World of Hyatt Gifts Status to Elites
Joe Cortez December 11, 2019
Did you get a call from World of Hyatt this winter? If so, it wasn’t a scam or a ruse to get your World of Hyatt number or steal points – they were actually calling with a legitimate gift. In a statement to FlyerTalk, the hotel loyalty program confirmed that a select number of Globalist elite members got an extra special gift this year: American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum status for the year 2020.
Making a List and Checking It Twice
“As an exclusive, one-time offer associated with our loyalty collaboration with American Airlines’ AAdvantage, World of Hyatt is offering AAdvantage elite status to a small number of eligible customers,” the brief statement from the hotelier to FlyerTalk read. “Hyatt will be contacting these customers individually.”
Much like the jolly fellow at the North Pole, Hyatt wouldn’t reveal who was on their “naughty” or “nice” list to FlyerTalk. However, FlyerTalkers with a little holiday magic about them report receiving calls from their World of Hyatt concierges to offer them a rather nice surprise.
“My concierge called me and offered [American AAdvantage Executive Platinum,” reports FlyerTalker FlyingChuck. “Sounded like they’re targeting Globalists who have their AAdvantage number on file through the Hyatt/American Partnership.”
“Had the same call this morning. Very nice surprise gift,” writes FlyerTalker SF1K. “Wonder if we’ll get the system-wide upgrades?”
Before you feel left out by the gift-giving, it’s important to note that reaching Globalist in one year is no easy (or cheap) feat. To hit the top-tier of World of Hyatt, guests must either stay 60 nights, earn 100,000 base points, or host 20 meetings or events at Hyatt hotels.
Santa Claus Is Coming…to Airports?
While the gifting is unexpected, it’s not necessarily unfounded in the aviation industry. In fact, many travel brands have pulled some well-known stunts to treat holiday flyers.
The most well known of these happened aboard WestJet in 2013. Aboard their “Christmas Miracle” flight, flyers were asked about their personal wish lists – just to be surprised by them upon landing. And in 2015, Yotel New York surprised guests with gifts handed out by their luggage storing robot, Yobot.
Did you get a gift from World of Hyatt this holiday season? Share your experiences on the FlyerTalk forums!
I'm sure that there will be many AA elites that are upset with this. AA definitely has lost some elites this year. Due to so many issues we have had this year my wife and I are just two Executive Platinum elites from our company leaving them this coming year. Plenty of room and a gift that isn't worth much.