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 30, 2018, 8:06 pm
#4456
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,671
Here's a comprehensive guide on all of the possibilities for these certs on my blog, what options am I missing 
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-tra...hensive-guide/
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-tra...hensive-guide/
Jul 30, 2018, 8:27 pm
#4457
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,467
Jul 30, 2018, 8:46 pm
#4458
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 225
Jul 30, 2018, 9:09 pm
#4459
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: SGN; LAX/BUR
Posts: 8
Mapping from current certificates to new category is highly unlikely because it would be even more costly to Marriott than simply refunding points for full 6 nights. Starwood Lurker has also stated that conversion would be based on points, not categories. But anything is possible, I suppose.
I previously purchased a category 8 certificate and downgraded it to category 1-5 - I am waiting for points to come in from a household member's SPG account in order to buy a new Category 6 package. For now, I wanted to upgrade my 1-5 to category 9 in the case that I couldn't change things after the 31st.
Other background info: I would like to make a 7 night redemption in the near future at a [post-merger] category 5-7 hotel in Japan. However, I would much prefer the scenario where the old travel packages are converted to pure unrestricted MR points for us to dole out to FF programs and/or individual hotel night redemption.
As to...
a. whether we could change categories for existing packages after August 1st using the current travel package pricing. Answer: Yes. We can change categories until the 18th.
b. whether I could change categories on my existing package again after a 2nd change - No, she strongly advised me not to upgrade to category 9 right now because
i. as I had already modified the package once, I can only make one more modification.
ii. "After the merger, there is no category 9, so you will only be able to book category 8s and below with this certificate. You cannot change it to category 8/another category and receive a points differential refund."
Hope this is useful.
Jul 30, 2018, 9:45 pm
#4460
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,908
Hmmm, not so sure here. For example, I had a Cat 8 cert with the stay reserved. My plans changed, so the cert went back to my account. Then, the hotel’s Cat went up. I had to pay more points to reserve the hotel several weeks later. Maybe not exactly the same thing, but to me, it points out that nothing is guaranteed. Ymmv. Cheers.
they either have to refund points at cat value or honor at same cat till expiry - everything else seems risky from legal standpoint...
Jul 30, 2018, 9:46 pm
#4461
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: MLI
Programs: UA Silver, MR Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 255
Jul 30, 2018, 10:06 pm
#4463
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 31
I’ve just booked myself an Alaska 50k Miles + cat. 1-5 (7 night) travel package. Was a matter of minutes. What sent a chill down my spine was, the rep said “u know u have to book your stay before August..?” I said “yeah.. but what if I don’t..?” She said, “ then u won’t be able to use your stay certificate.” I just thought that she doesn’t know what she is talking about and just went ahead and booked the package anyway. Are we doing a mistake here..?
Jul 30, 2018, 10:30 pm
#4464
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: USA
Programs: AA Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 310
I’ve just booked myself an Alaska 50k Miles + cat. 1-5 (7 night) travel package. Was a matter of minutes. What sent a chill down my spine was, the rep said “u know u have to book your stay before August..?” I said “yeah.. but what if I don’t..?” She said, “ then u won’t be able to use your stay certificate.” I just thought that she doesn’t know what she is talking about and just went ahead and booked the package anyway. Are we doing a mistake here..?
Last edited by milesforhire; Jul 30, 2018 at 10:49 pm
Jul 30, 2018, 10:36 pm
#4465
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: Marriott/Starwood Lifetime Titanium, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Spire, United Premier Silver
Posts: 707
I'm seriously considering purchasing a second TP for another stay that I would like.
I am uncertain which airlines to award for this second TP. I have no particular use in mind for these miles yet but really like the idea of getting stopovers and also of low fuel surcharges. Since I have read that United, Alaska, and Aeroplan are very good options, I am considering them. Out of LAX, is Alaska a better choice than Aeroplan? Most likely, the miles will be used for somewhere in Europe, South America, Japan, New Zealand, or some island in the south pacific.
I am uncertain which airlines to award for this second TP. I have no particular use in mind for these miles yet but really like the idea of getting stopovers and also of low fuel surcharges. Since I have read that United, Alaska, and Aeroplan are very good options, I am considering them. Out of LAX, is Alaska a better choice than Aeroplan? Most likely, the miles will be used for somewhere in Europe, South America, Japan, New Zealand, or some island in the south pacific.
