Sep 4, 2018, 3:50 pm
Last edit by: Counsellor
LINK TO CHART
Legacy to New Travel Package Conversion (effective August 2018)
A Marriott supervisor can currently convert your legacy travel package into the new category mapping. If you hold a Category 6, 8, or Tier 1-3 legacy certificate, it's ideal to downgrade your certificate before converting so that points don't potentially get lost in the process.
When converting your legacy certificate to a new certificate your prior certificate is cancelled and your new certificate will (in most cases) have an expiration date that is 12 months from the date of issuance (today).
The codes for the New Category partial packages are:
5-night packages
NCx = new certificate category
QPxx = post-merger converted partial package
OCx = old certificate category
QLxx = post-merger converted partial package (only QL known so far is QL87 for NC7)
xx0T = initial package;
Pxx0 = partial package;
************************************************** *******
MARRIOT UK: +44 20 7012 7312
For best practices on converting OC to NC, I’ve copied post # 1181 here. Thank you jameswes!
(Also, never use the word UPGRADE. You must say you want to CONVERT your certs.)
IMPORTANT! Possible Points Advance Implications of March 5 category changes: There’s a (potential) issue with the category changes and Points Advance reservations. Marriott included the following information when they emailed some of us about the upcoming changes: “Points Advance — Members who wish to book a points advance redemption under the current Marriott Rewards and SPG award chart are encouraged to order redemption certificates before March 5 to lock in the rate. On March 5, redemption bookings are subject to the new unified program award chart.” We’ve reached out to Marriott to confirm the practical implications of this verbiage, as it sounds like Points Advance reservations will revert to the new pricing if they don’t have certificates attached prior to March 5. To be on the safe side, if your hotel is increasing in category be sure your TP certificate is attached to the reservation before March 5.
Concerning use of TP for peak or off-peak, see post 2179:
Legacy to New Travel Package Conversion (effective August 2018)
A Marriott supervisor can currently convert your legacy travel package into the new category mapping. If you hold a Category 6, 8, or Tier 1-3 legacy certificate, it's ideal to downgrade your certificate before converting so that points don't potentially get lost in the process.
When converting your legacy certificate to a new certificate your prior certificate is cancelled and your new certificate will (in most cases) have an expiration date that is 12 months from the date of issuance (today).
The codes for the New Category partial packages are:
5-night packages
- OC5=530T/P530 is now NC4 QP53
- OC6=570T/P570 is now NC4 QP53
- OC7=610T/P610 is now NC5 QP61 (refund value: 45K)
- OC8=650T/P650 is now NC5 QP?? (Refund value: 75k)
- OC9=690T/P690 is now NC6 QP69
- NC4 QP83 = OC5 830T/P830 (refund value: 45K)
- NC4 QP87 = OC6 870T/P870 (refund value: 75K)
- NC5 QP91 = OC7 910T/P910 (refund value: 105K)
- NC5 QP95 = OC8 950T/P950 (refund value: 135K)
- NC6 QP99 = OC9 990T/P990 (refund value: 165K)
- NC6 QP99 = OC Tier 1-3 L830 (refund value: 195K)
- NC7 QL87 = OC Tier 4-5 L870 (refund value: 315K)
- NC5 QP88 = OC7 P880 (refund value: 135K)
- NC5 QP92 = OC8 P920 (refund value: 165K)
NCx = new certificate category
QPxx = post-merger converted partial package
OCx = old certificate category
QLxx = post-merger converted partial package (only QL known so far is QL87 for NC7)
xx0T = initial package;
Pxx0 = partial package;
************************************************** *******
MARRIOT UK: +44 20 7012 7312
For best practices on converting OC to NC, I’ve copied post # 1181 here. Thank you jameswes!
(Also, never use the word UPGRADE. You must say you want to CONVERT your certs.)
New data point for the new year.
I've read/followed the majority of this thread and now that I have a plan for how to use the travel certificates I made it happen
Last July, I purchased two OC1-5 travel packages. I have an upcoming trip that I wanted to use the certificates to book two rooms at an NC5 hotel.
1) Verified that I had an extra 120,000 MR points in my account (2x60,000 to upgrade from NC4 to NC5)
2) Call the UK Marriott # in the wiki (+44 20 7012 7312). In total, the call took about 25 minutes.
3) Explain that I have a booking I wanted to make, and I wanted to Cancel my two 830T certificates and convert them to two QP91 certificates. I did need to be clear with the rep that I was going to be using additional points from my account to upgrade the certificate.
