Do I get free VIP breakfast if room is booked through British Airways Holidays?

[firstbrazil]

Hi, I am trying to decide how to plan my spend on holidays this year in order to maximise the cost and benefits, and I was wondering… Do I get the free VIP breakfast if the room is booked through British Airways Holidays?

Thanks

[Rob]

No.

No points, no benefits. How do you think Radisson fund the 20%-25% commission paid to BA?

[firstbrazil]

I was aware that no points were given, but I was not sure if showing the VIP card would get a free breakfast with a room only booking through BA. Thanks for clarifying

[KingVKD]

Bit late – but Inside flyer ran an article last year that third party bookings would receive status benefits. Untested from me though.

[Mrs Trellis]

I haven’t tested this either, but the terms and conditions state “Eligible Rate does not include … rates booked through an online travel company (only eligible for benefits)”

[BBbetter]

KingVKD wrote:

Bit late – but Inside flyer ran an article last year that third party bookings would receive status benefits. Untested from me though.

Remember reading that first stay (not booked directly) gets you benefits but not from the second. No idea if it’s in the TnCs now or how they would enforce it.

[Waffles1]

I just stayed at the Radisson Red at Heathrow last week.
Stay there regularly for work, but now we’re required to use a corporate travel agent.
When I pick a certain option it allows me to enter my Radisson number and I’ll get points and benefits as usual (the booking even appears in the app).
My most recent stay I mistakenly picked an “Expedia” rate on the travel agent, didn’t get a chance to enter my number at booking, but was able to give it at check-in.
I didn’t get my usual level of upgrade as they were unprepared, however got full recognition, including breakfast and access to the lounge.
On check out, the 2 nights counted towards my total night stays, but on my activity log it said “travel site nights and stays earned” then +0.
Strangely though, I did get 2,000 points as part of a promotion “Htls in need”

[BBbetter]

Waffles1 wrote:

I just stayed at the Radisson Red at Heathrow last week.
Stay there regularly for work, but now we’re required to use a corporate travel agent.
When I pick a certain option it allows me to enter my Radisson number and I’ll get points and benefits as usual (the booking even appears in the app).
My most recent stay I mistakenly picked an “Expedia” rate on the travel agent, didn’t get a chance to enter my number at booking, but was able to give it at check-in.

Many corporate travel agents have outsourced the backend of their platform to Expedia or similar, as part of cutting costs. While this definitely covers prepaid stays, pay on checkout might still be eligible as direct bookings.
Same with Amex FHR – prepaid stays are handled by Expedia therefore no stacking of benefits from hotel loyalty program.