Originally Posted by stevens397
Hi - We're planning a trip to Hawaii next summer. Usually fly Continental, but no matter how early we sign up for the flight, they will not give us a confirmed upgrade to First Class. We would have to buy, be put on the wait list and hope it works out. Doesn't work for me.
Marriott lets us convert to a number of airlines. Few questions:
1. Has anyone had good luck with any of their airlines using points to get a confirmed upgrade to to First Class while purchasing points, and doing it 331 days in advance?
2. Can you book with any of the airlines and then transfer the points AFTER you have the reservation?
3. Have any of you done this? What airline did you use and how was the experience?
4. Any idea what I can expect to pay for a July flight, Newark,NJ to Honolulu?
Many thanks for your help.
Steve
1) Never upgrade - use the points as part of the package for 4 coach seats the last 3 years
2) you can put the tickets on hold with the airline and then order the package from marriott explaining to them that you have the tickets on hold and you need the miles transferred asap ! I am platinum and they are great about this - my 120,000 miles usually post in 3 to 4 days after i call the platinum desk and order the package.
3) We have used this package every year for the last 3 years
first time to oahu - contiential / jw marriott in ko olina
second time to maui - contiential / maui marriott
two weeks ago to kauai - american / kauai marriott / resort in lihue
(i wish i was still there !!! it was a amazing vacation for my wife and kids)
4) no
If you have any other questions just pm me !
scott