Travel Packages Update
#31
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,764
Can the Marriott Insider read some of the posts on the Marriott forum's Travel Package thread, such as the following
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112663-post6108.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112395-post6102.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112153-post6092.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112102-post6090.html
and more posts the past 24 hours, on how Marriott Reward dept seems have NO KNOWLEDGE on what is being said in the First Post by the company representative - just how this could happen, when you are telling customers to do certain things, while your own employees are completely in the dark and the system is not capable at all to do what you describe?
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112663-post6108.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112395-post6102.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112153-post6092.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30112102-post6090.html
and more posts the past 24 hours, on how Marriott Reward dept seems have NO KNOWLEDGE on what is being said in the First Post by the company representative - just how this could happen, when you are telling customers to do certain things, while your own employees are completely in the dark and the system is not capable at all to do what you describe?
Last edited by Happy; Aug 21, 2018 at 5:39 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,298
#36
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: lounge next door
Programs: *A Gold / ST Elite+ / OWS / EK G / HH Diam. / MR Tit / Hyatt GLOB / IHG Diam. / SL Jade / GHA Tit.
Posts: 1,527
but I tend to find this drama kind of too much.
you should blame the bloggers like TPG for sharing informations (=propaganda) and encouraging such buys instead of Marriott.
But at the end, greedy people gambled. When you gamble you can loose or win
#37
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy (Gold)
Posts: 280
Members,
This past Saturday, new Travel Packages became available for purchase for members. At the same time, due to system capabilities, we initiated a month-long blackout on cancellations and modifications to existing Travel Package certificates. After pressure testing our new system over the weekend, we’re happy to relay that starting today, the blackout period is over.
In addition, members who purchased a Category 6, Category 8 or Tier 1-3 certificate prior to 8/18 are able to request a one-time exchange for a Travel Package one category lower. This process will cancel your current Travel Package, reissue a Travel Package one category lower and result in a refund of 30,000 points to your account. To submit a request, follow these steps:
Kind regards,
Marriott Rewards Insider
This past Saturday, new Travel Packages became available for purchase for members. At the same time, due to system capabilities, we initiated a month-long blackout on cancellations and modifications to existing Travel Package certificates. After pressure testing our new system over the weekend, we’re happy to relay that starting today, the blackout period is over.
In addition, members who purchased a Category 6, Category 8 or Tier 1-3 certificate prior to 8/18 are able to request a one-time exchange for a Travel Package one category lower. This process will cancel your current Travel Package, reissue a Travel Package one category lower and result in a refund of 30,000 points to your account. To submit a request, follow these steps:
- Select “Packages - Deals” from the “Topic” drop down menu
- Submit your request
Kind regards,
Marriott Rewards Insider
Worked via the full website. Now waiting ...
#38
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: SPG platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 41
Why wouldn't Marriott use some formal communication channels to notify the customers about all these? Emails, mail, facebook and twitter? Posting things that weren't echoed by the customer services in the call center, instead, by somebody who self claimed as "company representative" in public forums. That is such a bad practice.
I can't imagine that after 2,3 years of preparation, the whole final merge is still a big mess. Misleading communication, chaotic call centers, crappy apps/websites, frustrated customers. This whole merger will be a lessons learnt to other big M&A, worst than that, it will be (or already be) a big joke to general public.
I can't imagine that after 2,3 years of preparation, the whole final merge is still a big mess. Misleading communication, chaotic call centers, crappy apps/websites, frustrated customers. This whole merger will be a lessons learnt to other big M&A, worst than that, it will be (or already be) a big joke to general public.
#39
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Jakarta
Programs: *wood & marriott plat, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 410
It used to be Lurkers I,II and III would make a annoucement and they stick around to answer our questions and address our concerns. Most of us, certainly appreciated the fact that SPG had a team of Lurkers that were most helpful in many ways. Now with the 'Merger", we do very much hope it is continued.
Lurker IV, please do reply to our questions after getting the confirmation from Marriott executives.
Lurker IV, please do reply to our questions after getting the confirmation from Marriott executives.
#40
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Posts: 295
#41
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,468
Whoops!
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to Marriott Customer Care in regards to your travel package.
We know that our guests were advised that the blackout period for travel packages is over and to send in their requests for downgrade. Unfortunately, we have encountered some further systems issues that are not allowing us to currently process the requests to downgrade a travel package certificate. Your patience as we work to correct the systems issues is greatly appreciated.
At this time, we do not have a time frame for when we expect to be able to process the requests. We are asking guests to allow 5 to 10 business days, and to resubmit their requests at a later date. Should you have an upcoming stay in the next 4 to 8 weeks that you had hoped to attach the certificate to, or for further help and inquiry, please reach out to our Loyalty Specialists by phone at 800-450-4442. Please be aware, we are experiencing a large volume of calls due to the loyalty merge, and has created some longer than normal hold times. Some of the systems issues are also impacting our ability to view and update guest accounts. We apologize for any inconvenience this may create.
Once again, we appreciate your patience as we continue to work to bring you the service that you deserve. We thank you for your loyalty to Marriott and SPG.
We look forward to hosting you soon!
Safe travels,
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to Marriott Customer Care in regards to your travel package.
We know that our guests were advised that the blackout period for travel packages is over and to send in their requests for downgrade. Unfortunately, we have encountered some further systems issues that are not allowing us to currently process the requests to downgrade a travel package certificate. Your patience as we work to correct the systems issues is greatly appreciated.
At this time, we do not have a time frame for when we expect to be able to process the requests. We are asking guests to allow 5 to 10 business days, and to resubmit their requests at a later date. Should you have an upcoming stay in the next 4 to 8 weeks that you had hoped to attach the certificate to, or for further help and inquiry, please reach out to our Loyalty Specialists by phone at 800-450-4442. Please be aware, we are experiencing a large volume of calls due to the loyalty merge, and has created some longer than normal hold times. Some of the systems issues are also impacting our ability to view and update guest accounts. We apologize for any inconvenience this may create.
Once again, we appreciate your patience as we continue to work to bring you the service that you deserve. We thank you for your loyalty to Marriott and SPG.
We look forward to hosting you soon!
Safe travels,
#43
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVP; UA Gold; DL Gold; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 156
Still, patience is your friend whenever call centers are involved.
#44
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite (Lifetime Gold), United 1K
Posts: 128
It doesn't make sense for them to staff up for the changeover but for more steady state, hiring more temps would just make the situation worse judging from how they communicate these every-changing updates.