The HfP chat thread – Monday 6th December

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henry437 says:

6 Dec6 December 03:08

Who’s responsible for checking the return to Engalnd pre departure test? Is it the airline?

If so what’s to stop someone using a personal test and putting results on a certificate of their own making? The recommendation is only that a private test provider is used, the NHS tests comply completely with the specifications
- Polly says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 03:44
  
  Yes it’s the airline. And they are very strict on checking the test result. They scrutinised our fit to fly cert coming out here to Singapore. Yes NHS LFTs do comply but not accepted by airlines in any form. Plus, you can’t get a fit to fly cert with an NHS test anyway.
  And yes, fakes are circulating. So, if that’s your choice, feel free to chance it. We certainly wouldn’t atm.
  - Lyn says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 04:01
    
    Fingers crossed and hoping you and your OH have a smooth flight today, Polly! What a shame you have lost days at the end as well as the beginning of your stay in Singapore.
    - BJ says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 05:58
      
      +1
    - Polly says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 17:49
      
      Famous last words!
- Frank says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 06:10
  
  What exactly is the requirement for a pre departure (whilst abroad) LFT? Is it just name and passport number, or is it a photo etc? Help im stuck abroad
  - John says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 06:19
    
    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#how-to-provide-proof-of-a-negative-test-result
- Greg says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:20
  
  If so what’s to stop someone using a personal test and putting results on a certificate of their own making?
  
  The same as walking into a shop and taking something without paying for it. Or driving without a seatbelt. Nothing !
  
  You are breaking the law. Simple.
  - Paul says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:17
    
    why? What gives some random popup shop the authority to issue valid certificates? There’s a huge amount of profiteering going on by dodgy popup testing companies. All they’re doing is generating a certificate based on a result you’re telling them. I don’t see how it’s any different, you could start your own testing company.
  - Js says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 12:29
    
    Sorry Greg I hope the reason you dont steal is not because its breaking the law!
    - Polly says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 17:48
      
      That comment cheered me up!
- Red Flyer says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:46
  
  Airlines are vetting these. My nephew is flying back from Washington state today with 2 connecting flights and was unaware of changes until I txt him yesterday morning. He did get sorted locally at a pharmacy but $250 lighter in the pocket now! However, better than the alternative of £500 fine at border and potential stay in quarantine hotel too.
  - Pete M says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:12
    
    USD250 for a lateral flow test? Crikey!
  - Paul says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:18
    
    $250?! Incredible. All you need is free PDF editing software.
    - Lady London says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 12:08
      
      You are incorrigible, Paul !!
    - Js says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 12:30
      
      no free software compares to adobe
  - John says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:28
    
    You won’t be put in a quarantine hotel
- Andrew says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 09:12
  
  It’s the individual’s lifestyle choice of course, but do first check that your travel insurance covers you for presenting counterfeit documentation to government officials or airline staff.
  - Polly says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:18
    
    Andrew, love it! Made me laugh….
  - BJ says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 10:26
    
    😀
  - Geoff 1977 says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 11:02
    
    Haha
  - henry437 says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 11:42
    
    The problem where I am is that there is low availability of LFT tests, only PCR available at airport, and even CVS etc charging $195 for a rapid antigen. It’s just not easy to get, too bad the Moronic Tories don’t check things are available before introducing new requirements.
    - Lady London says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 12:10
      
      Cvs, walgreens, duane reid all that kind of price?
      - Red Flyer says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 15:58
        
        Yes that $250 quoted above was a local pharmacy for PCR as he did need the result fast to travel that was his only option. Thankfully his HR will cover the cost for him they confirmed today.
    - Andrew says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 13:02
      
      And yet the SNP controlled Scottish Government and the Labour controlled Welsh Government are following identical rules?
      
      When the Labour Party, Conservative & Unionist Party and SNP are all in absolute agreement as UK Governments – they aren’t going to make exemptions for Liberal Democrats who don’t want to pay the going rate in the state they are visiting.
    - Mike says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 23:26
      
      Why is it the Tories responsibility to check the availability of COVID tests for every country on Earth? You went abroad knowing what is going on, just as I did when I did a couple of months ago. Take some personal responsibility and maybe these Tories will stop living rent free in your head.
Clive says:

6 Dec6 December 03:47

Good morning from Swampy (BKK) on our way to Phuket. Enjoy your week ahead (I will be)
- Andrew says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 04:21
  
  Hope you manage to get home ok.
  - BJ says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 06:00
    
    From Phuket? Who cares, hardly a bad place to get stuck for months on end 🙂
    - Andrew says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 06:45
      
      If only life was that simple.
    - The Original Nick. says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 07:35
      
      @ BJ, I’ve been thinking for a long time if I met you years ago in Lamai Koh Samui? Did you ever live there?
      - BJ says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 10:30
        
