The HfP chat thread – Saturday 6th November

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• Dev says:

  6 Nov6 November 08:56

  I activated a new platinum amex on Wednesday and still don’t have any offers whatsoever showing in the app. Is it normal for it to take this long for them to appear…any target for when they should?

  • Will says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:14

    Normal, usually start within a few weeks of activating.

  • Yvo says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:15

    Same. Called for the dining offer which they added straight away but I think you have to start spending for them to trip in.

  • Peter K says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:55

    3-4 weeks is not unusual. You need to use it in that time period as well

• Nick G says:

  6 Nov6 November 09:10

  Thinking of booking next April for Abu Dhabi. Ramadan is due at that time as well. Would I notice any difference within the hotel in terms of food and drink? Obviously outside of the hotel I understand would be?

  • chris1922 says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:41

    I cancelled my plans for Dubai next easter on that basis. Google it, some folk say they prefer it because it is quieter, some don’t like it, due to some limitations. Western folk aren’t expected to abide by the rules but may have to eat/drink out of view of others who are fasting. YMMV.

  • Jonathan says:

    6 Nov6 November 10:14

    Assuming it’s like Dubai then there is no entertainment in the restaurants in the evenings and the pool bar doesn’t serve booze during daytime hours. The malls are empty and you can’t wonder around eating or drinking (not even a sip of water) unless in the food court. I now personally avoid going during Ramadan because it’s noticeably different.

  • KTj says:

    6 Nov6 November 12:17

    My father and sister used to work in the UAE so I have been many, many times both in and out of Ramadan. The hotel offerings will likely be reduced in Ramadan- and dining in hotels sometimes behind a special curtain/screen (to conceal from public view). Nothing is meant to pass your lips during the fast – which includes smoking. We followed the rules when in public to be respectful (as a smoker my husband found this a bit challenging in the daylight hours). If I had flexibility around booking I would tend to book outside Ramadan. That said – there used to be excellent shopping sales and Ramadan specials on F+B once the sun had set!

• Ali M says:

  6 Nov6 November 09:13

  Need some guidance pls.
  If I book 2 rooms for family at Hilton and don’t stay myself at the property – will I still get the points?or does the account holder need to be present

  • Rob says:

    6 Nov6 November 10:38

    If the hotel knows you are not there, probably not. If you have status they will take an even dimmer view.

  • TGLoyalty says:

    6 Nov6 November 12:47

    While Rob is correct there are many times it’ll work just fine especially in the U.K. where they just ask for a name and a card.

    Most hotel check in aren’t even checking the card these days.

• Den S says:

  6 Nov6 November 09:27

  Maybe it has been highlighted recently, but the BA Reward Flight searcher is not working properly. In monthly view, Switching Economy to Prem/Bus comes up with zero availability but if you recheck on individual dates then availability is there!

  • SteveJ says:

    6 Nov6 November 11:04

    BAs IT has always been an outdated sloppy mess. It’s embarrassingly bad.

• Ali M says:

  6 Nov6 November 09:28

  Quick one…
  If I book Hilton stays for family using my account and I am not staying at the property – do I still get the Hilton points? (Will put family members’ name in the ‘extra guest’ bit)

  • Spurs drive me mad says:

    6 Nov6 November 10:06

    I did when I booked for my son. Just put them in as second guest.

  • John says:

    6 Nov6 November 11:04

    Officially, no but it depends whether the hotel finds out and cares

• YC says:

  6 Nov6 November 09:28

  Amex selfridges offer – does anyone know what it means in reality that ‘department store concessions’ are not included? Would u get the cb at Apple?

  • Andrew says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:48

    That’s standard Amex offer wording which they haven’t removed for the Selfridges – ie the Valentino offer would only be valid at standalone boutiques and not in Harrods for example. But the Selfridges offer works everywhere in store pretty much – I know Nespresso have their own tills and I think Louis Vuitton do too – for these it’s best to buy a Selfridges gift card and then they will happily take you to a generic till to pay. I think Apple in Selfridges is a standard till though.

    • YC says:

      6 Nov6 November 10:00

      Thanks Andrew – much appreciated

    • Tariq says:

      6 Nov6 November 13:45

      Definitely lowest risk to buy a gift card a normal tool and then use it in the concession where you want to. Planning to use mine at Tiffany’s in the Birmingham store that way.

• Duncan says:

  6 Nov6 November 09:35

  I’m sure this has been asked before, but… if returning from Austria to Scotland on a flight connecting in London (VIE > LHR > EDI), do I need to book a PCR day-2 test in line with Scottish rules, or a LFT in line with English rules? Maybe I’m dumb, but I’m struggling to find a definitive answer for this.

  • Aso40 says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:44

    There is no difference in the testing rules any more. Lateral flow is accepted (assuming vaccinated). Its pretty clear on the scottish government website.

  • Aso40 says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:47

    “Over 18, fully vaccinated and travelling from non-red list countries and territories
    If you’ve not been in a country or territory that is on Scotland’s red list within 10 days of arriving in Scotland, and you’re fully vaccinated, you must:

    – complete a passenger locator form

    – take a COVID-19 test within 2 days of arriving in Scotland – you can use the CTM booking portal to book and pay £68 for an NHS COVID-19 PCR test, or you can buy a Day 2 PCR or Day 2 lateral flow test from a list of private providers”

    https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/

    • Duncan says:

      6 Nov6 November 09:48

      Thanks Aso40! I spent all of my energy working out the connection rules I didn’t think to see if the Scottish rules has updated yet. That’s good news! 🎉

  • chris1922 says:

    6 Nov6 November 09:51

    Scottish rules are as clear as mud, but i read it as day 2 lateral flow test is acceptable. if it positive, you must then go for a PCR
    “take a COVID-19 test within 2 days of arriving in Scotland – you can use the CTM booking portal to book and pay £68 for an NHS COVID-19 PCR test, OR you can buy a Day 2 PCR or Day 2 lateral flow test from a list of private providers ”
    https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/pages/red-amber-and-green-list-countries/

    • TGLoyalty says:

      6 Nov6 November 10:26

      Surely if you’re positive and therefore classified as now ill you’re entitled to a free NHS test.

      Would never pay for a PCR after a positive LFT.

      • Grimz says:

        6 Nov6 November 12:48

        +1

• TheInsiderFly says:

  6 Nov6 November 09:39

  Just to check on the Sainsbury’s Mastercard, there’s no referral offer or anything is there? Can’t see anything.

  • Rob says:

    6 Nov6 November 10:36

    No

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