I agree with the caveat. If you can use the 7 night award, a TP is a better deal.

In other words, as I said, it's not entirely clear that a TP is a better deal. Just mostly clear. :D

bd

#1 - Yes, the hotel portion of a TP can be upgraded (recently confirmed in another thread). If you don't need the stay right away, the strategy of getting the cheapest cert for maximum miles, and then upgrading the cert to what you'll actually use, is a time-honored technique here on FT. Especially since the cert cannot be downgraded (without taking a huge hit).

#2 - Be aware that AA has specifically excluded miles from a TP for their 35% bonus. It seems that Marriott codes the miles differently when it hands them off to AA, so that's how they know.

Booked another travel package (cat 1-5 + 120K AA miles) yesterday. Very long wait time even on the Platinum line. Talked with the CSR as he was processing the order, and he said they were flooded with redemptions getting in under the 30 June wire.

I wonder how many millions of AA miles Marriott will award in June. Betcha it'll be a batch!!

(BTW, the miles had already hit my AA account this morning. No 35% bonus, but I wasn't expecting one.)

I have 150,000 points in one account and a friend has 40,000 in their account. I assume I can buy 50,000 points in my account and my friend can buy 30,000 points and then transfer the 80,000 points to me, correct?

Any cheaper/better way to get the 80,000 points?

How often do these 50% bonus opportunities come? Doesn't have to be US Air.

from what i understand MR does state that you can only transfer points between legal spouses.

has anyone succeeded with a transfer between friends?

Successfully transferred between family/friends more than once. I do believe that Marriott's lurker, Marriott Concierge, has even stated here that Marriott is currently allowing transfers between any two willing individuals.

Note that even with Marriott Concierge's post, Marriott could change their policy and begin to enforce their 'official' rules at any time. But I've never had any issues and haven't seen anyone here posting about issues.

I have received 2 transfers of Marriott points from friends recently. The transfer form says nothing about 'spouse,' which word appears on Marriott's Webpage for some reason but is unknown or ignored by the reps.

Has any one had issues transferring points that have been purchased?

Is there any cheaper/better way to get the 80,000 points?

I doubt that Marriott tracks "purchased" points separately from any other points. So you shouldn't have any issues.

As for getting 80K points, do you already have a Marriott Visa? Right now there is a 50K bonus point offer. Also, you should be able to get at least 3 bonus point offers. Get a base Signature Marriott Visa, a Premier Marriott Visa, and a Business Marriott Visa. (Of course getting approved for 3 Marriott Visa cards is dependent on your credit rating and your living in the US as well.)

Another option if you have points/miles or other travel instruments (i.e. airport lounge access coupons, flight upgrades, drink coupons, etc.) you can look at trading those on CC for your needed Marriott points.

Thanks.

I don't think Marriott Reward Points will post quickly enough with the credit card but I'll look into it. I have had the personal and business card but that was several years ago.

Does any one know how often Marriott/Airlines run this 50% bonus offer?

Travel Package linking to award!!
 

MAJOR RANT ON...If you dont like it, please exit now.....

For the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW when booking a stay and using TP's...MR decided that the reservation needed to pull an additional 300K (cat 6, 7 nights, 2 rooms) from my account, because my certs were "not the proper type!!!!!"

This is FRUSTRATING! Why does it seem MR can NEVER get this right!?!?!?! It should be easy...here is 600K points, give me 240K airline miles, and 2 rooms 7 nights in a cat. 6 hotel!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully my reservation will not be CANCELLED like it was 2 years ago when I showed up at the hotel and was told that MR cnx my reservation because the certs were not ordered and I did not have enough points! :mad::mad:

25 min on the phone now, and STILL not resolved! /rant off.....:D

Travel package - can spouses combine their points?
 

Hi - My husband and I have enough points combined to do one of the travel packages that gives the 120,000 airline miles and I'd like to take advantage of the USAir special and get those 50% extra miles. I seem to remember reading a couple of years ago that we could combine our points. Anyone done this? If so - what process - through a phone call?
Thanks,
Sue

Yes - no problem. Just call them, and they will fax you a form that both parties need to sign.

My wife and I just did that for 2 USAir TPs.

bd

The only thing to think about is whose account do you want the airline miles to be deposited in. The name on the Marriott account has to match the name on the airline's account. If one of you already has some US miles and you want this transfer to increase that account, make sure you fill out Marriott's Transfer form correctly.

Can the travel package be ordered online?