Renew Ambassador/Get BOGO Cert for August stay?
Jul 1, 2018, 4:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: HH Diamond, Delta Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 242
Renew Ambassador/Get BOGO Cert for August stay?
Update: I renewed on July 3 and receive my package on July 16. Thanks for the input!
I'm contemplating renewing my expired Ambassador status and using a BOGO cert in either Paris or Dublin in early August. If I renew, is there any chance I'll get the cert before leaving August 1? I know they were taking a really long time to arrive a few months back. Is it any better now? I have 30 days. Thanks!
I'm contemplating renewing my expired Ambassador status and using a BOGO cert in either Paris or Dublin in early August. If I renew, is there any chance I'll get the cert before leaving August 1? I know they were taking a really long time to arrive a few months back. Is it any better now? I have 30 days. Thanks!
Last edited by Diannap; Jul 17, 2018 at 3:07 am
Jul 1, 2018, 5:54 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I'm contemplating renewing my expired Ambassador status and using a BOGO cert in either Paris or Dublin in early August. If I renew, is there any chance I'll get the cert before leaving August 1? I know they were taking a really long time to arrive a few months back. Is it any better now? I have 30 days. Thanks!
You should have a plan B in case the certificate does not arrive in time, whether that is booking a different rate at same hotel or staying elsewhere.
Jul 2, 2018, 4:43 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
I'm contemplating renewing my expired Ambassador status and using a BOGO cert in either Paris or Dublin in early August. If I renew, is there any chance I'll get the cert before leaving August 1? I know they were taking a really long time to arrive a few months back. Is it any better now? I have 30 days. Thanks!
Jul 2, 2018, 8:24 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,738
It may, but really depends. I'm also in SE Asia like another poster and in my case it took about 9 weeks to arrive. luck of the draw in my book.
Jul 3, 2018, 3:57 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: FRA
Programs: LH SEN**, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 667
Mine arrived within ~2-3 weeks from renewing, definitely much faster than in previous years.
Even if the physical BOGO certificate does not arrive, the AMB helpdesk can call the hotel and let them know the AMB package has not arrived yet and to let you use your BOGO weekend.
Even if the physical BOGO certificate does not arrive, the AMB helpdesk can call the hotel and let them know the AMB package has not arrived yet and to let you use your BOGO weekend.
Jul 3, 2018, 10:11 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Central Scotland
Programs: Oneworld, Avios and IHG Spire Ambassador
Posts: 574
I'm contemplating renewing my expired Ambassador status and using a BOGO cert in either Paris or Dublin in early August. If I renew, is there any chance I'll get the cert before leaving August 1? I know they were taking a really long time to arrive a few months back. Is it any better now? I have 30 days. Thanks!
Jul 3, 2018, 10:44 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
Jul 13, 2018, 7:11 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
I was surprised to receive my renewal kit two week's after doing an online renewal, and I'm located up in Canada. In the past it has taken at least two months to get the new kit. BTW last year it contained a small card wallet but nothing but the card and BOGO cert (and covering letter) in this one. Bag tags are now long gone. BTW it appears that if one has Plat status as an Ambassador and your renewal is mid-year but you do not make the required number of nights or points, your status continues through into the following year. Seems like a perpetual process.
Jul 14, 2018, 12:11 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
I was surprised to receive my renewal kit two week's after doing an online renewal, and I'm located up in Canada. In the past it has taken at least two months to get the new kit. BTW last year it contained a small card wallet but nothing but the card and BOGO cert (and covering letter) in this one. Bag tags are now long gone. BTW it appears that if one has Plat status as an Ambassador and your renewal is mid-year but you do not make the required number of nights or points, your status continues through into the following year. Seems like a perpetual process.
You won't get the Spire Amenity choice though unless you hit 76k points / 75nights in the next year though
Jul 16, 2018, 9:22 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sun & beach destinations
Programs: UA-lifetime Platinum (2MM), IHG-Amb, HH-Diamond, Hertz-PC, Marriott-Gold, CX-AM
Posts: 1,427
in the same shoes
I'm in the same situation. Paid and renewed my Ambassador membership on the phone with Ambassador Service Center on 5 July and I need the Bogo Cert. to be sent to my address in Hong Kong by August 2 morning since I will be traveling on the same night. Seems I will barely make. Wish I knew someone who had the nearly expired Bogo cert so that I we could exchange for a win-win situation but coupon connection doesn't allow trading Bogo cert. That's the problem.