[Reeferman]

@Matt
I take your point about Manuel Antonio. We were only thinking of 6 days as a chill-out as the hotel is right on the beach. I might re-think that though.

How did you travel between locations? Am not keen on self-drive, so was looking at taxis (or similar) or flights. What would you recommend?

[Reeferman]

Coincidentally, I’ve been planning a similar trip – but for next January.
I’ve been several times previously – but only on business (and once on a cruise). So there are no doubt better-qualified people here to comment on the holiday aspect of CR.
I think it really depends on how much travelling you want to do and how many different hotels you want to stay in. I decided to limit it to 4:
3 nights in The Central Valley (just outside San Jose – so easy to get to on arrival)
3 nights in Arenal
3 nights in Monteverde
6 nights in Manuel Antonio (and straight to airport from there – on the Iberia flight that evening)

There are lots of other options, but the above seems ideal for us. It’ll be interesting to see what others say.

Have a good trip whatever you decide.

[Reeferman]

Jill Kinkell wrote:

Thanks for that. I was interested in your comment about the Franz Joseph Oasis hotel and rushed to check /change my booking only to discover I’d already booked it! So , pleased it was a comfy place. What threw me was I’d booked a Scenic hotel further north in Punakaiki. I’ve booked the Millennium hotel in Queenstown but am happy to change if anyone can recommend somewhere else( I’ve already changed Q’town twice!)

We’re booked for MO in Singapore, so hope it’s fab as we’ve twice stayed at pan Pacific with its excellent club lounge , so will be a tad disappointed if it’s not up to scratch. Mind you , the MO in HongKong was just top notch .
Our trip is in November

We’ve stayed a couple of times in Queenstown Park Hotel. Not part of a chain (which suits us!) and has seem great views from some (all?) of the rooms. It’s a small property (about 20 rooms, I think).
Great breakfast and enjoyable complimentary drink/canapes in the evening.

[Reeferman]

I had the same email today – for a flight on a Monday next September. It does indeed seem to be a full-on cancellation as mentioned above. Only flight options for me were 3 from LHR. Or cancellation for a full refund, of course

[Reeferman]

Coincidentally, I’m in the process of planning a 2+ week trip to Costa Rica. I’ve been to San Jose before – but only on business – staying in the city. It was a long time ago, but I don’t recall it being memorable. That might be unfair given it was primarily a business trip.

However, this time I want to explore a whole lot more, of course. The first place that caught my eye was Finca Rosa Blanca – just 20 minutes from SJO. It seemed a good place/area to spend a few days. Might be worth checking out to see if suits what you’re looking for.

[Reeferman]

On-and-off it’s been like it for a while – but it’s not consistent as sometimes/some days it’s “normal” speed.
However, during the last week (including just now) it’s been particularly bad.

[Reeferman]

AJ2307 wrote:

Hi all,

Does anyone know what the demand is like from LHR to Barbados in Jan, Feb or March (excluding half term?) Looking for 2 business seats in early 2027, 14 days away, completely flexible on dates we are away and dates are off peak so wondering if I’ll need to call up for the return leg or whether I’ll be ok in waiting and doing it online all in one go.

Demand will be red hot for pretty-much the whole of that time.

I’ve been lucky enough to book that route many times over the years – but it takes a very fast finger at midnight (or a phone call and a willing customer service agent which, based on recent comments here, is getting less reliable).

Definitely don’t wait to book both legs at the same time – good luck!

[Reeferman]

I’ve always enjoyed my stays at Hotel Julien.

Hotels are always such a personal thing, but take a look and see if it’s for you.

[Reeferman]

AndrewT wrote:

Received the email and really hoping they are added to my account (again) next month – because I received them as normal yesterday!

Your post prompted me to check my BA Club account. Seems mine have been added earlier today – despite receiving the month’s delay email. All very odd!

[Reeferman]

Just received the same email – first time for me too. Thankfully they’re not needed urgently – but a whole month’s delay seems excessive!

[Reeferman]

ps T-354, not T-355

[Reeferman]

It’s 0000 (midnight) GMT – so currently at 0100 while we’re on British Summer Time

[Reeferman]

Pleased you got the flight cancelled in time
It is unusual – but you’re right, cruise agents should be aware of this

[Reeferman]

I’m not a lawyer nor an expert on The jones Act (although have a passing knowledge of it from my business dealings). This does appear to be correct – a back-to-back cruise is seen as one cruise so you may well not be permitted to do this as you’re not visiting a “distant” foreign port in between.
All very odd under the circumstances – but may be worth cancelling your flight whilst it’s fully refundable and then seeking clarification from your “agent” who made the cruise booking.

