The HfP chat thread – Sunday 21st November

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Jack says:

21 Nov21 November 13:05

Silly question, I have some cash and avios in FTV. Can I use this on a new avios booking with a 2for1 as well? I don’t have enough avios unless I use the voucher. Same names on both bookings. Thanks in advance.
- ChrisC says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 15:08
  
  Should be able to.
  
  Needs a call though.
  - Jack says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 18:17
    
    Yep all fine, they just refunded the cash on the voucher and avios back to account and let me make a new booking. Only 25 minute hold time which isn’t too bad. thanks.
    - JohnT says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 21:20
      
      Just hope you get the cash before too long, some of us have been waiting months
Polly says:

21 Nov21 November 13:22

Well, l am ensconced in a large sea view balcony room, D resort, costing an arm and a leg. Apparently lots of wealthier Singaporeans weekend here for beach time. Haven’t dared call Lloyds or Amex insurance yet. Charges ridiculous. Bet they just randomly chose a F class pax, it feels like it.
Plastic tray with ckn and rice, plus a mandarin…supposed to share, but am def not. Turned off the ac, don’t want anyone positive the corridor spreading their bugs via the ac…
The serology test only indicates recent vaccination or recovered infection. Pointless exercise. And another PCR, both in the morning. Am going to chat w the doc now to see what is the point. Am still waiting for the evidence indicating this result anomaly…
It was a risk, but hopefully will get out by Tuesday.

Meta, def rethink it… we were tempted to scrub it, talked long and hard about, but as both 3 x vaccination and regular neg LFTs. Figured we could run the gauntlet… not to be tho.. anyway fingers crossed, and Tnx all for the support, much appreciated from this luxury isolation, not!
- Sam G says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 13:48
  
  You should be able to get some food and anything else you need from Grab / food panda/ deliveroo
  
  Hope it gets resolved quickly, not ideal at all but it’s the risk we take unfortunately !
  - Polly says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 13:59
    
    Yep, grab it is, will see what they offer me Tomorrow morning… twice the check in nurses asked me why are you here with 2 negative results! They hadn’t been sent the anomaly result from the MOH. Am going to ask Raffles health, the arrivals PCR testing facility, if they can give me a breakdown of my results. As far as they’re concerned l was negative. All v weird. We think it’s a money grab. The resort is rented by gov, who need it filled, and we are tempting targets, we think…just a thought…..
    Simply thought it might have been a lab mix up , but god, they’re going for it!
    - Axel says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 15:20
      
      You can convert your Grab Points to KrisFlyer miles and other routes to points through KrisFlyer Spree.
- Anna says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 13:52
  
  It does all sound very odd Polly, clearly it’s not even safe to trust a fit to fly test to guarantee a stress-free trip. Thank goodness you are somewhere with modern facilities, anyway. I am definitely limiting all travel for at least the next couple of years to places where I’m very familiar with the culture and language in case anything similar happens!
  Fingers crossed you are out soon x
  - Polly says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 14:09
    
    You know Anna, am actually going to ask trusted! 3hr express test at T2 for a breakdown of my test results to see if that anomaly was indicated pre flight. If that was the case, l should have been informed. That would definitely have influenced our decision to stay or go…
    So yes, can we even trust those certs now? Who knows…
    - TGLoyalty says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 14:30
      
      Not sure how the results in U.K. help your case in Singapore. One countries “calculated risk” is different to another’s so these anomalies might be considered nothing in U.K. but for somewhere like SIN it must be investigated to make sure you’re not actually positive or recently infected and just not showing up on PCR yet.
      
