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The HfP chat thread – Sunday 3rd October

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We are running this daily chat thread on Head for Points during the coronavirus outbreak.

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General

Comments (451)

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

  • Rhys says:
    3 Oct3 October 08:49

    I’m back in The Times this week writing about how different airlines have fared during the pandemic: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/which-airlines-have-fared-best-in-the-pandemic-2v7d8ldbg

    • Craig says:
      3 Oct3 October 08:53

      Shame it’s behind a paywall.

    • Richie says:
      3 Oct3 October 10:11

      Rhys has been flying recently, not sure why he says “…while vaccination programmes have been rolled out across the globe this year, they have yet to deliver a surge in the number of air travellers…”
      I was at LHR T5 in July, August, September 20 and again in 21, perhaps I just saw a peak period surge.

      • Jeff Greene says:
        3 Oct3 October 10:18

        Because passenger numbers are still way way below 2019 levels. Depends what people mean by “surge” really

      • Rhys says:
        3 Oct3 October 11:00

        My travel patterns are clearly not representative of the wider population!

  • Rosie says:
    3 Oct3 October 08:55

    Any idea when Virgin or BA will be bringing out a sale to the USA or have I missed the boat

    • Andrew says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:30

      When there’s confirmation on an opening date probably. “Early November“ seems to be slipping to mid-to-late now.

    • Andrew says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:54

      I’ve been watching the prices for a Florida package in November, 7 nights flight & hotel. Ahead of opening it was sitting at £636 economy. Immediately after the November opening announcement, the price rose to £878, yesterday it dropped back to £636.

      Perhaps there’s a realisation that not many people have much holiday left to book for November and December if their holiday year ends in December?

      Even then, I visited Universal in the first week of December a few years back, warm, sunny, and never more than a dozen people queueing for a ride. It’s not a busy time of year normally.

      • Anna says:
        3 Oct3 October 10:22

        Also there’s no clarity on whether unvaccinated children will be allowed in so families won’t be booking Florida trips unless this is confirmed.

        • Andrew says:
          3 Oct3 October 10:46

          Or indeed confirmation that AZ will be accepted for anyone.

        • Jeff Greene says:
          3 Oct3 October 10:49

          “ The CDC on Monday pointed to its prior guidance when asked what vaccines it will accept.

          “The CDC considers someone fully vaccinated with any FDA-authorized or approved vaccines and any vaccines that (the World Health Organization) has authorized,” said spokesperson Kristen Nordlund. That list could change pending additions by either agency, she said.

          Exceptions include children not yet eligible for shots”

          https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/us-relax-travel-restrictions-passengers-uk-eu-november-source-2021-09-20/

          • Jeff Greene says:
            3 Oct3 October 10:51

            Not “confirmation” but it will be accepted.
            It’s been stated in many places and links have been posted on here many that children will be exempt so that’s not even relevant whatsoever.

            The confirmation of dates is more important although as already said not many people will be able to book for November at such short notice

          • Anna says:
            3 Oct3 October 11:08

            Jeff, I’ve not been able to find a single source about children being accepted, so if you can post a link I would be very grateful!

          • Anna says:
            3 Oct3 October 11:15

            This has only been confirmed for unvaccinated American children so far, but fingers crossed …

  • SteveJ says:
    3 Oct3 October 08:57

    Is there a way to track if BA lay on more flights to certain destinations? Specifically looking at Feb half term and if demand spikes and more countries open up wanted to get a reward booking in early if/when additional flights are added.

  • Solomon says:
    3 Oct3 October 08:57

    Hi, does anyone know if you need a barcoded vaccine letter to travel to countries who require vaccination?

    • Rob says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:00

      Most seem to accept the NHS app – but the barcode is key either way.

      • Andrew says:
        3 Oct3 October 09:31

        Surely we mean QR code? I’ve not got a vaccine barcode.

        • Mattb says:
          3 Oct3 October 09:57

          In Wales anyway we have both, barcode if you ring up to have certificate posted and the QR code if you get it online.

        • ChrisC says:
          3 Oct3 October 12:23

          If I recall a Barcode is on the printed NHS letter you can have sent to you and this doesn’t expire unlike the QR code.

    • Jeff Greene says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:31

      Remember when many people said you wouldn’t need a vaccine passport to travel abroad (to many countries at least) ? Looking rather silly now

      • Natasha says:
        3 Oct3 October 10:20

        Does anyone actually scan the barcode or qr code??

        • JDB says:
          3 Oct3 October 10:41

          Yes, amongst other things to get the local passes in other countries eg France or directly scanned in Italy for restaurants, museums etc.

        • Jeff Greene says:
          3 Oct3 October 10:53

          Dunno. Have a go and find out

  • Toby says:
    3 Oct3 October 08:59

    Any suggestions for places to eat if you’re staying at Heathrow the night before a v early flight?

    We are staying overnight at Thistle T5 as they has a v competitive park and stay rate, cheaper than most other places which were room only. However, food options look like McDonald’s or bust….

    • AJA says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:16

      It has been a while since I last visited but I like The Five Bells, in Harmondsworth, (t) 020 8897 7689. Pretty close to where you will be staying as you’ve got a car.
      https://maps.app.goo.gl/pocxuQweGmYcqFUX8

    • AJA says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:25

      Or The Green Man pub on the other side of the airport. Its just past the Atrium Hotel, easily walkable from Hatton Cross. That should be doable by bus too if you prefer not to drive.