Jul 30, 2018, 10:39 pm
#4466
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: Marriott/Starwood Lifetime Titanium, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Spire, United Premier Silver
Posts: 707
I’ve just booked myself an Alaska 50k Miles + cat. 1-5 (7 night) travel package. Was a matter of minutes. What sent a chill down my spine was, the rep said “u know u have to book your stay before August..?” I said “yeah.. but what if I don’t..?” She said, “ then u won’t be able to use your stay certificate.” I just thought that she doesn’t know what she is talking about and just went ahead and booked the package anyway. Are we doing a mistake here..?
Jul 30, 2018, 11:11 pm
#4467
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
VERY VERY Late to the game but believe I still have some time to get it done
SPG/Marriott Merger
Have 323K MR points, 151K SPG, 231K UA,140 AA, 194k Delta, zero AS
was just going to sit on hotel balance but with kids in OKA for next 3years(marine SIL), seems miles might be a better use, as we(3 of us), need to get there (and Hopefully not in Y) and may have to do it at least once a year for next three
Marriott has a cat 8 there-Renaissance Resort which is about 10 miles from where kids are
seems to make sense(to me) to transfer 50K SPG to Marriott and purchase for 360K 7 nights and 132K Miles
or is my math off?
Not traveling(flying) much at all, so little opportunity to earn
Would a transfer to to Alaska/Avois or some other program make better sense?
Have not looked at flights
SPG/Marriott Merger
Have 323K MR points, 151K SPG, 231K UA,140 AA, 194k Delta, zero AS
was just going to sit on hotel balance but with kids in OKA for next 3years(marine SIL), seems miles might be a better use, as we(3 of us), need to get there (and Hopefully not in Y) and may have to do it at least once a year for next three
Marriott has a cat 8 there-Renaissance Resort which is about 10 miles from where kids are
seems to make sense(to me) to transfer 50K SPG to Marriott and purchase for 360K 7 nights and 132K Miles
or is my math off?
Not traveling(flying) much at all, so little opportunity to earn
Would a transfer to to Alaska/Avois or some other program make better sense?
Have not looked at flights
Jul 31, 2018, 4:38 am
#4469
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 546
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.
Last edited by tth6133; Jul 31, 2018 at 5:41 am
Jul 31, 2018, 4:42 am
#4470
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: SGN; LAX/BUR
Posts: 8
I'm seriously considering purchasing a second TP for another stay that I would like.
I am uncertain which airlines to award for this second TP. I have no particular use in mind for these miles yet but really like the idea of getting stopovers and also of low fuel surcharges. Since I have read that United, Alaska, and Aeroplan are very good options, I am considering them. Out of LAX, is Alaska a better choice than Aeroplan? Most likely, the miles will be used for somewhere in Europe, South America, Japan, New Zealand, or some island in the south pacific.
I am uncertain which airlines to award for this second TP. I have no particular use in mind for these miles yet but really like the idea of getting stopovers and also of low fuel surcharges. Since I have read that United, Alaska, and Aeroplan are very good options, I am considering them. Out of LAX, is Alaska a better choice than Aeroplan? Most likely, the miles will be used for somewhere in Europe, South America, Japan, New Zealand, or some island in the south pacific.
VERY VERY Late to the game but believe I still have some time to get it done
SPG/Marriott Merger
Have 323K MR points, 151K SPG, 231K UA,140 AA, 194k Delta, zero AS
was just going to sit on hotel balance but with kids in OKA for next 3years(marine SIL), seems miles might be a better use, as we(3 of us), need to get there (and Hopefully not in Y) and may have to do it at least once a year for next three
Marriott has a cat 8 there-Renaissance Resort which is about 10 miles from where kids are
seems to make sense(to me) to transfer 50K SPG to Marriott and purchase for 360K 7 nights and 132K Miles
or is my math off?
Not traveling(flying) much at all, so little opportunity to earn
Would a transfer to to Alaska/Avois or some other program make better sense?
Have not looked at flights
SPG/Marriott Merger
Have 323K MR points, 151K SPG, 231K UA,140 AA, 194k Delta, zero AS
was just going to sit on hotel balance but with kids in OKA for next 3years(marine SIL), seems miles might be a better use, as we(3 of us), need to get there (and Hopefully not in Y) and may have to do it at least once a year for next three
Marriott has a cat 8 there-Renaissance Resort which is about 10 miles from where kids are
seems to make sense(to me) to transfer 50K SPG to Marriott and purchase for 360K 7 nights and 132K Miles
or is my math off?
Not traveling(flying) much at all, so little opportunity to earn
Would a transfer to to Alaska/Avois or some other program make better sense?
Have not looked at flights