      Unfortunately, travelling to the Far East in these covid times is going to come with a large slice of risk.
      - Polly says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 15:08
        
        TG,
        Yep, think that might be it… but to have actually been issued with a negative result 2 days ago, and now jumps to this. Would be interested to know tho, if it just made it through to negative or if it was a borderline fit to fly result, marked negative. That’s the strange part… and yes, we took a chance, knew the risks, but felt we would be ok…interesting chat with someone today, who said, many more travellers being brought for 2nd PCRs recently. They reckon following boosters they can pick up many more ? Positives following neg tests. One last week at our hotel too.. she was collected, retested, serology test, and back next pm at the hotel…so there’s a pattern, do what you will with that info….good income there for the gov, $1000 a whack, several times a day, money flowing in….
      - Alex says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 15:13
        
        Polly – Why are you giving false information that vaccines can produce a positive PCR/antigen test? I understand your frustration but this is not to blame everyone except yourself.
    - Tracey says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 15:49
      
      Sounds like they are looking (too) deeply at the results of the serological test. The test is designed to pick up recent covid ie in the last few months. There is some cross over between vaccine immunity and immunity from infection. I took a serological test as part of NHS research and it was positive, I’ve been doing LFTs twice weekly for work; never knowingly had covid, nor has anyone in my household, never had a positive LFT, was 5 months past 2nd AZ vaccine at the time of the test – so very surprised to have a positive serological test.
      - HH says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 17:32
        
        A serological (antibody) test has nothing to do with PCR/LFT antigen tests. I’ll repeat what I said on Page 1 that covid vaccines don’t use live virus, so these are not the cause of any positive or ‘borderline’ PCR/LFT tests. I’m with Alex—this is irresponsible posting to suggest otherwise.
      - Tracey says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 17:52
        
        Totally agree, you can’t get a positive covid test from having had an injection, but I do wonder if they are doing a serological test as a way of detecting a recent infection, as that could lead to a false recording of a recent infection by the cross over of the antibodies created by the vaccine looking like those created by a natural infection.
      - HH says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 18:04
        
        @Tracey serological antibody tests need a blood sample, and thankfully no countries are subjecting us to that yet!
- Air Crash Investigator says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 14:16
  
  “Bet they just randomly chose a F class pax, it feels like it”
  
  Your majesty the F class pax.
- Track says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 15:30
  
  The sensitivity of PCR test can be extended, to the extend the test will react positive to any number of DNA remnants.
  - TGLoyalty says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 16:28
    
    Why very early on a positive PCR test alone wasn’t meant to be used to diagnose people with C19. However, look at the world now …
- David D says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 15:31
  
  If you believe that you are being held incorrectly, contact the British High Commission in Singapore via https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?country=Singapore&post=British%20High%20Commission%20 Singapore or +65 6424 4200
- Gary says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 17:02
  
  Polly heartbreaking to read and sending lots of strength. If you do get to consult the Singaporean medical team (with that big smile & SIN Sling in mind), strategically important to delineate medically what exactly is equivocal/weakly positive here. Is it 1. The PCR test itself, or 2. another background test Singapore runs on samples (eg cycle threshold is performed on positive PCR tests to determine infectivity, maybe there is an equivalent for negative samples who know?!), or 3 Both. One may question whether this would change the outcome; however, if above is clarified in your mind then your can gain better answers from the team at the very least. Keeping fingers crossed.
  - Polly says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 18:35
    
    Gary,
    
    Thank you. Interesting you should mention those points. That’s exactly why l have asked for the report, and breakdown of the tests from both suppliers. And hope the doc l see in the am, will give me a copy or at least show me the report.
    
    One thing l just realised, haven’t been given any proof of these odd results yet. Have only their word for it. Conflicting info at best, really. I have asked the lady l spoke a lot to today for the report. Not forthcoming here, they already told me tonight. Maybe U.K. will send me theirs.
    - Track says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 18:49
      
      Yes, Polly actually collect all the papers, including MOH official order (or alike) to put you in the quarantine. Request again, you will need these for your insurance at the very least.
      - Polly says:
        
        22 Nov22 November 00:31
        
        Tnx, will be doing that. Trouble is refusing to give me a copy of my own report! But have the government order copy at least…
Lady London says:

21 Nov21 November 13:40

Oh no, Polly! It couldn’t happen to a nicer person! And just when it was all going so well… 🙂