        Been at Lamai Beach a couple of times but never lived there so almost certainly not me. Only place I ever lived in Thailand was Bangkok for a few years.
    - Polly says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 08:43
      
      +1
      - Polly says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 13:49
        
        Update Singapore
        
        Refused boarding! Suddenly changed the rules and said we must have negative antigen tests to arrive. Unreal. The stress of finding a clinic, we are sooooo stressed. Most of F and J chasing fast track tests,..unreal
        Get a test anyone pls
    - AJA says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 10:33
      
      @BJ I think on the who cares, if I was in Phuket I’d just say Phucket! (Pronounce the Ph as you would the ‘gh’ in ‘enough’)
- Polly says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 04:36
  
  Well done you getting to hkt. That was one of our plans using SIN as a jump off. Or PEN.
  Only place l was tempted to jump off or escape out of, was my enforced camp balcony! Thank goodness for it tho, made it quite tolerable….gradually erasing the memory, like childbirth!
  
  Lyn, Tnx, we are on our way tonight. Been a great break despite. Apparently, no 1st class check in, Hope there is a J one at least, that we can use. Minimal queue exposure really, as we have that Halo PCR in the morning. Has to be negative….
  - Sam G says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 07:26
    
    I suspect it is a COVID casualty but premium check in was a seperate shared facility at the back, not a desk with the main BA counters. Safe travels!
    - Polly says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 08:42
      
      Sam G.
      Thanks, think l remember that, will double check. Just don’t fancy being in the Y queue. Mind you, only 40+ in Y 0n the way out, so may not be too long. We need to be on that plane now.
      
      Just met friends for a late lunch in Joo Chiat Pl, Guan Hoe Soon restaurant. Really old world central Chinese food. Do you know it? Love the old world architecture around that area.
      To take our minds off the fact we might not get to board, that is!
      - Sam G says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 09:28
        
        I suspect the flights towards the UK are a bit busier now, lots of people beginning to head back for long breaks for Xmas.
        
        Don’t think I know it specifically but it’s a fantastic area of Singapore often missed by visitors (and locals!) – a favourite Sunday activity was a cafe and a wander around there or along the East Coast beach paths
      - Lady London says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 12:12
        
        Glad you’ve had a nice break, Polly. Very jealous about the food. Don’t worry, you are almost home.
      - Polly says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 17:52
        
        Again famous last words. Prophetic or what…..
  - Michael C says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 07:45
    
    We had an E&O reservation in Penang that was so sadly not to be, Polly!
    - Polly says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 08:36
      
      Michael C
      Hate to say, we had 4 nights booked at the Edison, and 3 at E&O. Plus 2 n at the Hyatt in KL. all sadly didn’t happen either. Feel for us both, ha. Hyatt -laying up, may have to claim, others rolled them over for another year. So hope we can use them.
      - Sam G says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 09:32
        
        We went to E&O before Xmas in 2019 – ended up randomly invited to the GMs Xmas party with the “whos who” of expat life in attendance – a lot of fun, beautiful Xmas decorations. Though personally for me 2-3 nights in Penang or KL is enough unless you’re really keen on food exploring !
- Andy says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 09:30
  
  Have fun Clive! Should be arriving into BKK on Wednesday…worst countries to be stuck in i guess
  - BJ says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 10:36
    
    Hope you and Clive and others still heading out have a good time. Should have arrived at weekend too were it not for BA first cancelling flight on 4th and then partner having to apply for passport anyway. Now banking on April.
    - Polly says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 17:56
      
      Yes, 2nd that, hope no nasty surprises when you check in for the flight home! Enjoy
      We really miss HKT
Beardless Hipster says:

6 Dec6 December 04:30

Datapoint Eurofins LHR drive thru swab taken 12 noon, received in lab 15:00, result known 20:00, report generated next day 3:40 am in time for work. 16 hours test to result, not bad for a Sunday.
- Polly says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 04:38
  
  Hoping our Halo one will be back within 5 hours tomorrow morning.
  - Prune says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 06:04
    
    Mine took 9 hours yesterday. Still impressive for a Sunday.
    - Tom H says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 07:10
      
      Same as Prune, test submitted at Halo 13:09 on Sunday (yesterday) result through at 22:15. Really very slick. Download the app and register before you get to the Sofitel. Just to save a little more time. And it wasn’t too expensive. Thanks for thtip who ever mentioned it on hfp
Gill says:

6 Dec6 December 04:40

Any folks out in the New Jersey / Manhatten area with fit to fly provider recommends ? I’d rather not leave it until JFK departure on Thursday which is the only thing showing up on VA advice page.
- The Jetset Boyz says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 06:50
  
  Here you go… https://twitter.com/andythepandy_/status/1467537830209638414?s=21
  - Graham says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 08:30
    
