[Tom]

I’ve done it twice with IHG and both times it was easy. I love my IHG status as contrary to things I read here and on Flyer talk, I’m nearly always treated very well. I get good upgrades, late check out and really nice free breakfasts. On one trip recently the hotel gave all 6 of us staying (booked with my status) free breakfast and free drinks vouchers.

To be honest I’m not that bothered by the status benefits with Marriott as I’m quite low down (Gold). Although, I would rather book with them than support the now poor Hotels.com reward package. Thanks for the tip, I’ll fill out the form. Was hoping to not book a cancellable rate through.

[Tom]

There isn’t any decent options left with IHG, only HIE outside of the town centre or a really bad Indigo that gets the worse reviews. Someone said it was only one step up from sleeping on the streets.

Im now looking at Hilton/Marriott. I’m guessing IHG would never contemplate moving me to one of those.

[Tom]

Ihar wrote:

“No.” is a complete sentence! But that said, explain and all will be resolved. It doesn’t have to be confrontational, just assert your needs/wants.

I’ve tried to decline and have been told more than once that it ‘has’ to go under my seat.

[Tom]

I think JDB is being far too generous to BA on this one. Surely, if a passenger has earned status with BA, which often requires loyalty to that airline above its competitors, then the customer has every right to use said status for its duration. If BA has introduced rules around having a specific FF number on their BP then they need to make that clear to their customers. Currently the rules widely available online (as quoted by Northern Lass) make no mention of such rules.

[Tom]

I would go for a centre pair. With the partition down it’s great for sharing.

[Tom]

I think BA need to tighten up their hand baggage policy or at the very least enforce their existing policy. I travel with a medium backpack on a mixture of economy and business class tickets. I’m often asked to put my backpack under the seat in front of me. This doesn’t sound like a lot to ask but it does annoy me a bit. I’m 6’ 3” and having the backpack under my seat makes the whole journey less comfortable. All because some people bring a huge wheelie case, another bag and a huge puffer jacket.

I understand why cabin crew ask me to move my bag as there is limited overhead space, but I also feel that I should be entitled to a proportionate amount of overhead space and penalising me for bringing a small bag is harsh.

[Tom]

Have you tried clearing your cache/cookies etc to see if that makes a difference.

[Tom]

Exactly what JDB said. Make sure you persevere with getting what you are owed.

BA can be an absolute nightmare to deal with when they owe you money. Going to CEDR or MCOL can be quite daunting and time consuming for the inexperienced and I’m sure BA use this to their advantage in not paying people what they are owed.

[Tom]

Is my wife allowed to refer me for the Platinum Card, even though we are both active Amex cardholders already. I want to maximise my points but don’t want to fall foul of Amex rules.

[Tom]

There are 2 major problems here. The first is that we all know, courtesy of MrX and his email that became public, that Creation read the forums. If you had flown under the radar, they might be looking for you now. The second issue I can see is if Creation has ended its relationship with IHG, their ability to purchase points and credit them to your account will cease at some point, as there would no longer be a need for this link to remain open, if the 2 companies are no longer partners. It could be the letter they sent you has been lost and from today you are on the card they transferred everyone else to which doesn’t earn a penny.
Having said all that, I hope I’m wrong and you continue getting points and spending as usual.

[Tom]

I managed to have a quick chat with the IHG reps at the party. They said they are working on a new credit card for the UK market. They didn’t have anything concrete they could share but said work was being done to find a new partner. Hopefully we’ll get some positive news soon.

[Tom]

memesweeper wrote:

Hope to grab a swift half with you tonight Tom.

Good to meet you tonight memesweeper.

[Tom]

I started this thread some 18 months ago, annoyed about the loss of my much loved IHG card. I was upset that Creation had cancelled the cards of so many of us, in one fell swoop. I was one of the many, that had never engaged in any MS. I begrudging accepted that they were well within their right (and t&c’s) to close my account and that they didn’t even have to justify their decision. However, I was not prepared to accept their blatant abuse of their customer base who had spent money on their cards in good faith, only to have their points, along with other benefits, withheld. Their abysmal customer service and incompetent admin truly exacerbated the situation.

