Originally Posted by
SkyTeam777
Is it mandatory that the award must be booked already before the transfer occurs?
Yes - for a Marriott points transfer between Marriott accounts, an award must be booked either prior to or simultaneously with the points transfer.
Originally Posted by
SkyTeam777
Or can you just say that you are planning an award booking, but waiting for the points to transfer first?
No. But, you can do a points booking and then cancel it and all of the points will be in the transferee's account. Also, you can redeem for a travel package without a specific reservation - you get a sort-of e-certificate. The transferor can also transfer (in 1,000 point increments)
up to the total number points needed for the redemption.
For Marriott-->WN Rapid Rewards, no booking is needed.