Canceling two 830T (OC1-5) added 90,000 points (2x45000) to my account
Ordering two QP91 (NC5) subtracted 210,000 points (2x105K) from my account
4) The rep said that their "specialist" wasn't in the office, but she would leave detailed notes and have him do it the next day
5) True to form, the next day (today), I got an emails saying that my old certificates were canceled and new certificates were ordered.
Email clearly states that 830T certs were canceled
Second email clearly states that QP91 certs were ordered and 210K points were redeemed
Email (and account) state that the expiration is one year from today
As typical, App is up-to-date, website doesn't show the updated information yet.
I've read/followed the majority of this thread and now that I have a plan for how to use the travel certificates I made it happen
Last July, I purchased two OC1-5 travel packages. I have an upcoming trip that I wanted to use the certificates to book two rooms at an NC5 hotel.
1) Verified that I had an extra 120,000 MR points in my account (2x60,000 to upgrade from NC4 to NC5)
2) Call the UK Marriott # in the wiki (+44 20 7012 7312). In total, the call took about 25 minutes.
3) Explain that I have a booking I wanted to make, and I wanted to Cancel my two 830T certificates and convert them to two QP91 certificates. I did need to be clear with the rep that I was going to be using additional points from my account to upgrade the certificate.
Canceling two 830T (OC1-5) added 90,000 points (2x45000) to my account
Ordering two QP91 (NC5) subtracted 210,000 points (2x105K) from my account
4) The rep said that their "specialist" wasn't in the office, but she would leave detailed notes and have him do it the next day
5) True to form, the next day (today), I got an emails saying that my old certificates were canceled and new certificates were ordered.
Email clearly states that 830T certs were canceled
Second email clearly states that QP91 certs were ordered and 210K points were redeemed
Email (and account) state that the expiration is one year from today
As typical, App is up-to-date, website doesn't show the updated information yet.
Concerning use of TP for peak or off-peak, see post 2179:
The new award redemption chart will not impact Travel Packages. After these changes go into effect, you'll be able to book a hotel within the category assigned to your Travel Package, regardless of whether the dates at the hotel are in off-peak, standard or peak rates.
Travel Package General Discussion Thread
Dec 6, 2018, 7:35 am
#886
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 31
I managed to do this in August - cost an extra 30k, took about an hour. From what I've read I think still possible, just need to get the right agent! Of course it's still not attached to a booking as they took so many months to add old SPG properties to the system that the availability had gone. Escalated and awaiting a resolution.
Should I convert my old certificate into the new one first and then keep calling? Is there a specific number that I might have a better chance of calling to get an agent to allow me to upgrade the certificate?
Dec 6, 2018, 7:42 am
#887
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: UK
Programs: BA S, VS S, SQ G, HH D, IHG D/A, Marriott G, Radisson G, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,945
I did it in one call - I think the suggestion upthread re just quoting the QP is a reasonable approach.
Dec 6, 2018, 7:47 am
#888
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,467
Dec 6, 2018, 8:49 am
#889
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: New York
Programs: MB-LTT , HH-Diam., HGP-Expl.
Posts: 778
It sounds like you were quoted the price difference between a OC6 and a OC7. Considering how confused some of the agents are, you might actually get a NC7.
Dec 6, 2018, 8:52 am
#890
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
I am waiting for that especially Marriott only allows booking up to 11 months out... Mid Dec is just in the nick of time. Much prefer having point advance booking than tied up lots of pts when the stays are not at all certain.
Dec 6, 2018, 9:06 am
#891
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: New York
Programs: MB-LTT , HH-Diam., HGP-Expl.
Posts: 778
I went all in on travel packages before the August cutoff date, but expect to have enough points to cover one or two 5-night awards at a current Cat 7 by next fall.
Dec 6, 2018, 9:35 am
#892
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
However I fully understand the 7 nights TP is a great value for those have families and like to plant at a resort or vacation spot for a full week.
Also unlike others, the hotel stays are more valuable to us than the miles portion. Truly a minority.
Dec 6, 2018, 9:56 am
#893
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: New York
Programs: MB-LTT , HH-Diam., HGP-Expl.
Posts: 778
Oh, I ave similar reserve as well because the 5th night free is far more useful to us while the 7 nights often is a stretch. We used an OC6 last year at Hong Kong SkyCity when it was 30K property. We used a NC4 in Oct at the same property when it went down to 25K. We have some hard time to figure out where to use our remaining certs.
However I fully understand the 7 nights TP is a great value for those have families and like to plant at a resort or vacation spot for a full week.