Let us know when you get out of chokey.
- Polly says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 14:05
  
  I know, Tnx LL, all v weird as Anna says.. but maybe a lesson for us all to learn, stay home, staycation, or go somewhere close we know… like France. Such a shame, as we love Singapore.
  Funny enough BA have just cancelled one of our HKG suites legs, so am going to take a voucher now. Just can’t risk this nonsense of test on arrival any more. Don’t trust any of them now, not to be on the make. Just doesn’t make sense.
  Even had flights booked to go back to Lot et Garonne on Paddy air from STN, in case we were positive pre flight! Car hire right back down now. For a Quick trip, save us driving. Stay safe me dear x
  - Blenz101 says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 14:41
    
    Chin up Polly we are all behind you. Given Singapore is notoriously straight down the line and top 5 least corrupt countries globally the chances of them orchestrating fake test rests to snare first class passengers feels a bit remote.
    
    Is it not more likely that the thresholds for a country as nervous as Singapore for viral load are just way lower? My understanding is that after infection you can shed for over a month, for some people upto two. I’ve had friends test positive in the UK who have been unable to return to the ME. A test every few days and within a week they come back negative and travel. May be low enough for a UK negative and fit to fly but would it pass in Singapore, Thailand or Australia?
    
    I think we would all be interested to hear what the various test providers have to say about the results they have given you.
    - Sam G says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 15:14
      
      There may be something in this. There were issues in the beginning of the pandemic where people were in recovery facility for literally months in Singapore as they kept testing positive. Whereas I know plenty of people here who’ve had tests for travelling out of the UK / day 2 etc a couple of weeks after being positive and have no issue.
      
      I don’t think it’s a conspiracy & it could be worse – could have been going to HK and ended up in one of their “camps” ! Fingers crossed a retest resolves it all tomorrow
      - Polly says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 15:27
        
        True Sam, anything better than HKG. Cancelling that now for February, can’t bear it…and yes, their tests must be more sensitive then. Sounds about right. Let’s see what happens….
        
        Have any of the Phuket lot reported back yet, how they got on with their arrival tests?
    - Polly says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 15:22
      
      Yes, probably right TG about sensitivity of PCRs. 100% mask compliance we have seen so far. Can’t even get into a 7-11 without the pass. It’s really excellent tracing and monitoring. Very determined to keep it safe here.
      But if l am out in a day or so, am not too bothered, it’s just the inconvenience, shock, and am genuinely curious medical wise at how a negative result came to this. And yes, good if serology shows very good response to the Pfizer booster. Let’s hope that’s the result. Fair cop, as they say…
      
      Will let you know, if any feedback from the testing facilities.
  - meta says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 14:45
    
    Recent vaccination will show high level of antibodies and maybe the type of PCR test they use in Singapore is more sensitive. I am also thinking that UK labs have become a bit careless with testing. Many colleagues/friends testing negative on PCR despite having all the symptoms.
    - Polly says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 15:12
      
      Really Meta? That’s definitely suspicious. Some just throw them away anyway, and declare them negative, for an easy life, l guess. But we are supposed to trust these fit to fly certs.…
      
      never mind, staying positive @ Blenz! Always looking at da bright side, is us…
    - TGLoyalty says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 16:08
      
      “ all the symptoms”
      
      Which are Pretty much the same symptoms as most bugs out there.
      - meta says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 16:57
        
        Well headache, fever over 39, loss of smell/taste, muscle fatigue, diarrhea. In case of a really good friend all at the same time. Yet two PCRs cane out negative. A colleague and his wife had symptoms and tested negative. His son tested positive a week later. I guess it might also be down to the timing of testing as well.
      - TGLoyalty says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 17:17
        
        As I said it’s hardly like these things didn’t happen before C19 for a variety of bugs and won’t happen after.
        
