Chat thread – Monday 7th April
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Hilton Offer received on one our BAPP Cards. Will monitor to see if it eventually arrives on the other. It’s a pity that it only on until 4 July. I should have a use for it before then but would be pleased if the offer is extended until the end of August (wishful thinking!!)
Meantime, me & OH are off to DPS next weekend (IHG Sanur again), flying QR ex-EDI (presently in Economy with potential to upgrade) and looking to buy Noise cancelling headphones x 2 for this trip (and hopefully similar future Vacances) – (provided the Orange one hasn’t totally wiped out my pension!!..Ugh!!). Frankly, I am all ‘Amazoned-out’ with the choice and reviews of such headphones and would appreciate some help!! I know I have previously seen recommendations/comments in the forum in the past but have no idea where to find them! I am happy to receive any current top tips/advice/recommendations, if anyone has the time to point me in the right direction and thanks in anticipation!!
Oh, and finally, many thanks to all in the HfP community, whose help and insight has enabled me to (unexpectedly) achieve BA Silver just before the 31st March deadline and in time for our trip this weekend.
Just thinking of going to India in February next year – a place i have never been and only have 12 days on the ground.
At the moment dont really have the time to do a lot of planning so will do it later, but would like to book the flights with BA as have a voucher that expires mid March and plan later.
Where would people suggest i fly to – Delhi or Mumbai to visit the main sites? Definitly want to do Jaipur and Taj Mahal not too bothered about the big cities.
Any advice appreciatedWe are going to India in October. Flying into Delhi from LHR and then driving to Agra and Jaipur. From Jaipur we fly to Goa for a few days, then fly to Mumbai for a few days before heading back to London.
Apologies as a bit off-topic, but does anyone use Trading 212 for their ISA, was wondering how easy it is to withdraw money if you need it? (probably won’t but who knows).
Really easy. just takes a day or so to make its way over to your bank so its not instant but its quick.
Thank you, sounds good.
Wonder if oil price will eventually feed into lower fuel surcharges, perhaps by this time next year🤣
Apologies as a bit off-topic, but does anyone use Trading 212 for their ISA, was wondering how easy it is to withdraw money if you need it? (probably won’t but who knows).
Great platform, you get daily updates on interest payments, I’ve just topped up my allowance for another year. You can withdraw without penalty same day if you need to.
Beware, there are some companies giving a bonus for the first few months, but then the interest drops well below the standard rate.
Hi
Bit of a niche Q.
Was a bit too eager and went to apply for HSBC World Elite card. Realised halfway through that I was a week too early to be over 6months. So although I have clicked apply and got a successful confirmation, I didn’t go through to accept terms and conditions etc and just cancelled out.Do you think I have ticked a box somewhere and now If I wait the week to apply again I won’t get the SUB?
looking to buy Noise cancelling headphones x 2 for this trip
Bose qc45 (SE version is pretty much the same thing) or Sony xm4 (xm5 have mixed opinions).
Aim to spend well under £200. There are often deals on both.
More expensive brands and models available but with diminishing returns. Those two are the sweet spot.Just thinking of going to India in February next year – a place i have never been and only have 12 days on the ground.
At the moment dont really have the time to do a lot of planning so will do it later, but would like to book the flights with BA as have a voucher that expires mid March and plan later.
Where would people suggest i fly to – Delhi or Mumbai to visit the main sites? Definitly want to do Jaipur and Taj Mahal not too bothered about the big cities.
Any advice appreciatedWe are going to India in October. Flying into Delhi from LHR and then driving to Agra and Jaipur. From Jaipur we fly to Goa for a few days, then fly to Mumbai for a few days before heading back to London.
Many years ago now we flew into Delhi (stayed in a timeshare) and we hired a driver who took us to Agra, Jaipur and another place I now can’t remember…the driver charged 600 rupees a day. No doubt the fees are much higher but this driver was happy to drop us off and wait as long as required….A big tip brought a smile to his face..
looking to buy Noise cancelling headphones x 2 for this trip
Bose qc45 (SE version is pretty much the same thing) or Sony xm4 (xm5 have mixed opinions).
