Jul 30, 2016, 4:21 pm
Last edit by: Slickw
LINK TO CHART
Legacy to New Travel Package Conversion (effective August 2019)
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.
The codes for the new partial packages are:
New Cat 1-4: QP83
New Cat 5: QP91
New Cat 6: QP99
New Cat 7:
The legacy certificates map to the new certificates as such:
Cat 1-5 => Cat 1-4
Cat 6 => Cat 1-4
Cat 7 => Cat 5
Cat 8 => Cat 5
Cat 9 => Cat 6
Tier 1-3 => Cat 6
Tier 4-5 => Cat 7
==================================================
If you are unsure where you will use your 7 night stay, when you request the package, just ask for a category 1-5 hotel. That way you are out of the least number of points. If later, you decide to book for a higher level category, then you can do so and pay the difference the travel package points. If you can't use your certificate within the year, then as close to the one year anniversary (without going over!) call to extend the certificate for one more year. That's as long as they will typically allow, one extension. There is an option to expedite the mileage delivery to within three business days (sometimes faster) for $15. There are reports that this fee may be waived for platinum members.
Effective April 1 2017 re: Southwest & the companion pass:
"Purchased points, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, and e-Rewards, e-Miles, Valued Opinions and Diners Club, points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonuses, flight bonuses, and partner bonuses (excluding points bonuses earned on the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase) do not count toward Companion Pass."
************
Can I book SPG properties with my Marriott Travel Package? As of 9/1/2018 apparently not. see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30155836-post6529.html
Legacy to New Travel Package Conversion (effective August 2019)
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.
The codes for the new partial packages are:
New Cat 1-4: QP83
New Cat 5: QP91
New Cat 6: QP99
New Cat 7:
Originally Posted by Marriott Rewards Insider
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:
Source: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...es-update.html
- Select “Packages - Deals” from the “Topic” drop down menu
- Submit your request
Source: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...es-update.html
The legacy certificates map to the new certificates as such:
Cat 1-5 => Cat 1-4
Cat 6 => Cat 1-4
Cat 7 => Cat 5
Cat 8 => Cat 5
Cat 9 => Cat 6
Tier 1-3 => Cat 6
Tier 4-5 => Cat 7
==================================================
If you are unsure where you will use your 7 night stay, when you request the package, just ask for a category 1-5 hotel. That way you are out of the least number of points. If later, you decide to book for a higher level category, then you can do so and pay the difference the travel package points. If you can't use your certificate within the year, then as close to the one year anniversary (without going over!) call to extend the certificate for one more year. That's as long as they will typically allow, one extension. There is an option to expedite the mileage delivery to within three business days (sometimes faster) for $15. There are reports that this fee may be waived for platinum members.
Effective April 1 2017 re: Southwest & the companion pass:
"Purchased points, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, and e-Rewards, e-Miles, Valued Opinions and Diners Club, points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonuses, flight bonuses, and partner bonuses (excluding points bonuses earned on the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase) do not count toward Companion Pass."
************
Can I book SPG properties with my Marriott Travel Package? As of 9/1/2018 apparently not. see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30155836-post6529.html
Marriott Travel Packages
Jul 31, 2018, 6:57 am
#4471
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: A Capital City on The East Coast
Programs: CO-Dirt,SPG-Nothing,Marriott-Gold, Hilton-Blue, Hyatt-Plat, HI-Plat
Posts: 6,872
Assuming "A Capital City on The East Coast" is D.C...and not in Y is a must... your one stop options are taking the NH/UA flight direct from IAD to NRT then a connecting flight (so not Alaska or Avios). If you are OK with taking a train from Tokyo, then that opens up a CX redemption on the new IAD - HKG route via Alaska.
