British airways amex.

South Hylton said:
Loads of places take Amex now, however there's the odd few claim to accept it, (usually chinese and indian restaurants in my experience) as per the stickers on their window/doors, then when you come to pay they mysteriously don't accept it, or the Amex card machine is broken. (Do they even use a different machine for Amex cards in some places)?

This also happened in Venice a few year ago - the restaurant indicated they accepted Amex, as per the Amex sticker on their door, cue a carry on when coming to pay, saying they didn't accept, however a card machine mysteriously appeared when ground was stood that no other means to pay were available. :lol:
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Lots of ethnic restaurants (especially Chinese) don't seem to take cards. Money under the bed or cheating the taxman?
 


Madchester Mackem said:
I've been using the Platinum Cashback card for household spending over the last year, and anniversary of the card is this month. Just over £400 cashback in my statement this month. Spending between £1k-£2k ish per month with maybe a couple of big purchases in there.

Not complaining at all, but for a similar spend would it have been better to earn airmiles do you think?
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The intro companion voucher (ie second person free) is the big pull.

Id advise switching to airmiles one for just a year then youve got 2 business class flights for next to nowt. Then go back to cashback.
But- downgrade the airmiles one then or you still pay £200 a year membership fee.
 
SPUFF said:
The intro companion voucher (ie second person free) is the big pull.

Id advise switching to airmiles one for just a year then youve got 2 business class flights for next to nowt. Then go back to cashback.
But- downgrade the airmiles one then or you still pay £200 a year membership fee.
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What's the deal with still paying the tax on the airfares? Seems like a big disadvantage.
 
SPUFF said:
The intro companion voucher (ie second person free) is the big pull.

Id advise switching to airmiles one for just a year then youve got 2 business class flights for next to nowt. Then go back to cashback.
But- downgrade the airmiles one then or you still pay £200 a year membership fee.
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Would have to wait 24 months from cancelling cashback card to qualify for sign up bonus with new rules
 
SPUFF said:
Wasnt aware, maybe his mrs could open one.



It is like but looking about about £150 taxes to pay on 2 business class flights to mykinos, time in lounges etc, not bad.
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Is that each way? Easy Jet or a low cost airline would seem better. The taxes on long haul flights are obviously much more too.
What are the perks at that grade in the lounges?
 
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Abu Dhabi Red and White said:
Is that each way? Easy Jet or a low cost airline would seem better. The taxes on long haul flights are obviously much more too.
What are the perks at that grade in the lounges?
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UK government make you pay a higher level of tax on seats in premium cabins which is why business and first flights from the UK are some of the world's most expensive. Bear in mind business class in Europe is just standard economy with a blocked middle seat and some food.

Lounges are okay but can be quite fun if you have never used one before as a first time experience. Business lounge at T5 is packed as everyone and his dog is a BA silver member and can use them. First class lounge isn't really any better as all gold members and one word emerald get to use that.
 
Binternet said:
UK government make you pay a higher level of tax on seats in premium cabins which is why business and first flights from the UK are some of the world's most expensive. Bear in mind business class in Europe is just standard economy with a blocked middle seat and some food.

Lounges are okay but can be quite fun if you have never used one before as a first time experience. Business lounge at T5 is packed as everyone and his dog is a BA silver member and can use them. First class lounge isn't really any better as all gold members and one word emerald get to use that.
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Sometimes at T5 it's better if your flight is leaving from the B or C gates to go to the lounge at B gates.
 
Flared Hicks said:
Sometimes at T5 it's better if your flight is leaving from the B or C gates to go to the lounge at B gates.
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Yea I've heard a few people mention that. Never been in the satellite B one before so might try it out next time. Had Concorde room access last couple of times so just stayed in there until boarding was called. Even then it was busy and you have to book well in advance for any of the spa treatments or cabanas.
 
Binternet said:
Yea I've heard a few people mention that. Never been in the satellite B one before so might try it out next time. Had Concorde room access last couple of times so just stayed in there until boarding was called. Even then it was busy and you have to book well in advance for any of the spa treatments or cabanas.
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It's smaller than the main one, and a little less choice on the food & drinks, but as you said, the main ones get rammed at times so if it's anything but a quick dip in & out, it's a little calmer in the B gate one.
 
SPUFF said:
Well a year on this paid off a treat.

was hoping to try business class on a long flight n stumbled upon first.

with companion voucher n avios total saving is ten grand.:eek:
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It’s class like. Pretty much every penny we spend goes on Amex. Although we now have the Platinum card - rather than gold or BA; and therefore don’t get some of the bonus spends - the benefits are brilliant
 
SPUFF said:
a lot like wilfy as all my business fuel digs n trains go on.

average about £2200 a month I reckon including asda,odd hol etc.
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The missus is planning on us going to Japan in a couple of years. Might be worth looking into it.
 
Hank Scorpio said:
It’s class like. Pretty much every penny we spend goes on Amex. Although we now have the Platinum card - rather than gold or BA; and therefore don’t get some of the bonus spends - the benefits are brilliant
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I could only justify the card fee in summer when travelling more. Since they changed from 6 months to 24 months I have to wait another year or so to sign up again.
 

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