Originally Posted by
Allvest
About the travel packages, I used to take those (and last november was told they weren't available by one Platinum rep only to be told later by another one that they were!), but with the devaluations of FFP all over, it's doubtful I would want to use valuable Marriott points for YQ co-pay awards.
There are quite a few programs in Marriott's transfer list that aren't known for jamming their members with bogus YQ fees on awards.
It's sort of a weird twist: as airlines are keeping supply tight and fares high, I'm finding that FF miles are harder to use when I need them for a precise purpose but more valuable than ever when I have a general need and some flexibility.
For example, just today I redeemed 35k UA for an $800 R/T Central America trip in peak season. High fare but relatively short length where the EQM and the inability to upgrade aren't a huge concern. No YQ and only about $25 in government taxes. I had a window of a month to look for options and I found several to pick from.
Since I never get $0.02 per point on a straight hotel redemption, I still opt for the Travel Packages whenever I can.