[slonik]

But above the conclusion, it also says the following:

You need to book the outbound flights as a one-way using your 2-4-1 voucher as usual.
You book your return flight, separately, using full Avios (so you need to have enough Avios in your account). You can then ring BA, link the two flights and get half of the Avios for the return flight refunded. Because each flight remains on a separate ticket, your taxes are not recalculated.

There is no mention of T-355 in that part, but perhaps that only applies to Hong Kong or Rio. As I said, lesson learnt, but that was where my original confusion came from.

[slonik]

Thank you, I feared as much. Live and learn…

[slonik]

YMMV, but I tend to convert my Virgin points into Hilton Honors directly, in batches of 10,000 at a rate of 2:3. https://hfp2026mar.kinsta.cloud/2024/09/16/how-to-convert-virgin-points-to-hilton-or-ihg-hotel-points-virgin-redemption-university-7/
I feel this gives me more flexibility, I can use my Hilton status and – according to Rob’s calculations – this route potentially offers slightly better value than Kaligo: https://hfp2026mar.kinsta.cloud/2024/09/28/redeem-virgin-points-for-hotel-rooms-via-kaligo-2/

[slonik]

Is the salary/income requirement pre- or post-tax, does anyone know?

[slonik]

Have a look at Mimaru suites. They have family-friendly apartment hotels in the major cities and were recommended when I was researching our family trip.

[slonik]

In my experience BA will automatically allocate you seats together anyway, for free. Obviously not 100% guaranteed, but we’ve never had an issue and I’ve never paid for seat selection. Here is their official policy: https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/family-travel/seating

The only airline I’ve come across which will on purpose sit everyone separately if you haven’t pre-paid for seats is Ryanair.

[slonik]

No retention offer for me, despite asking on webchat.

[slonik]

Just wanted to update with my recent experience. I booked outbound flight with Avios and reward voucher online; inbound was not available. At T-355, I booked inbound flight also online, with just Avios. I then messaged BA on Twitter, asking them to add refund the extra Avios for the inbound leg. They said they would, but it may take some time. A week later, I chased up on Twitter. A week later, still no Avios so I called up. Was on the phone for 50 mins all in – including waiting for them to answer, and then waiting for the agent to sort out my problem. Turned out the Twitter people had put down something incorrectly and that had complicated matters, but Avios have now been credited back so all is well.
So, reading feedback above, Twitter can be great if it works, but it doesn’t always.

[slonik]

Any Stansted regulars around – wondering what are my chances of getting into the Escape lounge with the Priority Pass around mid-morning on a weekday (not in school holidays)?

Debating whether to pay to pre-book or to risk it and spend the money in Pret if we don’t get in (not least because the lounge reviews seem to be far from glowing).

[slonik]

Thank you so much for all the advice, it is hugely appreciated.

You have convinced me to drop the Copper Canyon. (Interesting that the area is no go according to FCDO – it is prominently featured in a photo exhibition outside the Mexico embassy in London, which I passed the other day, and which was actually what inspired me to try and add it to the trip in the first place. I am clearly easily influenced by beautiful photos!!!)

We will spend longer in Yucatan and Mexico City instead; that way we can explore both properly.

@NorthernLass please can you post a trip report when you are back? Would love to read it.

@JDB which areas of Yucatan would you recommend as a base? Is around Tulum still (comparatively) OK? You make a very good point re “selling” the ruins to the teen. I will do that and will aim for Tulum, Chichen Itza and one other (plus Teotihuacán once we get to CDMX).

[slonik]

Thank you. I was worried it may be too much…

We are not really big R&R or beach people on holiday, so not too worried about the sargassum. I am aware the area gets a bit of a bad press these days, and that there are better coastal parts of Mexico. But for us the coast isn’t really the main attraction (other than maybe to see some turtles etc). The idea in Yucatan was to avoid some of the most overcrowded resorts, and focus on the archaeological sites, wildlife and cenotes. Cozumel might be a good shout.

I really want to see the Mayan ruins, and I think that means we can’t really avoid Yucatan. I may be wrong though.

[slonik]

There is a pub on Granary Square called the Lighterman, with lots of outside tables including some on a balcony/roof. It may not be the most scenic, but it’s a nice enough spot, with views over the square and the canal.

[slonik]

Sounds great. Do you have any tips on how to get there? Google suggests flights via Oslo, which seem both long and expensive for 3 nights.

[slonik]

Joining this thread, if I may, to ask for any recommendations for Cappadocia. Is it easy to see independently or do we need a guide? Any tips for where to stay and how best to get there would also be great.

[slonik]

Thank you!! Some really good advice here. Will definitely pick up some turtl pillow dupes on eBay, look into noise cancelling headphones, and try my best to unclench on the child’s screen time. Good idea re thick paperback (and totally agree on lack of editing in the lager Potter books :))