Aim to spend well under £200. There are often deals on both.
More expensive brands and models available but with diminishing returns. Those two are the sweet spot.If you don’t care about the brand name, try Sound core Q20.
I used an XM4 and a Jbl Live Pro+ previously and the Sound core, which costs about 1/4th is actually as good better than the Sony.Hilton Offer received on one our BAPP Cards. Will monitor to see if it eventually arrives on the other. It’s a pity that it only on until 4 July. I should have a use for it before then but would be pleased if the offer is extended until the end of August (wishful thinking!!)
Meantime, me & OH are off to DPS next weekend (IHG Sanur again), flying QR ex-EDI (presently in Economy with potential to upgrade) and looking to buy Noise cancelling headphones x 2 for this trip (and hopefully similar future Vacances) – (provided the Orange one hasn’t totally wiped out my pension!!..Ugh!!). Frankly, I am all ‘Amazoned-out’ with the choice and reviews of such headphones and would appreciate some help!! I know I have previously seen recommendations/comments in the forum in the past but have no idea where to find them! I am happy to receive any current top tips/advice/recommendations, if anyone has the time to point me in the right direction and thanks in anticipation!!
Oh, and finally, many thanks to all in the HfP community, whose help and insight has enabled me to (unexpectedly) achieve BA Silver just before the 31st March deadline and in time for our trip this weekend.
I agree with @Aston100 regarding the Bose QC45, that is what I use and they are very good indeed. They are available on Amazon for <£200 and similarly at Bose’s website but note that as a discontinued model these are certified refurbished.
The current model seems to be simply called Bose QuietComfort Headphones. I cannot readily see any difference and note that depending on when you need them, Bose regularly drop the price.
I pair mine with the Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter which plugs into the plane headphone socket and transmits to the Bose thus avoiding trailing cables.Just got the offer via email to extend Gold Sparrow for another year. Cost of $350. I have taken the offer given my travel plans for the next 12 months. Works for me to have OWSaphire for seats and extra baggage.
Limited Time Opportunity
Extend your Gold SPARROW Status until 07 April 2026Dear xxxx
You’re invited to an exclusive opportunity to restore your Gold SPARROW status with the Royal Club.
For just a one-time payment of $350, you can unlock all the premium perks of Gold SPARROW through 07 April, 2026.
@ToonFlyer -the Hilton offer works with pre-paid bookings, as long as you’re confident you won’t need to cancel. I use them mostly to book airport hotels when I’ve got a definite trip planned as they tend to be cheaper if you book further out.
For early T3 departures the HGI is very convenient and the £50 back takes the sting out of the pricing a bit!
Fair urgent advice needed.
I’m due to fly to Toronto tomorrow for a 2 week holiday with my wife and 2 year old. I completely forgot to apply for the ETA until I tried to check in and it advised me to do so.
I applied and my wife and daughter got accepted immediately but my authorisation is pending a review up to max 72 hours. I’m not sure why, I visited in 2016 for a 10 day holiday and had no issues. I’ve also had no visa issues anywhere.
I’m resigned to the fact that I won’t be able to travel tomorrow but I’ll join when the ETA comes through.
We’re all booked on a Avios reward ticket. I intent to go to Heathrow tomorrow to assist my wife and daughter checking in and let the agent know that I cannot fly but all 3 of us intend to take the return flight home.
Is there anything else I can or need to do? I don’t want BA to cancel my return flight as I will be a no show.
Calling BA to discuss is the only obvious answer. If it’s less than 24 hours you can’t split the PNR and rebook even if you wanted to – and if the ETA does come through you’d then be stuffed anyway.
Certainly going to the airport is a good plan as you’re then ready to go if you are able to at the last minute.