[Reeferman]

The West Coast is the fashionable area to stay and I’m a fan of Coral Reef Club. BUT the prices are crazy in the peak months.
For our last few visits we’ve stayed at Little Arches, Oistins (South Coast). It’s a great property, walkable to Oistins and opposite the beach! Relatively reasonable prices too

[Reeferman]

domf wrote:

Reeferman wrote:

domf wrote:

I’ve done this multiple times and checked in Luggage, early seat selection and lounge access with no issues with BA Gold.

Good to hear – many thanks

I always worry about giving incorrect advise so double checked.

“Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo, Platinum and Gold members and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members can always take at least one checked bag (max. 23kg). ”

Source: https://www.finnair.com/gb-en/frequently-asked-questions/finnair-plus/as-finnair-plus-platinum-lumo-platinum-gold-silver-member–can-i-take-one-checked-bag-free-of-charge-when-travelling-with-a-light-ticket–1904236

Many thanks for double-checking.

[Reeferman]

domf wrote:

I’ve done this multiple times and checked in Luggage, early seat selection and lounge access with no issues with BA Gold.

Good to hear – many thanks

[Reeferman]

Am looking at booking Finnair from UK to Phuket – on a “Business Lite” fare.
A dummy booking shows free seat selection due to my BA Gold status BUT I’m unclear if any checked-in luggage is included.
Business Lite does not include check-in luggage as standard, but the Finnair website suggests 1 bag might be included due to status. It also suggests this is only for me as a Gold Card holder and not for the other non-Gold passenger
Does anyone have any experience to confirm or deny any of this please?
TIA

[Reeferman]

Working OK for me. Shows 8 Economy only – both with and without a 2-4-1 voucher

[Reeferman]

chrishors wrote:

Hi,
last week I found availability for next Oct to KUL and rushed ahead and booked 2 seats using the 241 on my account. Unfortunately, this was a voucher I had just received from my BA premium which is valid for 2 years. My wife has one which expires next Oct and I should have used this one.
Does anyone know the best way to approach this? I could just cancel it for £70 (I think) and hope that the seats are still there to rebook, but that is risky. Would they make changes for me if I contacted them, and if so what is the best way to contact the dept that can do this?
If I can’t change this, I will waste one 241 voucher, and that is a BIG waste.
Thanks to anyone who posts a reply.

BA has swapped them in these circumstances for me in the past – but it was some years ago, so not up to date on their attitude to this now. Definitely worth calling and asking though
I suggest you call your BA Exec Club number and chose the option for amending an exisitng booking

[Reeferman]

Alwaysbusy wrote:

@NorthernLass Many thanks for your advice on using the upgrade voucher, especially finding an off-peak date. Availability in CW to BOS currently looks good for off-peak dates in late August.

@executiveclubber – Newport mansions definitely sounds interesting; will do some research. Also looking at exploring Cape Cod.

Last year we did a tour through Newport Classic Car Company – which was great fun.

[Reeferman]

I did exactly this trip (QM2 Southampton to New York and back home on BA daytime flight from JFK) last month. It was fantastic – so much to do on the ship each day. Am sure you’ll enjoy every minute
Also went to Intrepid museum – there’s a Concorde there now too (extra admission fee!)
This time we stayed on Upper West Side (The Wallace Hotel) which has some great prices if you book well in advance. To be fair it does vary hugely day-by-day, so may not work for your trip. The area felt very safe – easy walk to Central Park of course
I’m not the greatest fan of New York, so won’t offer any other suggestions – others have already done so already anyway
Enjoy the trip – and particularly the Liner!

[Reeferman]

Am surprised you find a delay with notifications soon after using the Halifax Clarity Card. My experience has been the reverse – almost all of my transactions are instantly available on the App. Am currently using it in France and, for example, restaurant transactions on the App before I leave the table.

[Reeferman]

I booked Iberia (using an Amex 2-4-1) via the BA website. The flight was booked at the earliest date it became available (there was no mention of Optima or Comfort). BUT what I remember was the seating option on the Iberia app didn’t become available for some days (weeks?) after the booking – so it’s worth checking-back periodically as, agw, it will eventually appear

[Reeferman]

Same here – all transactions now showing (and cleared) on the App and all AVIOS too.