Also unlike others, the hotel stays are more valuable to us than the miles portion. Truly a minority.
However I fully understand the 7 nights TP is a great value for those have families and like to plant at a resort or vacation spot for a full week.
Also unlike others, the hotel stays are more valuable to us than the miles portion. Truly a minority.
Because hotel awards were exchangeable and extendable, I would buy them when airline transfer bonuses were highest and I would utilize one or two each year. Since I have at least one ski trip per year, I haven't had a problem using the 7-night certificates.
I have always gotten better than 1 cent per point of face value when using hotel awards. I have one OC 9 and one OC 1-5 that I will wait to convert. Without the flexibility that extended before, it will be harder to get outsized value, but I will still expect to get far more than the liquidation value on my last couple.
Dec 6, 2018, 1:51 pm
#894
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: SPG GOLD, MARRIOT PLAT, AMEX CENT, FAIRMONT PLAT, PRIORITY CLUB PLAT, HILTON DIAMOND, HYATT DIAMOND
Posts: 15
Trying to redeem Marriott Travel Package Certificates is a DISASTER!
To start, I have Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite status...
Almost 8 hours spent on the phone over last 48 hours, and still no solution to making a hotel booking using a Ritz Carlton Tier 4/5 7-Night Travel Package certificate... I think I have been very patient, but now i think this is borderline abuse... It is beyond disbelief that a company can treat any customer like that, let alone their most loyal customers...
Any suggestions? Anyone have contact info for the head of Marriott Rewards?
Here is a play by play:
Dec 4 11:30 pm - Spoke to Clarence (Starwood supervisor) about booking reward booking with travel certificates at St.Regis Bal Harbour... advised it was available and that it had to be done with assistance of in house hotel reservations... was asked to call back dec 5 during the day.
25 mins
Dec 5th - 5:30pm
Call Starwood Platinum desk - spoke to Justin (Starwood supervisor) who spent an hour trying to figure out how to use certificate for stay at St.Regis Bal Harbour... at the end, told me that Marriott had to convert old travel certificate (Aug 2018) to current version and transferred me to Marriott but included a case # 8960XXXX.
1 hour
Spoke to Tom (Marriott supervisor) at Marriott, and he had difficulty converting old certificates (aug 2018) to current certificates.. Told me that a manager had to do this and no one was available and to call back dec 6th during business hours... gave me a case #8961XXXX .
2 hours
Dec 6th - 9:42 am
Spoke to Cheryl (Marriott supervisor), who was able to finally convert the certificates over a 2 hour call and I asked if i can just get a refund on these certificates (i have 5 tier 4/5 Ritz 7 night certs) as they are terrible to work with... told her i will use one at the St.Regis Bal Harbour but i don't want the rest anymore as rules are changing to something very unfair... Apparently when i bought certs (aug 2018), they could be used at any Ritz Carlton in the world, but after Jan 1st, that is no longer the case... i feel cheated and scammed, which is unfortunate, as i have been a big Marriott support for over 15 years, most of it platinum... This file is apparently still open, and Cheryl said she will call me back with a solution, but in the meantime, she will transfer me to Starwood platinum, so i can finally make my St.Regis Bal Harbour booking...
2 hours
Spoke to Starwood Platinum CSR (name unknown)... asked for supervisor, but she said she can read the notes and help me... She managed to make the booking but was having trouble applying certificate... she disconnected with me once, called me back... and got disconnected again, and didn't call back...
1 hour
Dec 6th - 12:52 PM
Called back Starwood Platinum, and spoke to Megan (Starwood supervisor)... explained the whole thing all over again... she found the booking from previous agent, and spoke to her manager to apply cert to St.Regis booking, as previous agent made booking and deducted 500k points from account instead of using certificate... Apparently manager was having a problem applying certificate and then the systems went down... They have no idea if I still have a reservation or not... i was requested to call back tomorrow Dec 7...
1 hour 30 mins
Almost 8 hours spent on the phone over last 48 hours, and still no solution to making a hotel booking using a Ritz Carlton Tier 4/5 7-Night Travel Package certificate... I think I have been very patient, but now i think this is borderline abuse... It is beyond disbelief that a company can treat any customer like that, let alone their most loyal customers...
Any suggestions? Anyone have contact info for the head of Marriott Rewards?
Here is a play by play:
Dec 4 11:30 pm - Spoke to Clarence (Starwood supervisor) about booking reward booking with travel certificates at St.Regis Bal Harbour... advised it was available and that it had to be done with assistance of in house hotel reservations... was asked to call back dec 5 during the day.