I don't think there's train service between Tokyo and Okinawa
Just trying to decide if maybe AS makes mores sense but that would leave us short by 30k miles for the 3 of us(if using CX), unless the kid flies in coach
Jul 31, 2018, 7:17 am
#4472
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 546
Thanks in my case a Capital city is RDU. But were not above flying to a West Coast Gateway, on our dime
I don't think there's train service between Tokyo and Okinawa
Just trying to decide if maybe AS makes mores sense but that would leave us short by 30k miles for the 3 of us(if using CX), unless the kid flies in coach
I don't think there's train service between Tokyo and Okinawa
Just trying to decide if maybe AS makes mores sense but that would leave us short by 30k miles for the 3 of us(if using CX), unless the kid flies in coach
Jul 31, 2018, 7:36 am
#4473
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, VS Red, HH Gold, IHG Gold, Marriott Gold, SPG Basic, Alitalia Status Match
Posts: 1,173
Correct. But I think you can fly direct from Hong Kong to Okinawa on someone like Hong Kong Express or possibly Peach. Tokyo to Okinawa is at least 2 hours, so Hong Kong-Okinawa may be a similar time/distance, assuming Hong Kong is easier than Tokyo for you to get to.
Jul 31, 2018, 7:48 am
#4474
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 546
Thanks in my case a Capital city is RDU. But were not above flying to a West Coast Gateway, on our dime
I don't think there's train service between Tokyo and Okinawa
Just trying to decide if maybe AS makes mores sense but that would leave us short by 30k miles for the 3 of us(if using CX), unless the kid flies in coach
I don't think there's train service between Tokyo and Okinawa
Just trying to decide if maybe AS makes mores sense but that would leave us short by 30k miles for the 3 of us(if using CX), unless the kid flies in coach
Jul 31, 2018, 9:45 am
#4475
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 39
Just called, waited 15 mins and bought a package with Alaskan, and booked hotel.
This was my first purchase and experience. Is there a way to see the Alaskan account number they sent my points to? I gave it to her verbally, but want to make sure there were no errors. Hoping to see the points in the account earlier than 1-2 weeks.
Also, was told I needed to give them a credit card to book the hotel with my certificate, is this normally required as I thought my certificate was sufficient. She said if I didn't show, they would charge one night in the card as penalty and put my certificate back in my account, curious if that would auto renew my certificate for another year. Does anyone know if this is true?
This was my first purchase and experience. Is there a way to see the Alaskan account number they sent my points to? I gave it to her verbally, but want to make sure there were no errors. Hoping to see the points in the account earlier than 1-2 weeks.
Also, was told I needed to give them a credit card to book the hotel with my certificate, is this normally required as I thought my certificate was sufficient. She said if I didn't show, they would charge one night in the card as penalty and put my certificate back in my account, curious if that would auto renew my certificate for another year. Does anyone know if this is true?
Jul 31, 2018, 9:55 am
#4476
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
I'm still surprised that the official plans with travel packages haven't leaked yet. I guess we'll all find out soon enough. I'd really like to use mine at a couple SPG properties, so I'm leaving them unattached for now and hoping for the best.
Jul 31, 2018, 10:05 am
#4477
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: Marriott/Starwood Lifetime Titanium, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Spire, United Premier Silver
Posts: 707
This is somewhat off topic, but might be useful to people who are deciding where to credit the flight portion of TPs they're about to purchase. Each frequent flyer program has its pros and cons, of course. Here's a brief summary of the four programs most often used for TP transfers:
1) AS - Pros: Currently the most valuable currency. Great for transpacific flights (on CX, JL, etc). Stopover on one-way flights. Good domestic flights (including Hawaii) if you live on the West ]Coast. Cons: Award availability sometimes scarce on partners. Devaluation is likely on the horizon soon.
2) UA - Pros: Lots of partners. No fuel surcharges. Excursion perk for those can take advantage of it. Short distance intra-region flights outside of US. Cons: Awards on partners cost more in J/F.
3) AC (AP) - Pros: Generous stopover rules on RT flights. Reasonable award pricing on transatlantic flights. Cons: Fuel surcharges on its own metal and most partners. Uncertainty beyond 2020. Miles expire in just 1 year and not as easy to extend for those not living in Canada.
