I did get a new, Chip 'n' Pin, Switchcard, despite my bank telling me not to expect one. I was disappointed to find that Sainsburys at Clapham Common still expect one to sign the receipt.
How old fashioned.
Of course, getting a new card requires administrative changes, eg to Amazon, who store my details automatically.
And it's just struck me - I sent away an application form for tickets to Covent Garden nearly a month ago, and still haven't received them. The card details are, of course, my old card. I assume my bank will honour the payment? Or should I phone them in the morning in a state of panic?
It's a pain having to fill in a form for tickets. This is if you are a 'Friend' and are thus entitled to priority booking. 'Public' booking is available on-line. They encourage you to specify alternative dates, which is sensible, but it does make the diary look a bit messy with too many provisionals. I don't feel I can book for English National Opera until I have confirmation from ROH, then when I've sorted ENO, I can look again at the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican, who have easy instant booking systems. Then at assorted other locations, too.
The Royal Opera House does say they are introducing on-line booking for Friends for the next booking period, which is good. The thing is, I find it difficult to decide which price level to pitch it at onthe form. If I choose a particular price level, I run the risk of either no seat, or a worse seat, whereas I would have been better going for one just a couple of pounds more expensive. Whereas, with online, you can choose your optimum level, and if that's not available, move gradually in either direction...
