The HfP chat thread – Monday 20th September

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Will says:

20 Sep20 September 11:13

My kids (ages 17 and 19) each have a FTV. I looked at using these (but must go via call centre aargh) and found that they have not earned an avios in last 12 months (as dependents) in their own accounts. Am I able to book from my account ( to access Reward Flight Saver pricing for the whole family) and use their FTVs to offset part of the cost of their seats, or do they need to make their own bookings separately (and hence earn an avios each to get the RFS pricing)?
- Will says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 11:33
  
  and a follow up, if he has to book himself, what is the quickest way to credit an avios for a minor (age 17)? Does buying Avios count?
  - Will says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 11:38
    
    can’t seem to get e-rewards sign up to work
    - Will says:
      
      20 Sep20 September 14:23
      
      all sorted….got through immediately at 13.47. could use the FTV myself (I had booked them originally for the kids) and book through my own BA account via phone to access RFS pricing. Once you are through, this is so much simpler than expected…so well done BA for that.
      - Will says:
        
        20 Sep20 September 14:25
        
        To be clear, FTV has to be for the same passengers, but allowed the RFS pricing by accessing from my BAEC number. I asked for a bonus 1 avios to be credited to each of the kids but forgot to chase this at the end of the call – seems Flyertalkers have has some success with that approach
BJ says:

20 Sep20 September 11:15

Just had an email that a new Travelodge Plus has opened at Elephant & Castle. Rates from £44.99. May be of interest to somebody. I remember staying at Waterloo for £9/night just after it opened 🙂
- Sam G says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 12:04
  
  There is also a new one at Manor House right on the tube at similar prices. If you are doing 1 or 2 days a week in London you may find these work out about the same cost as a train ticket – my OH is doing 2 days/1 night a week in the office – SuperRoom for 60 quid or so vs £53 return on the train and a chance to have a couple of drinks with colleagues or friends without worrying about driving home from the station
  - Kevin C says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 13:32
    
    That corner in Manor House isn’t the nicest in London but it’s right opposite Finsbury Park and you could walk to Finsbury Park station through the park for connections to the city. You are also well situated for the restaurants of Green Lanes.
  - Nigel W says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 21:55
    
    funnily enough the company i use to work for built the Travelodge at Manor House!
dave says:

20 Sep20 September 11:17

Hit my spend for the BA business accelerating card on the 5th September, still no 60000 bonus! Anyone else had similar issues?
Simon says:

20 Sep20 September 11:21

Anyone have a clue when the Fairmont Windsor Park is opening?? Trying to book a night away in December, but the usual contenders are either insane prices, or minimum 2 night stay….
Anna says:

20 Sep20 September 11:40

Mentioned last night but anyone travelling to Tenerife (or La Gomera) is likely to be treated to some incredible views of one of La Palma’s volcanoes which began erupting yesterday. I would suggest getting up to Mt Teide, or at least the national park. In 2011 we could see neighbouring island El Hierro’s underwater eruption from the top cable car station, though that was just ash and smoke so not as spectacular. Scientists are scrambling to deny there is any risk of a collapse of the central flank which could send a tsunami towards the eastern seaboard of the US!
- Anna says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 11:41
  
  ttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/la-palma-volcano-spain-cumbre-vieja-island-eruption-2021-09-20/
- marcw says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 12:58
  
  I was born and raised in La Palma (and I’m not currently on the island!) It’s been pretty devastating for some, unfortunately. On a very clear day it’s likely you’ll be able to see the smoke column from Tenerife. To get a good view of the eruption – either TV – or being there on site.
  - Anna says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 13:13
    
    Not wishing to detract from the plight of anyone who’s lost a home, obviously, but there seems to be a well-organised evacuation plan and it’s well known that the islands are geologically unstable and liable to eruption. Raising awareness can’t be a bad thing – my son wants to be a geologist (of which there is a world shortage) due to our travels around interesting places.
    We were in Tenerife in August and the air is so clear at the moment we had incredible views of the surrounding islands, including Gran Canaria which can be quite difficult to spot. We could clearly see La Palma from Teide National Park (over towards the north flank where most people don’t get to). I spent a yet at the University of La Laguna many years ago so got to know the best viewing spots on the island.
    - marcw says:
      
      20 Sep20 September 15:51
      
      Indeed, the important thing is that there haven’t been any human losses, and evacuation plans have worked.
      I’m hoping to travel there in about 10 days. Let’s see how the situation evolves
S says:

20 Sep20 September 11:46

To Amex ICC/IDC holders. What is the most cost effective way of paying off the $100 fee without incurring fx/additional charges? Thanks in advance.
- Rob says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 12:09
  
  I just do it via my HSBC current account app. Crap FX rate but it is easy and for the sake of $100 there is a limit to how bad a deal it can be.
- Guernsey Globetrotter says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 12:50
  
  Or Revolut if you have it – no transfer fee and rate today is a flat 1.37
  - Guernsey Globetrotter says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 13:08
    
    Correction – I just got charged $4.50 for a $1500 transfer to my Amex IDC so there IS a fee on Revolut (of 0.30%). This will still be better than most other transfer options, given that their FX rate is also very competitive.
NC says:

20 Sep20 September 11:53

Is it me or is the BA Call Centre worse than ever at the moment? Excessively difficult to get through.
- Will says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 12:29
  
  Didn’t even get into a queue this morning. Cut off and told the usual ‘very busy’ which is obviously true if they issue millions of vouchers that can’t be used online.
- Paul says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 12:39
  
  Agreed. Terrible. They make you endure the 2-3 minute opening spiel then immediately disconnect rather than let you wait. I eventually had success calling the gold line (I’m not gold) and waiting about 30 mins. Appalling service.
  - ankomonkey says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 13:40
    
    Yep, the spiel is the bit that irks me most. Especially when it suggests I use ba.com to service my needs. If they’re gonna cut me off then they should do it before the spiel.
- Gary says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 14:00
  
  +1 Tried phone & web chat today to no avail. In frustration, replied to customer relation’s “explanation” re busy phones, and requested for re-route via specific flights (well beyond one year ticket validity), and if not will MCOL. All in one go. Doubt positive response forthcoming fr BA but at least not have to communicate until MCOL.
- Mikeact says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 16:41
  
  So, how many BA call handlers should there be, so the angry people can get through immediately, 500, 1000, 5000 ?
  - Asim says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 17:03
    
    On hold right now on bronze line. 55min. I wonder if I’ll auto-disconnect after 60min!
  - KBuffett says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 19:04
    
    As many a company of that size requires to handle the volume of queries and business generated. Given that they are deliberately not allowing certain functionality to be carried out on their website, clearly they want people to call (and not get through).
    In any case, your query should be resolved on the day you first attempt to call. A company like this is used to analysing metrics, so they will know the answer.
  - Matt says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 19:05
    
    As long as BA have disabled some functions on their website to force people to call they deserve absolutely no sympathy.
  - r* says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 19:14
    
    @mikeact Maybe they shouldnt actively remove the ability to get a refund rather than a voucher ftom the website or maybe they should allow a cancelled flight to be rebooked beyond 12 months online (yknow, like rather than trying to get out of giving ppl their rights) and then they might not have such a high call volume.
    
    Why are you such a BA appologist?
@mkcol says:

20 Sep20 September 12:06

Booking either Via Rail Toronto – Vancouver, or Rocky Mountaineer Banff/Jasper – Vancouver so ideally need an open jaw to prevent backtracking somewhere.

Am I correct that to book an Avios redemption open jaw (with an AMEX 2-4-1) I need to call up BA?

If I want to try booking cash & Upgrade Using Avios can I book into any ticket class, or is it restricted?

Given I’m struggling to get anything other than economy to/from Vancouver am considering routing via SFO/DEN/LAX on BA then book a separate local flight – any other gateway points you’d recommend?
- Sam G says:
  
  20 Sep20 September 12:33
  
  You’ll need to call for 2-4-1 open jaw
  
  From WT+ to CW you can book any cash ticket but to get the cheapest price you should book the cash ticket first online and then call (some complexity with the cheaper WT+ fares being linked to economy fares can cause the call centre / online “book and upgrade” tool to not sell you the cheapest available cash ticket). Call within 24hrs so you can cancel in the cooling off period if you can’t upgrade in time!
  
  Gateway wise I’d go with somewhere you’d fancy at least a night (as I wouldn’t risk trying to same day connect on separate tickets) and has a direct flight to Vancouver at a reasonable price. Seattle is the obvious choice but that can be difficult in CW as well I know
  - @mkcol says:
    
    20 Sep20 September 12:38
    
    Thanks for the WT+ info, that’s handy.
    And Seattle doh! That had originally been in the holiday itinerary but dropped out, so I’ll go have a shuftie.
    
    Either that or I’ll do the whole trip backwards just to guarantee Club (ex-Toronto).