The HfP chat thread – Wednesday 3rd November

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Thywillbedone says:

3 Nov3 November 07:00

Question re ExpressTest (reposting from late yesterday as got no replies):

Have used once them before with no issue on a fit to fly test. Purchased two home tests for Day 2 arrivals but have not been able to use either as they don’t have the necessary QR code to scan which the new ExpressTest app requires. An attempt to activate the test online failed as it asks for a dry swab barcode that doesn’t match with anything on the packaging sent. Unusually, the test is Hughes Healthcare whereas previous test was in ExpressTest packaging. Their helpline could not help and have escalated the matter – still waiting to hear back.

Am I wasting my time doing the test now (yesterday was Day 2). Should I just chargeback the amount paid and forget it? I am not flying again for another 6 weeks but don’t want any issues with an uncompleted test (I have heard varying reports that this will/won’t be an issue).

Thanks all.
- ChrisBCN says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 08:23
  
  Nobody will know that you have a non completed test so don’t worry about that.
  
  If you have symptoms or guilt, take an NHS test.
  
  Give the conpany a week or two to sort out your refund before you do a chargeback, it’ll be easier that way.
  - Anuj says:
    
    3 Nov3 November 08:43
    
    If you have symptoms you’re meant to do a PCR not a lateral
- Blenz101 says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 08:23
  
  There will be no issue not completing the test.
  
  Your chargeback may fail if they offer up proof they delivered the tests and provided instructions for use. I would give them a chance to resolve first / offer you refund rather than go down the more protracted chargeback route where you may end up still not using the tests but not getting a refund either.
  - Pete M says:
    
    3 Nov3 November 08:37
    
    I do feel like people are perhaps a bit too trigger-happy wit chargebacks these days – remember the more you do, the less likely the CC companies are to believe you in the future.
    - ChrisC says:
      
      3 Nov3 November 09:14
      
      Indeed and you are expected to sort it out with the retailer first as well.
      
      Chargeback is one of your last ports of call not the first.
Paul says:

3 Nov3 November 07:34

Does anyone know the current refund times for both Virgin Atl. and BA? Having to cancel with both today unfortunately, reward flight with Virgin, revenue with BA.
- ChrisC says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 07:56
  
  BA was 2 days a couple of weeks ago.
  
  21st October – spoke to agent
  22nd – transaction date
  23rd – posted to card
  
  That was for a BA Hols deposit via silver line
  
  Another was called 7th October, transaction date Friday 8th October and posted on Monday 11th October
  
  That was another deposit via Bremen Office.
  - Paul says:
    
    3 Nov3 November 18:20
    
    Good to know! What’s a deposit via the Bremen office?
    - Mike says:
      
      3 Nov3 November 21:45
      
      Don’t mention the “ Bremen Office” otherwise everyone will be on to it !
      - ChrisC says:
        
        3 Nov3 November 21:54
        
        They only deal with flights and holidays originating in Europe (excl RoI) and won’t touch UK/ROI bookings,
        
        My booking was ex CDG.
Ant says:

3 Nov3 November 07:56

Doing S Africa garden route in February. Any suggestions on websites for Accomodation? Not much coming up on Airbnb for our dates.
- Jen T says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 08:50
  
  We stayed in quite a few hotels and some guesthouses when we have done that route – only done Airbnb in larger towns and cities. Hotels dot com and booking dot com had a good choice of different accommodation types. Do you specifically want private residences rather than hotels/guesthouses?
- Biki says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 11:05
  
  i’ve just booked a nice looking 2 bed villa in a private compound along the garden route through hotels dot com. Not too badly priced and fully cancelable until a week before.
- Mike says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 21:45
  
  I used hotels.com throughout
BrotherLehman says:

3 Nov3 November 07:56

Random question – but has anyone been to Madeira recently? Am wondering whether I need to do the rapid antigen test before flying or is the test upon arrival in Madeira airport itself not too much of a hassle and straight forward to just use that?
- Tracey says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 08:02
  
  Nothing needed if you are vaccinated. Download the MadeiraSafe app and upload your vaccine proof in advance and you should get clearance before you land. They will also email you a code for a free LFT once you are in Madeira, though I guess that isn’t needed to come back to the UK any more.
  - BrotherLehman says:
    
    3 Nov3 November 08:04
    
    Thanks @Tracey!
Gary says:

3 Nov3 November 07:57

If player 1 with Plat Amex orders a Supp Gold card for player 2, does the gold card come with Deliveroo credit and 2 points for airline purchases?
- ATP says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 08:01
  
  Hi Gary, I’m afraid not. My understanding (gave my supps to my children) is that the cards are gold in “name only” I.e. they get no benefits and the physical gold card is just for show.
  - TGLoyalty says:
    
    3 Nov3 November 09:02
    
    Correct.
    
    Only main gold card holders gets the Deliveroo credit anyway.
Joe says:

3 Nov3 November 08:00

Not sure if this is a recent thing or not but just noticed that BA is intermittently flying a 787 to Frankfurt – generally on the departure that is scheduled to be an A380 for a few weeks starting next Monday.
Lee says:

3 Nov3 November 08:03

Trying to use my Marriott points for good before devaluation. Booked a week at St Regis Maldives next July school holiday. Is there any chance BA will operate direct flight like this year?
- Rhys says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 09:05
  
  Yes – the Maldives route was pre-covid.
Bach says:

3 Nov3 November 08:07

Any creative idea to get 3000 qualifying IHG points without staying in a hotel? I’m short for spire thanks to Creation thieves. Transfer from Virgin aren’t qualifying anymore I think? Any other way?
- ChrisC says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 08:15
  
  Rob wrote about this in June
  
  https://hfp2022.headforpoints.blog/2021/06/20/what-ihg-rewards-points-count-for-status/
  - Bach says:
    
    3 Nov3 November 08:24
    
    Yes I saw it but looking for other ways if any as none of these will do
    - ChrisC says:
      
      3 Nov3 November 09:16
      
      If there were any other ways then Rob would have written about them!
      - ashish says:
        
        3 Nov3 November 15:09
        
        he never wrote article transfer Money from IHG or Hilton card to NS&I and then MS spending
        
        An nothing for HSBC
      - Rhys says:
        
        3 Nov3 November 15:28
        
        We don’t cover MS that’s why!
- Super Secret Stuff says:
  
  3 Nov3 November 09:09
  
  Status is extended until Feb 2023, so are you sure you still need it?
  - Lee says:
    
    3 Nov3 November 09:27
    
    Unless OP is currently platinum