Using another persons cat 4 cert
#1
Original Poster


Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 7,103
Using another persons cat 4 cert
I'm not sure if there is a way for me to use my dads cat 4 cert which is expiring soon. It says not transferable and I'm in another state.
Any ideas or will it just go to waste as he doesn't travel.
Thanks
Any ideas or will it just go to waste as he doesn't travel.
Thanks
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,599
Have him book a room and add your name to the reservation.
#3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott Rewards
Posts: 2
Using another persons cat 4 cert
If this is the Cert he receives yearly for his MRWD VISA cc, award code 34Z, it is non-tranferable and he would need to be the guest checking in.
#5
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,775
kacur54 is correct as far as the cert's T&Cs state. But as NJUPINTHEAIR and VickiSoCal mention, most hotels seem to not "enforce" that requirement as long as your dad's name is on the reservation with yours added as also staying on the rservation.
But it is worth noting that any particular hotel could decide to enforce the cert T&Cs and as such could say they won't take the cert until your Dad shows up. I'm not saying the hotel will do that, only that it is possible.
But it is worth noting that any particular hotel could decide to enforce the cert T&Cs and as such could say they won't take the cert until your Dad shows up. I'm not saying the hotel will do that, only that it is possible.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,599
I don't think most pay any attention to rooms booked with e-cert vs points. In fact they will often say "I see you are staying on points."
Technically points are not transferable either- not without paying a fee and depositing them to the other person's account, but how many of us have bbooked rooms on points for someone else?
Technically points are not transferable either- not without paying a fee and depositing them to the other person's account, but how many of us have bbooked rooms on points for someone else?
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
kacur54 is correct as far as the cert's T&Cs state. But as NJUPINTHEAIR and VickiSoCal mention, most hotels seem to not "enforce" that requirement as long as your dad's name is on the reservation with yours added as also staying on the rservation.
But it is worth noting that any particular hotel could decide to enforce the cert T&Cs and as such could say they won't take the cert until your Dad shows up. I'm not saying the hotel will do that, only that it is possible.
But it is worth noting that any particular hotel could decide to enforce the cert T&Cs and as such could say they won't take the cert until your Dad shows up. I'm not saying the hotel will do that, only that it is possible.
#8
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,775
Actually, Marriott will allow any two persons to combine points for an award with no fees involved with the transfer of points. Yes, the T&Cs state this is only for spouses, but even Marriott Concierge has mentioned that any two willing accounts can be used.
Also, while the points aren't transferable, Marriott will allow (i.e. perfectly allowable within the T&Cs) you to order an award for someone else. You will need to call MR and get them to order the award, but it can be for an award reservation completely in their name without yours anywhere on it.
Also, while the points aren't transferable, Marriott will allow (i.e. perfectly allowable within the T&Cs) you to order an award for someone else. You will need to call MR and get them to order the award, but it can be for an award reservation completely in their name without yours anywhere on it.
#9
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,775
I've used both my wife's and my CC e-certs for my wife's parents before and so far the hotel's haven't had any issues.
#10




Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Formerly of SacTown, Cali
Posts: 1,279
99.9999% of front desk people could care less if your dad is there or not. Make that 99.999999999999999999999999999999%.
Odds are you will be fine if he just adds your name to the reservation.
Shoot, I got checked into a Marriott the other night under a complete stranger's name. It was 1:00 AM so I was too tired and apparently he too. Lucky that stranger didn't show or it could have been a fiasco!
Odds are you will be fine if he just adds your name to the reservation.
Shoot, I got checked into a Marriott the other night under a complete stranger's name. It was 1:00 AM so I was too tired and apparently he too. Lucky that stranger didn't show or it could have been a fiasco!
#11
Original Poster


Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 7,103
I don't think most pay any attention to rooms booked with e-cert vs points. In fact they will often say "I see you are staying on points."
Technically points are not transferable either- not without paying a fee and depositing them to the other person's account, but how many of us have bbooked rooms on points for someone else?
Technically points are not transferable either- not without paying a fee and depositing them to the other person's account, but how many of us have bbooked rooms on points for someone else?
#12
Original Poster


Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 7,103
99.9999% of front desk people could care less if your dad is there or not. Make that 99.999999999999999999999999999999%.
Odds are you will be fine if he just adds your name to the reservation.
Shoot, I got checked into a Marriott the other night under a complete stranger's name. It was 1:00 AM so I was too tired and apparently he too. Lucky that stranger didn't show or it could have been a fiasco!
Odds are you will be fine if he just adds your name to the reservation.
Shoot, I got checked into a Marriott the other night under a complete stranger's name. It was 1:00 AM so I was too tired and apparently he too. Lucky that stranger didn't show or it could have been a fiasco!
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,599
Don't call to use it, book it all online- you should be able to use the cert online as well. Have your dad call to add the name.
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
Most report this is the way it should be done. Moreover, in my personal experience, I often add my spouse's name to any of our reservations and vice-versa, as we have 2 different last names on our accounts, as she uses her maiden name as her professional name and this is a common occurrence nowadays.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: AA, UA, Marriott Gold
Posts: 349
As others have stated, I have done this with points before. A few years ago my mother booked me a room with her points, then called and added my name to the reservation. Was never an issue, even when I went to the front desk to add an additional night, they asked if I wanted to continue using points or pay cash for it!