4) BA (Avios) - Pros: Great for short-distance direct flights (especially outside of US). Cons: Exorbitant fuel surcharges (except in regions where they're prohibited). Expensive for long-distance flights in J/F.
1) AS - Pros: Currently the most valuable currency. Great for transpacific flights (on CX, JL, etc). Stopover on one-way flights. Good domestic flights (including Hawaii) if you live on the West ]Coast. Cons: Award availability sometimes scarce on partners. Devaluation is likely on the horizon soon.
2) UA - Pros: Lots of partners. No fuel surcharges. Excursion perk for those can take advantage of it. Short distance intra-region flights outside of US. Cons: Awards on partners cost more in J/F.
3) AC (AP) - Pros: Generous stopover rules on RT flights. Reasonable award pricing on transatlantic flights. Cons: Fuel surcharges on its own metal and most partners. Uncertainty beyond 2020. Miles expire in just 1 year and not as easy to extend for those not living in Canada.
4) BA (Avios) - Pros: Great for short-distance direct flights (especially outside of US). Cons: Exorbitant fuel surcharges (except in regions where they're prohibited). Expensive for long-distance flights in J/F.
Jul 31, 2018, 10:08 am
#4478
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: Marriott/Starwood Lifetime Titanium, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Spire, United Premier Silver
Posts: 707
akb626: Out of LAX, Alaska is better [cheaper in J] than Aeroplan for Japan, New Zealand, Europe (looked up Paris), South America (looked up Buenos Aries and São Paulo). So that's all of them except the South Pacific - it doesn't seem CX flies to any of those islands on first glance.
This is excellent. Thanks for the feedback. Between this info and the info provided by tth6133, I am going with AS! Thanks!
This is excellent. Thanks for the feedback. Between this info and the info provided by tth6133, I am going with AS! Thanks!
Jul 31, 2018, 10:09 am
#4479
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 432
I got 3x120K AS miles from 3TP's. Still want to get another TP but don't know if I want another one to AS or send it to UA. I have lots of miles in both airlines but still think getting airlines miles is still much better than keeping MR points. Most of my trips go to Asia. Want some inputs choosing between AS and UA.
In particular, which airlines is better for going between Europe and Asia or Europe and Australia?
In particular, which airlines is better for going between Europe and Asia or Europe and Australia?
Last edited by jrey; Jul 31, 2018 at 10:17 am
Jul 31, 2018, 10:19 am
#4480
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 308
This is somewhat off topic, but might be useful to people who are deciding where to credit the flight portion of TPs they're about to purchase. Each frequent flyer program has its pros and cons, of course. Here's a brief summary of the four programs most often used for TP transfers:
1) AS - Pros: Currently the most valuable currency. Great for transpacific flights (on CX, JL, etc). Stopover on one-way flights. Good domestic flights (including Hawaii) if you live on the West Coast. Cons: Award availability sometimes scarce on partners. Devaluation is likely on the horizon soon.
2) UA - Pros: Lots of partners. No fuel surcharges. Excursion perk for those can take advantage of it. Short distance intra-region flights outside of US. Cons: Awards on partners cost more in J/F.
3) AC (AP) - Pros: Generous stopover rules on RT flights. Reasonable award pricing on transatlantic flights. Cons: Fuel surcharges on its own metal and most partners. Uncertainty beyond 2020. Miles expire in just 1 year and not as easy to extend for those not living in Canada.
4) BA (Avios) - Pros: Great for short-distance direct flights (especially outside of US). Cons: Exorbitant fuel surcharges (except in regions where they're prohibited). Expensive for long-distance flights in J/F.
1) AS - Pros: Currently the most valuable currency. Great for transpacific flights (on CX, JL, etc). Stopover on one-way flights. Good domestic flights (including Hawaii) if you live on the West Coast. Cons: Award availability sometimes scarce on partners. Devaluation is likely on the horizon soon.
2) UA - Pros: Lots of partners. No fuel surcharges. Excursion perk for those can take advantage of it. Short distance intra-region flights outside of US. Cons: Awards on partners cost more in J/F.
