Well, with all this talk about the award changing, I think it's time for me to cash in on the 712 (1-ticket) award. Last year, the general consensus was that they wouldn't change. But it seems as though we've heard it from the horses mouth (unless this is a Marriott conspiracy to get us all to cash in ). In any event, with my upcoming trip to OZ (including Visa signup bonus, 2 stay bonus...), I'll still be only at 173K, still 7K short of being able to buy the 20% shortfall. But then it wouldn't be a "free" ticket, just a discounted ticket, right?

I've read in another thread that you can (currently) extend your hotel certificate another year for $30. Is this true, because I'm not sure I'll use the 5-day certificate within a year.

Comments appreciated,

Mark