[RV]

I’ve been monitoring LHR-IAD for almost 2 months now and PE return has been constant at 21k + £460 (saver fare). The tax increase might have happened a while ago (depending when you booked your ticket last time).

[RV]

I don’t think this logic would work for holiday destinations.

Think check in and check out times. Arriving too early is no fun (remember some hotels might not allow check in until 3pm)! Also not sure how many people would prefer to check out of their hotel at 5am on the last day to return to London, rather than enjoying the last day with a late check out when available etc.

It might be me, but I struggle to see your suggestion working for most people!

[RV]

Thanks both. All sorted after calling and speaking to someone in Brighton. Points are already on the account 🙂

In the end they couldn’t see any offers on their side, even though it’s showing on my Amex app right now.

The agent asked if I could screenshot the offer, and after I said yes they asked me to hold. After a couple of min (prob speaking to supervisor etc) the agent came back and offered the enhanced bonus straight away as a gesture of goodwill (to save the hassle from sending the screenshots etc).

So clearly a tracking issue, and probably happening quite frequently given how quickly it got resolved!

[RV]

For anyone interested: how to *not* downgrade someone https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-downgrades-threatens-embarrasses-brazilian-celebrity/

[RV]

Froggee wrote:

You can’t go T3.

Priority pass lounges at T5 are (apparently) so bad that I haven’t even been to have a look.

Agree there’s no reason whatsoever to use the PP lounges instead of the BA lounges.

I was at the Plaza Premium T5 two weeks ago, and it struck me how miserable both staff and guests look, it’s quite depressing! I’ve been there a couple of times and, after this last visit, wife and I agreed that we’d be better off just having a coffee somewhere else in the terminal when not flying club.

[RV]

Also recommend checking the FB group about it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/711484967138305/

[RV]

Thanks @mrozuf! I can now see availability to SSA and FOR using the app.

When trying the same dates/destination on the website I get the usual “ We’re sorry, there was a problem processing your request.” message.

[RV]

Waffles1 wrote:

Overall I’ve had 15k points in 3x5k increments, with 2 days to go, I’m not expecting anymore.

In the main I’m happy with getting £22 or so for free, however I’d probably have preferred if they drip fed it to me a little more, since spinning the wheel 21 times and only winning on 3 of them is a little disappointing.

I think you did better than most. Got 10k on my first spin and then nothing ever since. Wife didn’t win anything.

[RV]

Olly wrote:

not being able to confirm one way or another whether or not you will earn the bonus (ideally at the time of purchase), leaves a somewhat unsavoury taste in the month.

I am pretty sure the ASA will agree with you on this. If by the time you’re purchasing the gift cards there was any mention to the bonus points on the offer page, I’d definitely raise that and request the offer to be honoured.

There are some very clear rules on “limited to the first X customers” type of offers, and relevant exclusions need to be clearly signposted (not just hidden in T&Cs etc).

[RV]

I’ve been searching for flights to Brazil now for a couple of months and nothing ever comes up. I wonder if the call centre can see any availability? I’m in no hurry at all so haven’t researched much further tbh.

[RV]

davefl wrote:

Jill Kinkell wrote:

However We wandered about Santiago ( daylight hours) and it was very pleasant.

Exactly. Manchester/London are far more dangerous than Santiago

Unless you’re joking and I completely missed it, one just needs to look at the murder/theft/kidnapping rate for the three cities to know this is *not* the case.

Even if things improve in Santiago, caution is always advised in South America. The worse that can happen in London (and most European cities) is that someone will snatch your phone if you’re not careful.

Not the case in South America where you might have a gun pointed at you for a phone theft while you’re in a terrace in a nice bar (speaking from experience, and this was the main reason why I decided to move out of SAm).

Also @JDB thanks for clarifying re the cabin crew soaking to passengers around it! Makes more sense.

In regards to safety. I think that was the reason why I enjoyed the sacred valley so much. Everywhere felt really safe and relaxed!! Lima was okay but being a big city we were advised not to walk at night, have out phones out etc which is standard advice.

[RV]

@JDB I’m really surprised by all the warnings given (including LATAM – first time I hear about that happening). I wonder if they are doing the same for anyone flying to São Paulo or Rio!

[RV]

+ 1 for reducing nights in Lima, and staying for longer in the sacred valley. Also highly recommend hiring a car in the sacred valley as many people recommended on the threat just posted above.

Also when arriving in Cusco go straight to the sacred valley, and leave Cusco city to the end of your itinerary. It will make a massive difference to getting used to the altitude!

