The HfP chat thread – Monday 8th November

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• Michael Down says:

  8 Nov8 November 14:08

  Does anyone have any clever ways to utilise the Amex Platinum dining credit e.g. vouchers. I’m unlikely to utilise it this year without significantly rearranging plans etc.

  TIA – Michael

  • Rob says:

    8 Nov8 November 14:38

    There are none. You are aware there are hundreds of restaurants outside the UK taking part too though?

• Seb says:

  8 Nov8 November 14:37

  Does anyone know if a Future Travel Voucher can be applied against seat bookings only on BA? Thanks!

  • Anna says:

    8 Nov8 November 14:45

    You could try emailing BA holidays with the new booking number and not mention it’s for seat bookings. I don’t think they check what you’ve booked.

• Andrew says:

  8 Nov8 November 14:37

  Word of warning re Amex MR to Avios transfers – I know it’s been discussed a bit over the last few days, but Amex have confirmed that there’s a known issue with transfers to Avios from MR, they are looking into it, but no timeframe for its resolution, so anyone planning to transfer should probably hold off as even if it’s urgent, they are likely to be held up in the system for some time, and we’re only 5 days away from the BA IT meltdown anyway.

  • BJ says:

    8 Nov8 November 15:21

    Maybe this is the meltdown already started. I already screenshotted everything yesterday.

    • Ryanfozzie says:

      8 Nov8 November 16:41

      Spoke to a manager today. Only affecting those who transferred between the 27th and 30th October.

      I’ve gone ahead and made another transfer today, hopefully this comes through rather promptly. Not too fussed about having spare Avios when the initial transfer is fixed.

      • VickyTM says:

        8 Nov8 November 18:44

        I transferred mine on the 1st …. Still waiting…..

• Ian M says:

  8 Nov8 November 15:06

  When converting Tesco Clubcard points to Hotels.com credit, how long does it take to receive the hotels.com vouchers? Is it almost instant via email?

  • Ian M says:

    8 Nov8 November 15:27

    For anyone interested, I’ve just gone ahead and done it – yes it’s instant.

    • Ed says:

      8 Nov8 November 16:26

      Thanks Ian. Can you answer a couple of questions for me 1) what’s the expiry on booking using the voucher, 2) is there a different expiry in terms of check in/out date?

      • Ben says:

        8 Nov8 November 19:00

        Currently 6 month expiry date on the voucher but you can book beyond that date on the hotels dot com site.

• Guernsey Globetrotter says:

  8 Nov8 November 15:20

  BA website currently ‘cannae take the strain captain!’ and is repeatedly giving high traffic time out errors – due to the US publicity and the rush to book perhaps?

• Guy says:

  8 Nov8 November 15:21

  Hi all,

  Quick question on the 2-4-1 voucher, I recall reading somewhere that soon it can be for flights not departing the UK? I want to do a one way flight from St Lucia to London but currently when i try to book it is saying its not permitted.

  Appreciate any info/help!

  Thanks

  • E says:

    8 Nov8 November 15:33

    It’s only the new vouchers which can do this. If you had one from earlier this year (before 1st September I think) it won’t be possible.

    • Guy says:

      8 Nov8 November 15:35

      Thought that might be it – thanks for confirming.

• WearyTraveller says:

  8 Nov8 November 15:21

  Can you change the supplementary card holder for your Amex Platinum (e.g. cancel the supplementary card and add a new supplementary card holder) or will it count as a new card and incur the £285pa fee?

  • Louie says:

    8 Nov8 November 17:27

    Yes you can.

• Alan says:

  8 Nov8 November 15:25

  I will be staying at the new Hilton Porto Gaia this weekend and have received a slightly cryptic message saying that as a Gold I will receive an upgraded room but that lounge access will depend on whether I am upgraded to an Executive room.

  There appear to be plenty of Executive rooms available, does this mean we will be given one or is there some other factor than availability to be taken into account. If so any advice on how to secure the right upgrade.

  • Blair says:

    8 Nov8 November 15:32

    Book a load of standard rooms on cancellable rates and release them back into inventory after you’ve been upgraded.

    • David says:

      8 Nov8 November 15:50

      And then get your account shut down.

      • Blair says:

        8 Nov8 November 16:07

        Using an alias account obviously…..

        • BJ says:

          8 Nov8 November 16:16

          …Blair@HfP

  • BJ says:

    8 Nov8 November 16:15

    Getting an exec room does not guarantee lounge access for good, however, message you received seems to suggest you would be given access if you are upgraded to such room. Might come down to the whims of the front desk on the day. Paying for an upgrade now might see you get another upgrade at check in so worth a look see what’s on offer.

    • Peter K says:

      8 Nov8 November 19:10

      I’m sure an upgrade to exec room as gold *does* guarantee lounge access. However, only diamonds are guaranteed lounge access whatever room they are in and I think the email is basically pointing that out.

  • Rob M says:

    8 Nov8 November 18:45

    Try asking nicely or mentioning if you have a special occasion.

  • Alan says:

    8 Nov8 November 19:07

    Thanks for the replies.

    I will pass on booking up all the standard rooms and try asking nicely, it is a trip for my wife’s birthday, any thoughts on whether this is best done by an email to the hotel the day before we arrive or at check in.

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