The HfP chat thread – Sunday 7th November

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Alastair Actually says:

7 Nov7 November 16:16

If I upgrade my blue BA Amex to a black one when my annual spend is between 10k and 12k, does the black companion voucher get triggered straight away?
- Rob says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 17:59
  
  Yes
Triath5 says:

7 Nov7 November 16:46

Question re baggage allowance on Iberia as a BA Silver card holder on an IB avios redemption.

Context: bought an Avios reward ticket through the Iberia website (on Iberia metal) for a ‘family member’ (myself, with my BA Silver account) in order to have my status recognised. Have done this in the past.

I have a question re baggage allowance – my understanding is BA Silver entitles me to 2 x pieces of 32kg of checked baggage. When I try to manage my booking on the IB website I only have 1 checked bag, and the option to purchase another.

I think my status is recognised because I’m allowed to select seats (incl. emergency exit) for free; is this an IT issue or is it a policy issue and I’m in fact only allowed 1 piece (which would come with the Avios booking anyway)?

Thanks!
- marcw says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 19:57
  
  Your elite luggage allowance is not updated on “manage my booking” but recognised at check-in.
berneslai says:

7 Nov7 November 16:48

Are there any ways of getting United status without flying with them? I’m unfortunately only Marriott Platinum so I can’t get there through the Titanium route.
- ChrisC says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 16:55
  
  What other airline status do you have?
  
  Check the status matcher website to see other people’s success (or nit)
  
  US airlines tend to offer challenges with accelerated status rather than a direct match.
  - Blair says:
    
    7 Nov7 November 17:46
    
    You need to check a US-oriented travel site for latest info on status challenges. Could you not push on to Bonvoy Titanium, as that would seem easier overall.
Charlotte says:

7 Nov7 November 16:54

If I’m looking at flying Qatar Airways London- Bangkok, is it better to book through BA or direct with Qatar? Have silver status with BA. Also, are preferred economy seats worth booking? Presume I would not be able to book these through BA…

Thanks very much!
- Rob says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 17:58
  
  Worth comparing but probably cheaper on Qatar’s site. No idea about preferred eco unfortunately.
  
  Note that there are business class deals to Bangkok out of Europe for around £1100 at present on Qatar and Etihad so don’t pay a lot for premium eco.
  - bafan says:
    
    7 Nov7 November 20:47
    
    Anywhere come to mind specifically? I’m thinking about a Thailand open jaw in January…
    - Rob says:
      
      7 Nov7 November 20:59
      
      Brussels is €1,271 on Qatar to Bangkok.
- Richie says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 20:59
  
  Don’t forget it’s PCR testing on arrival at BKK.
Graeme says:

7 Nov7 November 17:06

Just tried to book Pod-parking at Heathrow for 8 days on Heathrow app. Cost £152. When I looked to book using incognito Microsoft Edge cost went down to £119.30. Watch out they obviously want to charge regular users premium prices. Not good.
- Red Flyer says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 20:38
  
  You can also use Your Parking Space website for a better deal. I paid £20 for 4 days when pod parking was £78 instead. I believe I just need to pay Thistle £5 for a code for the gate to the pods and will be quids in compared to paying via official Heathrow Parking.
  - Mattb says:
    
    7 Nov7 November 21:20
    
    I think it’s £6 now? And you would need to pay x2 for there and back.
Tim says:

7 Nov7 November 17:12

Anyone else experiencing delays with Amex MR points transfer to avios? Been 9 days now send not completed yet
- Andrew says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 17:15
  
  Yes I am. Apparently there’s a major fault that’s delaying MR to Avios transfers for people who tried to transfer during a particular window (last weekendish). Hoping they arrive before the BA IT meltdown on 13th as who knows if we’ll ever see them again if not!
- Cabal of rabid baboons says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 17:16
  
  Similar here Tim, it’s a known issue and apparently they’re working round the clock to fix it.
- Ryanfozzie says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 19:09
  
  Same here too…
  
  Pushed Amex like mad for Amex to formally accept there was a problem (Wednesday this week). I myself transferred on Friday 29th October. I’d be interested if I transferred the amount again if it would work or not?
- Tobenson says:
  
  8 Nov8 November 02:02
  
  Same here… waiting since 29th October, no response yet from BA though.
Cabal of rabid baboons says:

7 Nov7 November 17:21

In fact I’ve got the tricast up because I’m waiting for my AMEX to BA transfer, my missing Morrison’s credits from the 26th onwards and my 5K Avios for a Platinum companion card from a fortnight ago.
- Andrew says:
  
  7 Nov7 November 17:49
  
  And I’ve been waiting 15 days for the £100 Amex travel offer to credit. So all in all Amex are on a go-slow it seems!
  - David says:
    
    7 Nov7 November 23:05
    
    Mine took 16 days
Rob says:

7 Nov7 November 18:02

Instore will work, unsure online.