I just got off the phone with Marriott. The 25% airline bonus will be ending on April 1, 1999. I guess those staying at Marriotts between now and then make out OK since both bonuses will be in place til then.

I realize it's only February and we don't know what the rest of the year will bring, but I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce the start of the campaign to dislodge Marriott Rewards from its perch as reigning champ of the Freddies. I voted for them this past year, but this reduction in benefits with the new structure and the disappearing airline bonus (net 5% less for platinum, 10% less for black, 15% less for Gold, and 25% less for no status) is a major step backward. I'm very disappointed - Starwood here I come.