The HfP chat thread – Thursday 2nd December

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N says:

2 Dec2 December 15:11

Anyone been to Austin Bergstrom airport? Seems like there’s no priority pass or American express lounges?! Seems strange for an airport in a big city
- SteveJ says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 15:23
  
  It’s a small time airport in a big city. Very little in terms of facilities.
  - SteveJ says:
    
    2 Dec2 December 15:24
    
    One good thing is their egates are a breeze, one of if not the quickest immigration processes in the States.
    - Simon Schus says:
      
      2 Dec2 December 15:53
      
      Wife goes regularly. Very busy on a Friday afternoon and Monday morning. They have AA and Delta Lounges but that is it, which is a real shame.
      - Ikaz says:
        
        2 Dec2 December 16:56
        
        If there is a delta lounge, check their agreement with Amex plat (HFP has an article on this)
- Liam says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 17:43
  
  Amex Plat will get you into the Delta lounge if you’re flying Delta.
  
  Otherwise you’re out of luck, unless you get lounge access via status (which, given your question, I’m assuming you won’t) or buy a one-day pass to the relevant airline lounge.
- Jon says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 18:53
  
  If you are a OneWorld elite, you can go to the AA Lounge that is busy but decent. Otherwise get some brisket at the Salt Lick and listen to some live music with a beer.
Paul says:

2 Dec2 December 15:11

I had the Nectar offer and my checkout showed that I was earning 3k points on a £60 purchase, thankfully took a screenshot of such, however I’ve only received 60 Nectar points as pending within the app and as showing within eBay nectar statement. Any idea how best to chase this?
Clive says:

2 Dec2 December 15:29

Staying in the Conrad Bangkok Friday and the auto upgrade downgraded one level !!
- His Holyness says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:04
  
  Auto upgrade would have upgraded you on Tuesday. That’s a manual downgrade
- Aston100 says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:51
  
  Clive, when convenient, could you please feedback on your experience at the Conrad after you are done?
  Thanks.
  - Michael C says:
    
    2 Dec2 December 16:56
    
    Yes, after a couple of other mentions (@BJ I think!), I’ve also started to look, and seen v decent prices for Aug.
    - Aston100 says:
      
      2 Dec2 December 18:00
      
      Will see you there Michael!
- John says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:52
  
  Reported on flyertalk, contact hotel to fix
Ashraj says:

2 Dec2 December 15:34

Melia points have be devalued at a few properties I have had an interest in. Frustrating but ive been sitting on them for over 2 years so I guess its my fault!
- Niall says:
  
  3 Dec3 December 06:48
  
  Which properties? Melia reward chart is basically by brand / star rating. Note that if not the normal points rates, a points price will still show but based on cash price and so generally more expensive (often much more).
The Canuck says:

2 Dec2 December 15:53

US Pre-Departure test now must be within one day of travel, beginning “early next week”….

Doesn’t make a whole load of sense since this will just push people to use rapid tests which are less accurate….
Simon Schus says:

2 Dec2 December 15:55

The high level announcement is out for the US international travel testing requirements. Will see for how this translates into a CDC requirement.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/02/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-new-actions-to-protect-americans-against-the-delta-and-omicron-variants-as-we-battle-covid-19-this-winter/

“ Strengthening global pre-departure testing protocols: Early next week, the United States will tighten pre-departure testing protocols by requiring all inbound international travelers to test within one day of departure globally, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. This tighter testing timeline provides an added degree of public health protection as scientists continue to assess the Omicron variant.
Extending the requirement to wear a mask on airplanes, rail travel, and public transportation: The Administration will continue to require masking during international or other public travel – as well as in transportation hubs such as airports or indoor bus terminals – through March 18 as we continue to battle COVID-19 this winter. The Transportation Security Administration will extend its implementing orders to maintain these requirements through March 18. Fines will continue to be doubled from their initial levels for noncompliance with the masking requirements – with a minimum fine of $500 and fines of up to $3,000 for repeat offenders.”
- Richie says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:02
  
  For those with flights to the US on Dec 26/27 are there testing places open in Dec 25/26?
- Anna says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:09
  
  I have F booked to BOS on March 29th so hoping things have got better and not worse by then!
Laura says:

2 Dec2 December 16:00

https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/travel-pcr-test-loophole-allowing-holidaymakers-to-evade-covid-testing-and-game-the-system-1331531

I’ve never done this but seems the loophole has been rumbled (which is a good thing)
- WaynedP says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:18
  
  Disappointing that :
  
  1) Loophole was allowed to exist in the first place. I learnt decades ago that good practice is to do validation checks on data entries.
  
  2) Whistle-blower is one with a vested financial interest in closing the loop-hole, rather than being objectively conscionable.
  
  3) News of the loop-hole being closed will probably leak out in time to prevent the worst offenders being caught and rightfully penalised with heavy fines or demonstrable community service.
- Js says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:24
  
  If you call this a loophole you have no understanding of their software
- John says:
  
  2 Dec2 December 16:54
  
  It’s a good thing for testing companies
MKB says:

2 Dec2 December 16:07

After a couple of weeks of trying, I managed to get through to BA today (on the Gold line). The guy I spoke to (who was excellent) was based in the Manchester office, and told me that, as of today, all Gold/Silver line calls are being routed there, so it should be easier for Gold/Silver members to get hold of someone.