British Airways adds superior Do&Co catering on more long haul routes

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• DaveL says:

  26 May26 May 19:19

  Very OT – well travelled HFPers, I wonder if I could ask for your travel advice. We’re visiting the other side of the globe in October, (all on avois/virgin points, of course – thanks Rob), stopping Aus (Sydney) for a few days before flying home. We only have five nights, and I’d like 2 in the city to explore a little, but living in London we like to avoid the cities too much whilst away, and would rather escape to see some nature for the other 3 nights. We’re happy to drive a couple of hours, but probably not much more. Could anyone recommend a nice beach area to stay, that is outside of the city? Is it good to head North to Central Coast or South to Wollongong, or would you recommend other areas? Options to use points (IHG, Marriott) would be a bonus.! TIA

  • Blue Mountains says:

    27 May27 May 00:59

    Not with a beach but definitely lots of nature and lots to explore at the Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney. If your heart is set on a beach destination, then have a look at the Entrance (Central Coast) and Toowoon Bay beach. Terrigal and Avoca beach are lovely too (Central Coast). Not many big chain hotels outside of Sydney but someone else might know more on that. Just bear in mind, aussie October is equivalent to europe’s April (where even in the mediterranean the sea is cold) and the ocean can still be on the chilly side. Have fun wherever you end up!

  • Louie says:

    27 May27 May 01:29

    Is the idea to sit on the beach or to go exploring? How much luxury do you like? Are you a couple or family?

    If you want real nature and a bit of adventure, I’d hire a motorhome and head south. One night visiting Jervis Bay (Hyams Beach is IMO the second whitest beach in Australia, good chance of seeing dolphins. Maybe stay at White Sands Caravan Park in Huskisson, dinner at the Husky pub), one night at Potato Point (Beachcomber Holiday Park, middle of nowhere, hundreds of kangaroos, maybe a goanna, another fantastic beach but more for bodyboarding or surfing), one night at Kangaroo Valley (free camp at Bendeela, wombats and more kangaroos). That would be a couple of hours driving each day though and it won’t be that warm in October unless you are lucky.

    If sitting on the beach all day is more your thing, I’d go north as it will be warmer. There are plenty of pleasant places on the Central Coast. Can’t help with hotels other than to say that Bells at Killcare has a great reputation but is not a budget option, nor available on points.

    Whilst in Sydney, do the BridgeClimb if you can. Expensive but worth it. If not, go up the top of the pylon on the south side, also excellent views of the harbour past the Opera House and out towards the Heads.

    • DaveL says:

      27 May27 May 18:06

      Many thanks both for your detailed replies. Super helpful. Would love to travel further and visit potato point etc., but I think maybe be for another time, with longer to spend travelling and staying at different spots. Given your helpful point RE weather too, we’ll likely spend a couple of night in the blue mountains instead. Can also redeem some Accor points there 🙂 Will check out harbour bridge climb too. Thanks again

• Jane says:

  26 May26 May 19:46

  O/T – Amex Plat cancellation: is the refund still pro rata on a per day basis, or per month/billing period as some recently suggested? Thanks

  • BJ says:

    26 May26 May 19:58

    Recent reports suggest it is now monthly.

    • MarkH says:

      26 May26 May 21:01

      As BJ mentioned some people have said monthly but I just cancelled my plat and got a refund of £352.60 which isn’t a multiple of £37.50 (the monthly fee for plat).

      The prorated fee I paid was £97.40 which = 79 days.

      I applied on 2nd March and didn’t get an instant decision but looking at my first statement transactions started on 8th March and I cancelled on 24th May =78 days. So my account must have gone live on 7th March.

      So I think it’s still daily

      • paul says:

        26 May26 May 23:16

        Also just cancelled my Amex plat and was told the amount of the refund, which is def not a multiple of £37.50 implying the refund pro rata is per day for me also

      • Michael says:

        26 May26 May 23:25

        did the gold to plat upgrade and had £411 back. Had the card for probably about a month.

    • tom1 says:

      26 May26 May 21:13

      I have Amex Plat with a small balance of points that I want to keep as MR points if poss.

      If I apply for a new Green, then cancel my plat, will that work?

      • MarkH says:

        26 May26 May 21:24

        Yes but you might need to get them to combine your MR accounts first.

        Basically just check your MR balance is visible under both the plat and green before cancelling the plat.

        • tom1 says:

          26 May26 May 21:52

          good idea, thanks.

• Robert says:

  26 May26 May 21:42

  O/T: Is there a First cabin in the London-Muscat BA flights? I’m reading contradictory things on different websites – we’re looking to go in November but Rewards Finder is showing no flights (not just no availability).

  • Clive says:

    27 May27 May 00:01

    I believe if the aircraft scheduled is the 787-9 then it’s a yes

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