25 mins
Dec 5th - 5:30pm
Call Starwood Platinum desk - spoke to Justin (Starwood supervisor) who spent an hour trying to figure out how to use certificate for stay at St.Regis Bal Harbour... at the end, told me that Marriott had to convert old travel certificate (Aug 2018) to current version and transferred me to Marriott but included a case # 8960XXXX.
1 hour
Spoke to Tom (Marriott supervisor) at Marriott, and he had difficulty converting old certificates (aug 2018) to current certificates.. Told me that a manager had to do this and no one was available and to call back dec 6th during business hours... gave me a case #8961XXXX .
2 hours
Dec 6th - 9:42 am
Spoke to Cheryl (Marriott supervisor), who was able to finally convert the certificates over a 2 hour call and I asked if i can just get a refund on these certificates (i have 5 tier 4/5 Ritz 7 night certs) as they are terrible to work with... told her i will use one at the St.Regis Bal Harbour but i don't want the rest anymore as rules are changing to something very unfair... Apparently when i bought certs (aug 2018), they could be used at any Ritz Carlton in the world, but after Jan 1st, that is no longer the case... i feel cheated and scammed, which is unfortunate, as i have been a big Marriott support for over 15 years, most of it platinum... This file is apparently still open, and Cheryl said she will call me back with a solution, but in the meantime, she will transfer me to Starwood platinum, so i can finally make my St.Regis Bal Harbour booking...
2 hours
Spoke to Starwood Platinum CSR (name unknown)... asked for supervisor, but she said she can read the notes and help me... She managed to make the booking but was having trouble applying certificate... she disconnected with me once, called me back... and got disconnected again, and didn't call back...
1 hour
Dec 6th - 12:52 PM
Called back Starwood Platinum, and spoke to Megan (Starwood supervisor)... explained the whole thing all over again... she found the booking from previous agent, and spoke to her manager to apply cert to St.Regis booking, as previous agent made booking and deducted 500k points from account instead of using certificate... Apparently manager was having a problem applying certificate and then the systems went down... They have no idea if I still have a reservation or not... i was requested to call back tomorrow Dec 7...
1 hour 30 mins
Dec 6, 2018, 2:19 pm
#896
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
I have the NC TP attached to my reservation. If I cancel the reservation, I would think the TP gets detached. Then I can reattach the TP with a new reservation.
Or better call Marriott and have them do it? They always complain and say something...
Or better call Marriott and have them do it? They always complain and say something...
Dec 6, 2018, 2:23 pm
#897
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: New York
Programs: MB-LTT , HH-Diam., HGP-Expl.
Posts: 778
Call Marriott and ask to have the certificate detached from the reservation before making any changes. Once the certificate is detached, it can be cancelled or change online like other reservations.
Dec 6, 2018, 2:27 pm
#898
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,467
I think I can help a little...St Regis properties cannot use TP certs until Dec 11 or possibly 14. They are not in the MR system yet. Now, will yours work then? I don't know. But that's why its likely not working now. You can only use points. I dealt with this with St Regis Maldives yesterday.
Dec 6, 2018, 2:28 pm
#899
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
If you ever read the thread, you would have read about countless mentioning and people's painful experiences - that any change to your reservation be it date change or cancellation, the cert would be canceled and partial value of points returned to your account. In fact this just happened a page or 2 back.
It is the poor design of Marriott IT but we have to learn how to deal with it. Enough DPs have been posted that the only way to prevent it is to detach the cert from the reservation before you touch the reservation for anything you need to get done.
It cannot be emphasized enough this point to the rep. Just tell them you want to detach the cert in case some incompetent reps thought they know more and go ahead to modify your reservation with the cert still attached. Then ithe cert would be immediately gone, liquidated.
Personally I would make sure I see the cert detached before I make the next request.
ALWAYS DETACH the cert from the reservation before you touch the reservation for any reason. Else you would regret on what happens, then be prepared to make many phone calls to get your cert reinstated.
Last edited by Happy; Dec 6, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Dec 6, 2018, 2:40 pm
#900
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: New York
Programs: MB-LTT , HH-Diam., HGP-Expl.
Posts: 778
Your interest in booking former SPG hotels isn't unique. After December 11, I would suggest reading the latest updates in the Travel Package forum. In the interim, you "should" be able to cancel the St. Regis booking and get you points back.
Last edited by rny321; Dec 6, 2018 at 3:03 pm