        The symptoms have become so general it’ll be hard to distinguish from any other winter bug soon.
    - HH says:
      
      21 Nov21 November 17:38
      
      PCRs aren’t testing for antibodies… This result has nothing to do with vaccination. The misinformation here today needs to stop.
      - Polly says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 18:28
        
        Alex and HH,
        
        Try to be supportive please. This is a learning curve going on here, and all guesswork atm.
        
        Nobody is claiming that vaccines cause positive PCRs. We get your point, and know this already. No disinformation here. I am the last person on here to do that. Up l am shocked at the turn of events.
        
        The fact is, the PCR was clearly negative according to the testers. But the MOH detected levels of shedding / antibodies which has puzzled them. They asked about the booster. Which may explain the high levels of antibodies. They want to do a serology test, which will still not confirm if positive for covid. It only confirms that one has had either covid or their vaccine. They also want to repeat the PCR as a precautionary measure, but we can’t imagine the outcome will be any different. They said today they want us to be able to continue our holiday if at all possible. Let’s hope.
        
        Update on request for copy of my report
        
        Tonight the testing facility stated quite emphatically again my result was negative. They will not give me a copy of the report. Result to pax, report to MOH. That was it. In writing. The point around this is insurance. They will want that report, otherwise all they will have are my negative results.
        
        Tracey, exactly what you say. Definitely looking for a reason. But feels a bit over the top to me, but as l said later, will just accept it for now, do the extra testing, stay in the hotel facility, and hope to get out Tuesday, all being well. Trying to be positive, but definitely not slumming it.
      - Lady London says:
        
        21 Nov21 November 21:17
        
        Polly now’s the time to call your insurer. Gotta feeling they might want to state they’re on the hook for the costs so they need their medics to receive evidence of whatever’s showing as positive.
        
        If someone’s boobed in SIN then you will, of course, be aebto kerp being sweetness and light and not confront them and get your insurer to do the heavy lifting.
Js says:

21 Nov21 November 14:13

Did anyone get a 30k refferal pop up today when logging in to amex platinium business?
Save East Coast Rewards says:

21 Nov21 November 14:57

Anyone know why the global entry application asks for driving licence details?
- ChrisC says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 15:30
  
  I don’t remember it being asked when I applied in 2018 but I don’t drive so would have skipped over it anyway.
  
  Likely as another proof of address / ID and a source of info that you’ve not been naughty. Though I would assume that the Home Office certificate would have included driving issues.
  
  On another related topic because it came up the other day I did my new ESTA last night. Approval took an hour to come through.
  
  There was a question about “social media” accounts but it was optional to answer and the form didn’t highlight my not completing it as an error like it did with other sections.
  
  I didn’t see the “upload passport” feature though – would have saved me some typing!
  - Save East Coast Rewards says:
    
    21 Nov21 November 17:38
    
    I’m sure that question was there when I looked at the application in 2015 but decided not to proceed as my future travel wasn’t expected to be too high.
    
    Impressed how quick I got my code from the home office, applied Friday, got it today.
- Liam says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 17:16
  
  When you do the interview they will likely ask for passport and driving licence but it really isn’t necessary. When I did my interview at AUS, I didn’t have a US licence and the CBP officer had no interest in my UK one. The passport alone was sufficient.
A says:

21 Nov21 November 15:17

After some last minute acomodati
Henry says:

21 Nov21 November 15:24

Hello, please does anyone know if I book QR business seats on a BA codeshare ticket, do you get lounge access and free seat reservations. I’m sure I read once before, but can’t find the source. Many thanks, Henry
A says:

21 Nov21 November 15:25

Not sure what happened there….

I’m after some last minute accommodation for Christmas weekend for 10 adults and 8 children aged 4-10 (children can be on temp beds if necessary). Ideally at most an hour from Gatwick. Either a single large property or a few colocated properties, and must have enough indoor space to comfortably socialise. Clearly quite late booking this, a few options on Airbnb but thought I’d check the wisdom of HfP’ers. Does anyone have any ideas or contacts?
- kitten says:
  
  21 Nov21 November 20:48
  
  Vrbo French chateau?