    Thanks very much for this. I have friends flying out on Friday so have passed this on.
  - Gill says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:19
    
    Thanks. I’d heard those were for US citizens only but I’ll locate one try it out.
  - ianM says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 11:45
    
    They are only free for US citizens with ‘insurance’ otherwise you will need to pay around $200.
    The only thing free in USA is the vaccine, not testing
    - Tara says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 13:30
      
      Hi there. You can get Qured tests delivered to you and do a supervised appointment. With a discount code it came to about 51 dollars including delivery (quickest is 2-3 days). There is also Bloom Labs which is 75 dollars.
SteveJ says:

6 Dec6 December 07:27

Any word of an enhanced BAPP referral/ sign up bonus upcoming / in the new year?
- Jonathan says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:04
  
  Very doubtful, a nice sign bonus ended just over a month ago. that was in honour of the card’s 20 year anniversary. So don’t expect any New Years promotion so soon after one has just ended, plus I don’t recall Amex doing seasonal sign up bonuses based on the time of year
Craig says:

6 Dec6 December 07:38

Is anyone else having a problem with paying Amex from their website. I keep getting a page refresh and spinning circle, tried different browsers and the app throws an error.
- Frank says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 07:41
  
  Use the mobile app
  - Craig says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 07:41
    
    Thanks Frank, the app throws an error as mentioned.
    - TGLoyalty says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 08:57
      
      Make sure you have the latest update.
      - Craig says:
        
        6 Dec6 December 09:07
        
        I do, just an error saying our system is not responding. Logging in is fine just can’t make a payment.
- Sandgrounder says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:31
  
  Paid mine via app this morning, no issues.
- Yorkieflyer says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 09:08
  
  You can pay from your own banking app
- Rob says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 09:12
  
  My wife had this for a few weeks – ended up having to do BACS payments. It then went away again.
- J says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 11:19
  
  Do you use a VPN? If so, try pausing it / temporarily switching it off. Don’t know whether that will make a difference in your specific case, but I’ve found it has solved quite a few of my similar issues on various sites and apps. Does rather defeat the point of a VPN though! 😉
  - the_real_a says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 11:54
    
    Also various corporate networks do not appear from the UK. Always best to exclude the network and/or VPN and try at some other physical location when these problems happen.
Memesweeper says:

6 Dec6 December 08:01

I have £100 off £400 Marriott luxury hotels offer. The participating hotels link in the Amex app is broken. Does anyone know if the EDITION in London or the W or the Bankside are on the list?
- Jill ( Kinkell ) says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:48
  
  I’ve got the 50 off 200 and using it at Edition next week. It was on the BAPP list., although just checked again and link not working.
  - TGLoyalty says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 08:59
    
    Edition was NOT on that list.
- TGLoyalty says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:58
  
  Bankside is on the spend £200 get £50
  
  Luxury offer was Edition, Luxury Collection etc
  
  Looks like Amex server / salesforce has gone down. Sure it’ll be working soon.
- Ikaz says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 13:59
  
  I downloaded the list of hotels before the site went down, on the £100 offer you have the W, the JW Grosvenor, Edition, Bvlgari, The Westbury, The Wellesley and the Park Tower Knightsbridge (+ Sheraton heathrow skyline)
  - Rob says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 16:19
    
    The list is here – https://hfp2022.headforpoints.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Marriott-luxury-hotels.pdf
    
    We loaded it onto our server when we ran the original article.
    - Memesweeper says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 20:24
      
      Good work Rob! Thanks
Pete M says:

6 Dec6 December 08:24

Just a quick thank you to whoever came up with the Amazon £20 Visa credit card trick. Easiest £20 ever! Separately, imagine it could be targeted, but I got an eBay “£1 max final value fee on up to 3 listings” this morning as well – I thought those had gone!
- Andrew says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:31
  
  Seemed to be saying that as I’d bought something, I had been targeted for this offer. And £1 max fee is better than before as it didn’t used to include your PayPal fees.
- Will says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 08:42
  
  I took all cards off Amazon except a visa credit, where is the £20 offered once this is triggered?
  - Pete M says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:05
    
    It took about three days and then appeared on the home page (desktop). But I did buy a £10 gift card on the Visa card just in case.
    - elguiri says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 09:35
      
      No need to buy anything though, I just checked each day until day 3 it appeared.
  - Rob says:
    
    6 Dec6 December 09:11
    
    Home page on desktop.
    - Lawro says:
      
      6 Dec6 December 12:40
      
      Had mine appear in the app last night. Didn’t see it on the homepage but it showed on the Basket page.
- SteveW says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 09:42
  
  Just got “£1 max final value fee on up to 3 listings” too, it was because I’d bought something recently.
- Can says:
  
  6 Dec6 December 11:47
  
  It’s been a week for me, and still no offer. I even used the Visa to buy something 🙁