Hilton Offer received on one our BAPP Cards. Will monitor to see if it eventually arrives on the other. It’s a pity that it only on until 4 July. I should have a use for it before then but would be pleased if the offer is extended until the end of August (wishful thinking!!)
Meantime, me & OH are off to DPS next weekend (IHG Sanur again), flying QR ex-EDI (presently in Economy with potential to upgrade) and looking to buy Noise cancelling headphones x 2 for this trip (and hopefully similar future Vacances) – (provided the Orange one hasn’t totally wiped out my pension!!..Ugh!!). Frankly, I am all ‘Amazoned-out’ with the choice and reviews of such headphones and would appreciate some help!! I know I have previously seen recommendations/comments in the forum in the past but have no idea where to find them! I am happy to receive any current top tips/advice/recommendations, if anyone has the time to point me in the right direction and thanks in anticipation!!
Oh, and finally, many thanks to all in the HfP community, whose help and insight has enabled me to (unexpectedly) achieve BA Silver just before the 31st March deadline and in time for our trip this weekend.
I agree with @Aston100 regarding the Bose QC45, that is what I use and they are very good indeed. They are available on Amazon for <£200 and similarly at Bose’s website but note that as a discontinued model these are certified refurbished.
The current model seems to be simply called Bose QuietComfort Headphones. I cannot readily see any difference and note that depending on when you need them, Bose regularly drop the price.
I pair mine with the Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter which plugs into the plane headphone socket and transmits to the Bose thus avoiding trailing cables.@Aston1000 @MGW & @inman. That is of immense help and cannot thank you all enough for taking the time to respond. Your suggestions have allowed me to focus and narrow down on what I want/need. I saw that the Sony MX4 has been reviewed as the best of the upper mid-range products. Forgive me for being non-tech savvy, but do I still need a Bluetooth transmitter for the plane? I’m on Amazon Prime and I’m happy that I’ll have delivery (possibly by tomorrow if I get my finger out!!🤣🤣).
@ToonFlyer -the Hilton offer works with pre-paid bookings, as long as you’re confident you won’t need to cancel. I use them mostly to book airport hotels when I’ve got a definite trip planned as they tend to be cheaper if you book further out.
For early T3 departures the HGI is very convenient and the £50 back takes the sting out of the pricing a bit!
You are right as ever @NorthernLass. Thank you for the reminder. I did manage to book a few rooms for work-related trips that way in the previous offers. I’m staying at the Hilton DT at EDI Airport pre-flight (a nice drive up from Newcastle) so will immediately click the cash back on this stay…just got to remember to put the evening meal on the bill to qualify!!
Thanks again.
😇
🙏@ToonFlyer -the Hilton offer works with pre-paid bookings, as long as you’re confident you won’t need to cancel. I use them mostly to book airport hotels when I’ve got a definite trip planned as they tend to be cheaper if you book further out.
For early T3 departures the HGI is very convenient and the £50 back takes the sting out of the pricing a bit!
And for the record, even more convenient for LHR T2 departures. I usually feel ready for a holiday once I’ve managed the long walk from the Heathrow Express/Elizabeth Line platforms to T2. So it’s noce to wake up at the HGI and only have to walk into the building.
@ToonFlyer, you are most welcome. We also really like the DT at NCL and stay there when visiting the NE even though we don’t fly from there! It’s probably the best value for money Hilton property we’ve ever stayed at, often under £100 pn, nice restaurant, lots of free drinks vouchers and of course such friendly staff.
@Wiseoldman It will be interesting to see if that results in a soft landing, one year of OWS and one of OWR will be great value for $350 considering where BA are heading. If I get the same offer I’m minded to go for it even though the soft landing isn’t guaranteed.
Fair urgent advice needed.
I’m due to fly to Toronto tomorrow for a 2 week holiday with my wife and 2 year old. I completely forgot to apply for the ETA until I tried to check in and it advised me to do so.