    • Darko says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:25

      Hi, can I just check how the stay, park and fly works there? You book one night and leave the car on the parking for £12/day until you return?

      • Toby says:
        3 Oct3 October 09:35

        Hey Darko, when you go to book the room they have some options to add parking at less than £12/day in chunks, with any additional days being charged at £12. If you sign up as a member (which is free) you get 10% off the rates charged. Which makes it super competitive. Once we’ve stayed I can post our experience. We figure despite very middling reviews it’s only one night…

        • Ed says:
          3 Oct3 October 09:41

          Have a look on ‘your parking space’ thistle is £5 a day for parking. 99p booking fee

        • Darko says:
          3 Oct3 October 09:51

          Thank you Toby and Ed, I am travelling on 15th at 7.20AM, so considering a stay and a parking. Taxi from where I live to T5 is £55 one way, so always a fine line between what’s the best option for a particular journey.

    • Oh! Matron! says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:29

      The white horse, just west of you on the bath road. Lovely pub. Watch your head though. The beams are very low when entering

    • Graham Walsh says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:29

      I’m planning to use their offer for a booking next year. Early flight out of T5 and the rate for parking and hotel is the name as Meet and Greet off site.

      Plus Amex offer at present. Wonder do they charge now for stays next year?

      • Matt says:
        3 Oct3 October 09:43

        Fairly sure I’ve phoned up and paid in advance before. I think I phoned up Thistle rather than the hotel, but not sure. I seem to remember it made the stay non-refundable, which wasn’t an issue back then….

    • Andrew says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:32

      Boots meal deal in your room?

      • Toby says:
        3 Oct3 October 09:37

        Ha, yes that’s the fall back. We have a toddler to feed too, although, to be honest, he’d probably adore that!

    • Matt says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:41

      There’s a very good Indian restaurant within walking distance of the Thistle on Bath Road – Kaniz. There’s also a decent Chinese restaurant in the same direction.

      We’ve stayed at the Thistle and eaten at those two quite a few times. Alternatively turn left out of the Thistle and walk to the White Horse – also decent food.

    • SteveJ says:
      3 Oct3 October 10:16

      How hungry will you be? If you want good grub with massive portions go to The Pheasant Inn

    • Nick says:
      3 Oct3 October 10:56

      The White Horse in Longford is ok, and walkable from the Thistle – better than the five bells anyway.

      If you’re willing to travel a few mins west though (either driving or on the 81 bus), you’ve got a couple of options in Colnbrook – the Ostrich pub and Bong Thai at the PunchBowl are both recommend.

    • Keely says:
      3 Oct3 October 12:38

      Try the Pheasant pub, just off the bath road , lovely food. Bit closer than the five bells , tho not much in it. I’ve been very recently and food was good . Might need to book if it’s weekends , ask to sit inside , it’s much nicer

    • elguiri says:
      3 Oct3 October 13:01

      If weather’s bad or you arrive late, the restaurant at the thistle isn’t bad – and you have floor to ceiling windows onto the tarmac which is great for kids to watch the panes landing whilst eating.

  • HBommie says:
    3 Oct3 October 08:59

    Dear Mr Biden,

    With it being early Oct and the US opening to EU/UK early Nov, would you be a dear and give us a date.

    • IanM says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:04

      Looks like 8-13th easrliest they will be opening

      • Andrew says:
        3 Oct3 October 09:33

        That’s Paul Charles’ latest estimate, but who knows. Biden did say in time for Thanksgiving, so late November at the latest hopefully.

        • Jeff Greene says:
          3 Oct3 October 09:39

          “ That’s Paul Charles’ latest estimate, but who knows”

          Who knows is correct. Most of these travel experts have made ridiculous looking predictions over the last 18 months.

      • Hbommie says:
        3 Oct3 October 10:07

        16th would be good, but knowing either way would be nice.

  • Paul says:
    3 Oct3 October 09:14

    What’s people’s interpretation of the current Curve to NS&I position, and how confidently would you continue to use it? My understanding is that both parties would on paper seemingly still allow it (albeit obvs with an underlying non Creation card). I’m likely coming into some money from a property sale for which I genuinely do wish to buy Premium Bonds and wonder whether I’m crazy to use Curve in that process.

    • Mikeact says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:18

      This has been done to death these past few days…

    • BuildBackBetter says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:31

      Call them and ask.

    • Blenz101 says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:38

      Do check out their updated terms. If using a credit card you will need to use fronted and are now capped at £10k per month. Non-fronted and over 10k is 1.5% fee.

      You aren’t crazy to do it. You at least know the risks.

  • HH says:
    3 Oct3 October 09:27

    Has anyone been to France and been asked to show a ’attestation d’accueil’ / officially stamped invite letter on entry? Going to stay with some friends next month but first we’ve heard of this

    • Rob says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:31

      Didn’t need one last week. Just the ‘declaration of honour’ letter.

    • Andrew says:
      3 Oct3 October 09:34

      Isn’t that only for unvaccinated?

    • James says:
      3 Oct3 October 11:07

      Just been to France and they stamped our passports and didn’t ask anything else. More to my surprise no one asked us at Heathrow either! On return from Nice no one checked for UK..

      Obviously isn’t representative of every journey but zero checks both ways was a shock.

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