[RV]

mikeHi wrote:

Morning all,

With an upcoming trip to Budapest (Christmas Markets) I was hoping for some advice.

1. Arriving late into BUD so will grab a taxi from the airport to centre. Do those familiar with the city recommend Uber or using the airport taxis outside terminal?

2. Any ‘must visits’ that I may not already be tracking? Restaurants/activities etc

3. I notice there is a Mastercard lounge at the airport? Anyone used this? What are the entry requirements?

Any help is much appreciated!

I’d recommend two bars:

If you’re into cocktails:
Boutiq Bar: We entered there by chance to then find out it was quite highly rated after speaking to a friend who’s really into cocktails and stuff.

We got there early in the night, and tried to go back for a night cap but there was a huge queue!

Leo Rooftop: Overpriced, but offer great views of the chain bridge and the parliament. Worth one drink for the view though!

I’d completely give it a pass to any of those “ruin bars”.

[RV]

Oh damn good point, didn’t consider that variable!

[RV]

The taxes + avios difference might justify PE with IB if (fingers crossed) there’s some availability for your dates!

[RV]

Yep, it’s HBO when purchasing IB Economy seats via BA.

You can only get checked bags now in economy when buying via IB and choosing the Comfort fares (but then of course your 241 can’t be used).

That’s because earlier this year IB introduced “economy basic”. My understanding is that BA will only show economy basic seats, which don’t come with luggage either on short haul or long haul.

Can’t say for sure the costs for Santiago. To Brasil the costs are £75/bag/flight.

All that being said, it’s still better to book IB economy basic seats via BA, as you can benefit from the £35 cancellation and refund rules. When booking via IB, Economy Basic seats are non refundable!

[RV]

@jkishan16 you did all the right things by researching and getting ready ahead of time. Wishing you all the luck with the bookings!

I know the feeling. Just been on the “points game” and found out about this forum 3 years ago. Since then I’ve been able to book business/PE trips without breaking the bank with the great advice from other readers. It’s a game changer as like you I would only travel economy and not even consider depart with my cash for a premium cabin!

I now try to convert all my friends to it, but still too many people afraid of credit cards out there!

[RV]

Consider Iberia (search Madrid – Tokyo).

– You can use your CV
– The Avios required and taxes will be considerably lower vs flying out of London. With the savings you can safely pay for the trip to Madrid (which you will have to book separately, preferably the day before if you want to be very safe with timings).
– Availability tends to be much better vs BA (although if booking T-355 that might not apply as IB releases seats earlier).

[RV]

truthbetold wrote:

Couldn’t find the referral box once we had triggered the 36k. Perhaps you have to enter referral code before you trigger 36k?

Yes seems like they fixed this loophole. I checked on my wife’s account and the option to add the referral code is not there anymore (she got the 2nd part of the SUB this month).

[RV]

Jill Kinkell wrote:

This reminded me to check. I have the avios for 3 out of 4 flights. OH has none! I was the lead booker/contact and these 4 flights were in PE.

Exactly the same that happened to me!

[RV]

Also received both today (18k after hitting the min spend from the enhanced SUB + the 7k referral). Happy days 🙌

[RV]

Wife and I were on the same Latam flights in Peru, both os us added our BA Club numbers to the reservation.

I got the points without a problem, whilst she chased at least 3 times until eventually giving up.

[RV]

Keeping up with the referral topic… how long does it normally take to get the referral bonus into the BAPP avios statement?

In the past I referred a friend using my platinum card and the MR bonus were added to the account the following day.

Last week I referred another friend using my BAPP referral link. They got approved but there is nothing showing on my account yet.

I think officially it can take up to 10 weeks, but I’m assuming it wouldn’t take that long? Just trying to figure out if something might have gone wrong with the tracking etc.

[RV]

smitrax wrote:

RV wrote:

Chivvy wrote:

Does it make any difference if you sign up to the monthly account or the annual account?

Yes, the discount only applies to your first payment. So you will only get the max financial benefit out of this Black Friday deal if you pay the annual fee.

My understanding is that you get the discount on your first year of monthly payments and then at renewal it increases to the normal rate.

I did the annual one last year on Dec 1 and unless I renew at the standard fee my only option is to cancel and start a monthly plan.

From the offer T&Cs:
The discount granted through the coupons BLACKFRIDAY2025 and BLACKFRIDAY30OFF is valid only for the first subscription charge. It does not apply to subsequent recurring charges, which will be billed at the full price of the selected plan.

+ some other reports and comments online confirming this (such as this one: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/all-signature-30-40-off-points-subscription-service-buy-points-for-less-than-their-worth/)