I never thought the thread would get to 1840 comments, over 74 pages. It has been an immensely useful tool for many of us, trying to claim what we had earned and deserved from Creation. From those who first raised complaints, who then followed through to the FOS. There were a few bold souls who skipped the FOS completely and went straight to small claims. Lots of us watched on eagerly awaiting news to see if it was worth submitting our own claims. I am sure there were points at which we all thought that Creation might actually get away with it. JDB didn’t help my confidence, and often made me doubt what I passionately believed to be a solid and straightforward argument. The FOS are slow and, yes JDB does have a point, overworked and prioritised dealing with more pressing, urgent and serious matters affecting consumers. Our frustration at the slow progress grew. Then the breakthrough, a couple of small claims cases settled, followed by the huge breakthrough by the FOS. Creation, unwillingly of course, we’re going to do the right thing and make everyone whole. Some of us doubted if we’d get the free night vouchers and would have settled for the missing points. Others were determined to get the whole lot and were prepared to fight for it. What followed was a significant batch of people that hadn’t bothered to follow up with the courts or the FOS that suddenly found themselves able to drop Creation an email and have their case fully settled without the need, stress or effort of preparing a case. This, all off the backs of those that had grafted for the result and shared their experience with the group. 

This thread has demonstrated the power of HfP readers. The hive mind to contribute and help each other take on a large, powerful corporation and win. It seems poetic that the 27th June is the day Creation severs its relationship with IHG. As it also happens to be the date of the HfP summer party. I hope to see a few of you there and I hope if you see me ‘Tom D’ you’ll come and say hi.

Once again, huge thanks goes out to all of those that put in hours of hard work, that meant so many of us could benefit and claim what we were owed.

[Tom]

Hi everyone, I’m still keen to get hold of 1 or 2 tickets, if any become available. Super keen to attend and happy to throw in a bottle of something to sweeten the deal if that helps. As far as the virtual queue goes I think I was first. Tduffell at gmail dot com

[Tom]

Managed to answer myself. T&C’s say only one voucher per booking.

[Tom]

Do you know if you can use multiple vouchers per booking. I want to cash in the last of my clubcard points but don’t want to lose the excess if my voucher is larger than my room price. I thought multiple smaller vouchers would work. Anyone know for sure?

[Tom]

Anyone who becomes unavailable to attend, please let me know I would love to take a spare/unused ticket. 2 if you have them. You can email me at tdufell at gmail. Obviously happy to pay for them

[Tom]

Thanks for the replies everyone. A free breakfast always tastes better than one you’ve paid for.

[Tom]

I wouldn’t describe Curve as being similar to Apple Pay.

[Tom]

I was told by Indigo Manchester that benefits kick in from 8th June. BTW Indigo Manchester was very nice, good upgrade and a decent (paid for) breakfast.

[Tom]

Thanks BLT and Squirrel, really helpful. I want to pay PAYE, VAT and other genuine business spend, no MS or other dodgy stuff coming from me.

Shame the 10k monthly limit for Curve metal has kicked in as my PAYE alone is more than that.

[Tom]

Hi JDB, I assume based on recent posts that you work in Financial Services, you seem to have a good understanding of how these things work. I am really interested in your advice about how we should structure our claims (FOS or otherwise) with Creation. I’ve had my annual fee refunded but I am still owed a large number of points that are being withheld, plus I had hit the 10k spend for the free night since my last anniversary. Do you think it’s worthwhile pursuing? and what angle would you take?

[Tom]

Which cards have Selfridges offer? and what is the offer? I don’t have it on either my BAPP or Bus Plat. Would have been good for some Christmas shopping.

[Tom]

Sat spend. Credit on Monday