the villa which we are in just reminded us not to leave the building until results were back. My recommendations- print everything out (don’t rely on Wi-fi in the airport) and my strongest advice would be to book airport arrival concierge service. When we landed another 5 aircraft had disembarked. I’ve heard that the arrival process can take over 4 hours in a very busy, humid terminal. With our concierge the process was expedited to 30 minutes from plane to taxi! Worth it for £65!