Will Marriott Reopen Lifetime Titanium Status?
May 13, 2021, 4:00 pm
#76
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 798
Love all those with LTT telling us how we don't need it. 
Just like with airfare I learned a long time ago not to rely on the status for anything but breakfast. The individual hotel can tell you to pound sand and you won't see jack in the way of an upgrade. They have the final say so, not Marriott corporate.
I just buy suites when I want them. Much easier and less aggravating when I travel with my family. If its too expensive I just get two adjoining rooms. It is funny how much more the hotels like us when we spend money.
Just like with airfare I learned a long time ago not to rely on the status for anything but breakfast. The individual hotel can tell you to pound sand and you won't see jack in the way of an upgrade. They have the final say so, not Marriott corporate.
I just buy suites when I want them. Much easier and less aggravating when I travel with my family. If its too expensive I just get two adjoining rooms. It is funny how much more the hotels like us when we spend money.
May 13, 2021, 4:28 pm
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,895
Love all those with LTT telling us how we don't need it.
Just like with airfare I learned a long time ago not to rely on the status for anything but breakfast. The individual hotel can tell you to pound sand and you won't see jack in the way of an upgrade. They have the final say so, not Marriott corporate.
I just buy suites when I want them. Much easier and less aggravating when I travel with my family. If its too expensive I just get two adjoining rooms. It is funny how much more the hotels like us when we spend money.
Just like with airfare I learned a long time ago not to rely on the status for anything but breakfast. The individual hotel can tell you to pound sand and you won't see jack in the way of an upgrade. They have the final say so, not Marriott corporate.
I just buy suites when I want them. Much easier and less aggravating when I travel with my family. If its too expensive I just get two adjoining rooms. It is funny how much more the hotels like us when we spend money.
May 14, 2021, 8:24 am
#78
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 1,982
I”m not sure they will open the LTT status, but if they feel they need to, they will.
I’m not sure with all the changes happening to the system of travel that loyalty is going to look the same way it does right now. These programs are meant to really value road warriors who are constantly traveling to different cities each week, etc. Not to incentivize the people who figure out ways to maximize benefits constantly.
The problem with LTT is it’s a huge guarantee of benefits to people who might not actually add to the bottom line that much in the moment. I’m honestly surprised they still offer Lifetime Platinum.
I’m not sure with all the changes happening to the system of travel that loyalty is going to look the same way it does right now. These programs are meant to really value road warriors who are constantly traveling to different cities each week, etc. Not to incentivize the people who figure out ways to maximize benefits constantly.
The problem with LTT is it’s a huge guarantee of benefits to people who might not actually add to the bottom line that much in the moment. I’m honestly surprised they still offer Lifetime Platinum.
May 14, 2021, 2:18 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Wayne, PA USA
Programs: DL MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, HHonors Gold
Posts: 7,242
Those are some good thoughts, @myperks. Marriott is probably frittering away a once-in-a-generation opportunity here to revamp these levels. 2021 could be there to maintain everyone's status and offer bonuses as needed to get the numbers at each level where they want them to be. But starting in 2022 they could have a fully-tweaked program in place that balances perks for loyalty, points earning and redemption, and encouraging stays and spending. I know I'm not the only one who thinks the current program is overly complicated with too many restrictions and exemptions.
They could do whatever they want in terms of changing the names of the levels, the qualification criteria, the benefits, etc. right now while travel is so topsy-turvy. Personally, I'd like it if they changed ambassador back to an invite-only level without stated criteria (like platinum premier used to be) but provide actual, tangible benefits over and above whatever the published top tier is. I also think they need to make it harder to achieve levels that grant complimentary executive/concierge lounge access--Hilton has a good approach here where diamonds always get lounge access but golds only get it if they get upgraded to a club floor (but otherwise get complimentary breakfast in the restaurant).
I'd also like to see Marriott re-establish their control over all their franchisees. Don't comply with the T&C of the Bonvoy program? It's just like not meeting other brand standards--there are actual, tangible consequences that quickly lead to being deflagged. This would help with delivering on Bonvoy promises to various levels.
Finally, I'd like to see Marriott actually help all these hotel owners with training programs to reinvigorate the culture Marriott used to have, summarized in the book "Spirit to Serve". Marriott used to actually care about their guests as, well... as guests. It started with how they took care of their associates, who almost felt like part of the Marriott family. Nowadays everything has become very sterile and corporate--when a guest has a problem they are automatically offered Bonvoy points as compensation, whereas an empowered person used to actually listen to complaints, offer a sincere apology (and appropriate compensation if warranted), and then work to correct whatever deficiency was identified.
These are fundamental cultural issues that could be addressed and fixed over a short period of time, if the company shared my passion that they are the basic differentiators between Marriott and any other hospitality company.
They could do whatever they want in terms of changing the names of the levels, the qualification criteria, the benefits, etc. right now while travel is so topsy-turvy. Personally, I'd like it if they changed ambassador back to an invite-only level without stated criteria (like platinum premier used to be) but provide actual, tangible benefits over and above whatever the published top tier is. I also think they need to make it harder to achieve levels that grant complimentary executive/concierge lounge access--Hilton has a good approach here where diamonds always get lounge access but golds only get it if they get upgraded to a club floor (but otherwise get complimentary breakfast in the restaurant).