I applied and my wife and daughter got accepted immediately but my authorisation is pending a review up to max 72 hours. I’m not sure why, I visited in 2016 for a 10 day holiday and had no issues. I’ve also had no visa issues anywhere.
I’m resigned to the fact that I won’t be able to travel tomorrow but I’ll join when the ETA comes through.
We’re all booked on a Avios reward ticket. I intent to go to Heathrow tomorrow to assist my wife and daughter checking in and let the agent know that I cannot fly but all 3 of us intend to take the return flight home.
Is there anything else I can or need to do? I don’t want BA to cancel my return flight as I will be a no show.
I had this and the eta came through within 30 min so hopefully a good chance it will come through quickly. I also recall on the application there is a travel date which hopefully prioritises
@strickers it isnt guaranteed obviously but they did give us a soft landing this year. When gold expired we were on silver. hoping for the best next year.
Fair urgent advice needed.
I’m due to fly to Toronto tomorrow for a 2 week holiday with my wife and 2 year old. I completely forgot to apply for the ETA until I tried to check in and it advised me to do so.
I applied and my wife and daughter got accepted immediately but my authorisation is pending a review up to max 72 hours. I’m not sure why, I visited in 2016 for a 10 day holiday and had no issues. I’ve also had no visa issues anywhere.
I’m resigned to the fact that I won’t be able to travel tomorrow but I’ll join when the ETA comes through.
We’re all booked on a Avios reward ticket. I intent to go to Heathrow tomorrow to assist my wife and daughter checking in and let the agent know that I cannot fly but all 3 of us intend to take the return flight home.
Is there anything else I can or need to do? I don’t want BA to cancel my return flight as I will be a no show.
I had this and the eta came through within 30 min so hopefully a good chance it will come through quickly. I also recall on the application there is a travel date which hopefully prioritises
Thank you – yes I did notice the travel date question so hoping someone takes pity and looks at it quickly. Hoping for a miracle overnight. I’ll be there at Heathrow till the last possible moment.
@Wiseoldman Did the status drop before you received the offer?
Fair urgent advice needed.
I’m due to fly to Toronto tomorrow for a 2 week holiday with my wife and 2 year old. I completely forgot to apply for the ETA until I tried to check in and it advised me to do so.
I applied and my wife and daughter got accepted immediately but my authorisation is pending a review up to max 72 hours. I’m not sure why, I visited in 2016 for a 10 day holiday and had no issues. I’ve also had no visa issues anywhere.
I’m resigned to the fact that I won’t be able to travel tomorrow but I’ll join when the ETA comes through.
We’re all booked on a Avios reward ticket. I intent to go to Heathrow tomorrow to assist my wife and daughter checking in and let the agent know that I cannot fly but all 3 of us intend to take the return flight home.
Is there anything else I can or need to do? I don’t want BA to cancel my return flight as I will be a no show.
I had this and the eta came through within 30 min so hopefully a good chance it will come through quickly. I also recall on the application there is a travel date which hopefully prioritises
Thank you – yes I did notice the travel date question so hoping someone takes pity and looks at it quickly. Hoping for a miracle overnight. I’ll be there at Heathrow till the last possible moment.
OH had the same situation with a 72 hour response quoted even though travelled on a previous eTA. Logged back into application a couple of hours later to see that it had been approved – never received an email confirming acceptance. Might be worth a try and good luck. We were in Toronto in November and had a great time – try the ice wine if you not experienced it before.
looking to buy Noise cancelling headphones x 2 for this trip
Bose qc45 (SE version is pretty much the same thing) or Sony xm4 (xm5 have mixed opinions).
Aim to spend well under £200. There are often deals on both.
More expensive brands and models available but with diminishing returns. Those two are the sweet spot.Check out “nothing” ear buds.
Used the first release of them for a couple of years now with no problem
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