Platinum vs. Titanium?
Jul 30, 2019, 5:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 655
Platinum vs. Titanium?
I'm sure this has been discussed endlessly... so please feel free to move moderator, I could find a good thread going back several pages....
Just completed my 3rd stay since becoming a Titanium. I must be missing something, but I don’t see any difference between Platinum and Titanium. I’ve been Platinum for the last 7 years (the 50 night level, so Gold / Platinum) and gotten the occasional upgrade, but it seems rare. Of the few that I’ve gotten, most were the result of me asking about an upgrade when checking in, which I don’t do very often (rarely). The only notable exception is the University Arms Autograph Hotel in Cambridge UK… where I was upgraded to a suite on both my stays this year, as a Platinum, and didn’t even ask!
I was really excited when I reached Titanium (75 nights) for the first time, thinking my experiences would be better… sadly, I’m not really seeing anything.
My frame of reference is my airline status. The jump from Platinum to 1K on United is pretty meaningful to me (priority boarding, GPUs, dedicated call line, prioritized meal choices in business, free food in economy, etc.).
I’m likely to reach 100 nights this year, but not the $20,000 in spend (probably ending around $15,000, thanks to corporate rates). I’m guessing Ambassador level is really where the noticeable differences kick in?
Just completed my 3rd stay since becoming a Titanium. I must be missing something, but I don’t see any difference between Platinum and Titanium. I’ve been Platinum for the last 7 years (the 50 night level, so Gold / Platinum) and gotten the occasional upgrade, but it seems rare. Of the few that I’ve gotten, most were the result of me asking about an upgrade when checking in, which I don’t do very often (rarely). The only notable exception is the University Arms Autograph Hotel in Cambridge UK… where I was upgraded to a suite on both my stays this year, as a Platinum, and didn’t even ask!
I was really excited when I reached Titanium (75 nights) for the first time, thinking my experiences would be better… sadly, I’m not really seeing anything.
- No recognition of status (no big deal)
- Same welcome gift (just the same Points or Voucher I was getting as Plat)
- No room upgrades (the one bugging me, but small sample size so far)
My frame of reference is my airline status. The jump from Platinum to 1K on United is pretty meaningful to me (priority boarding, GPUs, dedicated call line, prioritized meal choices in business, free food in economy, etc.).
I’m likely to reach 100 nights this year, but not the $20,000 in spend (probably ending around $15,000, thanks to corporate rates). I’m guessing Ambassador level is really where the noticeable differences kick in?
Jul 30, 2019, 6:21 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,205
Did you read the Bonvoy web site?
Tits get a few extra points (+75% rather than +50%) and the possibility of a room upgrade at a RC brand hotel. I think that’s it.
People have fantasies about getting priority in the upgrade list but I’ve not seen anything in the T&Cs about this.
The jump comes at 50-nights to Platinum when you get lounge access, suite upgrades (if you’re lucky), and 4pm check out.
After reading the Bonvoy T&Cs, what else were your expecting that you don’t get?
Tits get a few extra points (+75% rather than +50%) and the possibility of a room upgrade at a RC brand hotel. I think that’s it.
People have fantasies about getting priority in the upgrade list but I’ve not seen anything in the T&Cs about this.
The jump comes at 50-nights to Platinum when you get lounge access, suite upgrades (if you’re lucky), and 4pm check out.
After reading the Bonvoy T&Cs, what else were your expecting that you don’t get?
Jul 30, 2019, 6:27 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
A lot depends on your stay patterns. Where Tit versus Plat is most likely to make a difference (other than in RCs) would be hotels that preassign upgrades. You can also choose ten SNAs instead of just five.
Jul 30, 2019, 7:04 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
I was Platinum (50 nights) for about 9 years, then Titanium for the last two. I wouldn't expect your experience in the hotel to be any different. The benefits people mentioned above all come after your stay.
Since I don't burn through points anyway, I also feel like there's very little difference. I've started staying at other hotels more often since I made LT Plat. On our September vacation, we've booked all our nights in boutique hotels and AirBnb. If I end up at 68 nights for the year, I won't miss the Titanium benefits.
Since I don't burn through points anyway, I also feel like there's very little difference. I've started staying at other hotels more often since I made LT Plat. On our September vacation, we've booked all our nights in boutique hotels and AirBnb. If I end up at 68 nights for the year, I won't miss the Titanium benefits.
Jul 30, 2019, 7:27 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
One major difference is the Marriott United RewardPlus program. It is only available to TI members. If this adds any value to you.
Titanium and Ambassador Elite members can enroll to enjoy complimentary United MileagePlus Premier® Silver status.
Jul 30, 2019, 7:38 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Programs: MR LT Titanium, IHG Plat.,UA Premier Silver, & PA/OH Turnpike Million Miler
Posts: 2,311
UA Premier Silver status has very minimal value. It was much better when Plat Premieres got UA Premier Gold status which was meaningful.
--Jon
--Jon
Jul 30, 2019, 7:46 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,911
Jul 30, 2019, 7:48 am
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
Jul 30, 2019, 8:50 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,714
Jul 30, 2019, 9:22 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NAP
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 82
Your main benefits are the extra choice award, 17.5 points/$ and Silver Premier status with UA if you don't have that already.
You might get a little better treatment at hotels in Asia and some European cities that don't see a lot of Titaniums, but other than that, you'll have much the same experiance as a Platinum.
You might get a little better treatment at hotels in Asia and some European cities that don't see a lot of Titaniums, but other than that, you'll have much the same experiance as a Platinum.
Jul 30, 2019, 9:29 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 655
Thank you all for the comments!
As a 1K on United the Silver status doesn't help me, but that would be good for those that don't have any status!
My expectations are better set now.
Thank you!
As a 1K on United the Silver status doesn't help me, but that would be good for those that don't have any status!
My expectations are better set now.
Thank you!
Jul 30, 2019, 10:19 am
#12
formerly leemaj
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: California
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium and LTP, Hyatt Globalist, UA Gold, SW Companion Pass
Posts: 217
I still have front desk telling me Thank you for being a Platinum member, when I have been Titanium for last 2 years.
The extra points is nice, and United Silver is useful for me occasionally. I haven't ever been able to use all my SNAs in a year, but when they work it is very nice e-mail to receive.
The extra points is nice, and United Silver is useful for me occasionally. I haven't ever been able to use all my SNAs in a year, but when they work it is very nice e-mail to receive.
Jul 30, 2019, 11:34 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,859
I still have front desk telling me Thank you for being a Platinum member, when I have been Titanium for last 2 years.
The extra points is nice, and United Silver is useful for me occasionally. I haven't ever been able to use all my SNAs in a year, but when they work it is very nice e-mail to receive.
The extra points is nice, and United Silver is useful for me occasionally. I haven't ever been able to use all my SNAs in a year, but when they work it is very nice e-mail to receive.
Jul 30, 2019, 12:05 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
Thanks to the silver status match over the past 4 years I've got:
1 domestic upgrade
2 international upgrades (Caribbean)
1 partner international op upgrade (Air Canada), where I was prioritized ahead of passengers without any Star Alliance status
While Titanium recognition is all over the place (more often than not I'm greeted as a Platinum) this benefit plus the additional points earning and SNAs have worked well for me. Agree with other posters that more needs to be done though to prioritize Titanium upgrades over Platinum, I've travelled across multiple countries in Europe and Asia this year and found no evidence this is happening.