I'd also like to see Marriott re-establish their control over all their franchisees. Don't comply with the T&C of the Bonvoy program? It's just like not meeting other brand standards--there are actual, tangible consequences that quickly lead to being deflagged. This would help with delivering on Bonvoy promises to various levels.
Finally, I'd like to see Marriott actually help all these hotel owners with training programs to reinvigorate the culture Marriott used to have, summarized in the book "Spirit to Serve". Marriott used to actually care about their guests as, well... as guests. It started with how they took care of their associates, who almost felt like part of the Marriott family. Nowadays everything has become very sterile and corporate--when a guest has a problem they are automatically offered Bonvoy points as compensation, whereas an empowered person used to actually listen to complaints, offer a sincere apology (and appropriate compensation if warranted), and then work to correct whatever deficiency was identified.
These are fundamental cultural issues that could be addressed and fixed over a short period of time, if the company shared my passion that they are the basic differentiators between Marriott and any other hospitality company.
May 14, 2021, 2:27 pm
#80
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Manhattan, Palm Beach Island, San Francisco, Boston, & Hong Kong
Programs: Lifetime United Global Services, Delta Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador, & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,165
I think a lot of the loss of the Marriott culture came about with the Starwood acquisition - and I’m not bashing Starwood here. You had an incredibly large organization come in with a very different perception of service that wasn’t driven by a single “origin story” the way Marriott’s was. There were naturally changes, accommodations, adoptions of different ways, and ultimately dilution. For example, close your eyes and picture walking into a W and seeing a picture of Bill or Willard Marriott somewhere? See what I mean? The culture doesn’t exist.
May 14, 2021, 2:33 pm
#82
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Wayne, PA USA
Programs: DL MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, HHonors Gold
Posts: 7,242
That example makes my point
May 14, 2021, 3:41 pm
#83
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
May 14, 2021, 3:44 pm
#84
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
The only LTT benefits over LTP are (1) 75% vs. 50% bonus points, (2) complimentary United® MileagePlus® Premier® Silver Status, and (3) 48 hr room guarantee. My last LTT upgrade was from no view room to a resort view room and I was granted 1 pm late checkout from Westin Hilton Head.
May 14, 2021, 4:08 pm
#85
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,559
For me, this benefit is HUGE. I'm not a United regular, but have a handful of flights a year where they're the best option. I don't make Silver the hard way. The benefit is either worth a lot of money (vs. flying UA without status) or a lot of time (if I avoided them by taking connecting flights on AA or WN).
UA Silver grants one the ability to buy Basic Economy and not have a horrible experience, so if you're traveling with family this could add up to $1,000 in a single domestic round-trip (in fare differences, seat assignments, and bags).
The hotel benefits of Titanium aren't much, but this United benefit doesn't get enough credit.
UA Silver grants one the ability to buy Basic Economy and not have a horrible experience, so if you're traveling with family this could add up to $1,000 in a single domestic round-trip (in fare differences, seat assignments, and bags).
The hotel benefits of Titanium aren't much, but this United benefit doesn't get enough credit.
May 14, 2021, 5:08 pm
#86
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,912
For me, this benefit is HUGE. I'm not a United regular, but have a handful of flights a year where they're the best option. I don't make Silver the hard way. The benefit is either worth a lot of money (vs. flying UA without status) or a lot of time (if I avoided them by taking connecting flights on AA or WN).
UA Silver grants one the ability to buy Basic Economy and not have a horrible experience, so if you're traveling with family this could add up to $1,000 in a single domestic round-trip (in fare differences, seat assignments, and bags).
The hotel benefits of Titanium aren't much, but this United benefit doesn't get enough credit.
UA Silver grants one the ability to buy Basic Economy and not have a horrible experience, so if you're traveling with family this could add up to $1,000 in a single domestic round-trip (in fare differences, seat assignments, and bags).
The hotel benefits of Titanium aren't much, but this United benefit doesn't get enough credit.
May 14, 2021, 7:00 pm
#87
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
For me, this benefit is HUGE. I'm not a United regular, but have a handful of flights a year where they're the best option. I don't make Silver the hard way. The benefit is either worth a lot of money (vs. flying UA without status) or a lot of time (if I avoided them by taking connecting flights on AA or WN).
UA Silver grants one the ability to buy Basic Economy and not have a horrible experience, so if you're traveling with family this could add up to $1,000 in a single domestic round-trip (in fare differences, seat assignments, and bags).
The hotel benefits of Titanium aren't much, but this United benefit doesn't get enough credit.
UA Silver grants one the ability to buy Basic Economy and not have a horrible experience, so if you're traveling with family this could add up to $1,000 in a single domestic round-trip (in fare differences, seat assignments, and bags).
The hotel benefits of Titanium aren't much, but this United benefit doesn't get enough credit.
May 14, 2021, 7:14 pm
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,519
May 14, 2021, 10:49 pm
#90
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
- Correct, only LTT with Marriott Bonvoy. UA Silver benefit could be pulled at any time and so any other benefits of LTT. In fact, some of the most valuable (at least for me) benefits of Bonvoy PLT and Titanium status like room upgrades and late checkouts are still on the books but are now more difficult to take the advantage of.