3) AC (AP) - Pros: Generous stopover rules on RT flights. Reasonable award pricing on transatlantic flights. Cons: Fuel surcharges on its own metal and most partners. Uncertainty beyond 2020. Miles expire in just 1 year and not as easy to extend for those not living in Canada.
4) BA (Avios) - Pros: Great for short-distance direct flights (especially outside of US). Cons: Exorbitant fuel surcharges (except in regions where they're prohibited). Expensive for long-distance flights in J/F.
1.) For AC, I don't think it's too hard to extend your miles. a.) You can get the TD card and/or b.) AMEX MR are a partner and you can transfer over at any time. Both options will extend your expiration date.
2.) There is still pretty good value with AA miles too. In fact, I'd prefer AA miles over BA avios. Yes, the availability for their own flights are pretty bad, but there are some solid options on partner flights. Especially on EY, QR, CX, JL, and even IB. You do have to do a more legwork though and it pretty much always involves calling, but some good options for sure.
Jul 31, 2018, 10:35 am
#4481
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
Transfer to United is extremely fast
45 minute wait on the phone to get a rep last night, 3 minute processing, email confirmation in another minute, and this morning the miles appeared in my UA acct. faster than before the merger. 
Jul 31, 2018, 11:36 am
#4482
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, National EE, Sixt Platinum, Hertz PC, AVIS PC
Posts: 1,910
Ordered a travel package with Aeroplan miles on Sunday July 29.
Miles posted to account today July 31.
Fast!
Ron.
Miles posted to account today July 31.
Fast!
Ron.
Jul 31, 2018, 11:52 am
#4483
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: USA
Programs: AA Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 310
Jul 31, 2018, 11:59 am
#4484
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, National EE, Sixt Platinum, Hertz PC, AVIS PC
Posts: 1,910
Jul 31, 2018, 11:59 am
#4485
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Thanks in my case a Capital city is RDU. But were not above flying to a West Coast Gateway, on our dime
I don't think there's train service between Tokyo and Okinawa
Just trying to decide if maybe AS makes mores sense but that would leave us short by 30k miles for the 3 of us(if using CX), unless the kid flies in coach
I don't think there's train service between Tokyo and Okinawa
Just trying to decide if maybe AS makes mores sense but that would leave us short by 30k miles for the 3 of us(if using CX), unless the kid flies in coach
TYO - ORD/JFK/LAX/SFO/SAN/BOS/DFW (JL J or F) and then paying the rest of the day
TYO - ORD/LAX/JFK/DFW - RDU (AA J and then F/J for domestic)
or
TYO - HKG - SEA - RDU (CX J/F to AS Y/F)
TYO - HKG - SFO - RDU (CX J/F to AS Y/F)
TYO - HKG - LAX - SFO/SEA - RDU (CX J/F to AS Y/F)
or
TYO - HKG - JFK/EWR/ORD/BOS/IAD/LAX (CX J/F) and then paying the rest of the day
I live here and have needed this route a few times and can tell you that JL is the best option but that basically means you have to either take it to SFO and then fly AS Y/F direct (non-existant award space on SFO - RDU direct) or via SEA (better award space) or you fly JL to one of the east coast gateways and pay the rest (our upcoming honeymoon we are doing this, NRT - ORD on JL F and then used Avios for ORD - RDU).
If you transfer to UA you have a few more options but they cost more. I've been offered routes that go on: NH, OZ, CA, AC, UA, BR. If you have any UA status (or Marriott Plat getting you UA silver) that helps -- UA isn't overly generous with domestic Y space but if you have status or the CC they do make a good chunk available in XN space that only elites / CC holders can access which makes it easier to complete an itinerary from ORD/IAD/EWR.
UA also lets you book domestic Y flights on NH as long as adding that leg doesn't cause you to have too many segments (believe the total number allowed is either 4 or 5 from Japan) so the OKA - NRT/HND flight would be included on the UA award ticket. On the AS ticket presumably you could add either CX or JL for the OKA - HKG and OKA - NRT/HND flights if needed as well.