Build Your Own Marriott Rewards Card ...
Jul 19, 2016, 12:49 pm
#16
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,156
If one has a last name that isn't easy to spell, sometimes it's easier to hand over the loyalty card along w/ the credit card. I've done that before. The FDC can get the spelling from either of course.
Can't speak for hotel chains, but I know that for some int'l partner airlines you're not gaining access to the airline lounge unless you can show your airline card proving status.
Even though Marriott sent me a gray (aka, platinum) LT card I still keep the LT card that has the picture of a Marriott resort. Much prettier than the boring card!
When traveling I always have the airline & hotel cards w/ me. It's not like they take up much space in the wallet & if there is a need for them, then I have them.
I think the OP's 'work-around' is quite funny & he does make some good points.
Cheers.
Can't speak for hotel chains, but I know that for some int'l partner airlines you're not gaining access to the airline lounge unless you can show your airline card proving status.
Even though Marriott sent me a gray (aka, platinum) LT card I still keep the LT card that has the picture of a Marriott resort. Much prettier than the boring card!
When traveling I always have the airline & hotel cards w/ me. It's not like they take up much space in the wallet & if there is a need for them, then I have them.
I think the OP's 'work-around' is quite funny & he does make some good points.
Cheers.
Jul 19, 2016, 5:47 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CA
Programs: AAdvantage ExecPlat (LT Plat 2.1 MM),United S, SPG P, Marriott P, Hyatt Diamond *-)-
Posts: 213
I hope you weren't demanding and unpleasant with the rep...most Marriott reps I've dealt with are pretty nice, helpful and American-based
I agree it's unfortunate they don't send the card - special, shiny member cards are always cool to collect. Although, with tech these days, pretty unnecessary - if your status wasn't in the system, you could just call the 800-number to confirm your status
I do wonder, though, how much the cards & postage actually costs them to send to all members. I'm sure their "green" stance has helped garner some business from those who are into all that
Hey, not all millennials believe that mumbo jumbo
I do wonder, though, how much the cards & postage actually costs them to send to all members. I'm sure their "green" stance has helped garner some business from those who are into all that
Hey, not all millennials believe that mumbo jumbo
Jul 19, 2016, 5:54 pm
#18
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CA
Programs: AAdvantage ExecPlat (LT Plat 2.1 MM),United S, SPG P, Marriott P, Hyatt Diamond *-)-
Posts: 213
I just proceeded to the elite check in area, although one of the staff did approach me as I was stepping up to the elevated platform. I told them I was Platinum and was checking in. They backed off, but did keep an eye on the process from afar, I'd imagine to provide an escort back to the main check-in area had my status not shown up
(By the way, great property!)
Jul 20, 2016, 9:09 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Johnstown, PA
Programs: UA P, Delta SL, US SL, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IHG PL AMB, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 928
Well your card is in the Marriott App and can be added to Apple Wallet if you have an iPhone. I imagine it is similar on Android phones. I keep my AAA card there too, since every once and great while they ask for it.
Jul 20, 2016, 8:12 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton, Hyatt
Posts: 117
Is this new? I didn't think Marriott had passbook capabilities and couldn't see it on the app. It would be one more step in aligning with SPG.
Jul 20, 2016, 11:46 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Eh I have my issues with Marriott from time to time (see St. Ermin's thread from a couple weeks ago) but this isnt one of them.
I've got close to 200 nights over the past 18 months and not once have I needed or used my Plat card.
Blame millennials like me but I don't want it cluttering my wallet and if I really need it I've got the mobile card. I used to love collecting them from all my different statuses but the physical card (except for *G when traveling internationally) always just collected dust.
FWIW, I don't carry any other loyalty cards with me either. All the major drug stores and groceries stores tie their program to your phone number - so there's really no need.
I've got close to 200 nights over the past 18 months and not once have I needed or used my Plat card.
Blame millennials like me but I don't want it cluttering my wallet and if I really need it I've got the mobile card. I used to love collecting them from all my different statuses but the physical card (except for *G when traveling internationally) always just collected dust.
FWIW, I don't carry any other loyalty cards with me either. All the major drug stores and groceries stores tie their program to your phone number - so there's really no need.
Last edited by Duke787; Jul 20, 2016 at 11:52 pm
Jul 21, 2016, 5:35 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, United Premier Silver
Posts: 211
LOL, I can't believe people still carry loyalty cards on them. It's a completely waste of space in my wallet and totally unnecessary.
Jul 21, 2016, 7:46 am
#24
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,714
I used to carry my PP card with me and plop it on the desk with my credit card in the hopes it would spur an upgrade. Usually dismissed with a "oh, I have your number already recorded". So generally useless...
Jul 28, 2016, 3:43 pm
#25
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: QR: Gold; Marriott: Amb; UA: 1K; Taj: Silv
Posts: 254
Seriously though, there are hotel chains that still code your card with benefits like upgrades and dinners. You do have to keep these cards with you. I've had the misfortune of not receiving my Gold card and being told at the hotel that my suite upgrade couldn't be processed without the physical card...
Jul 28, 2016, 5:43 pm
#26
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Michigan
Programs: UA Plat Marriott Gold Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 197
This thread is ridiculous .
Jul 30, 2016, 6:26 am
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,146
If one has a last name that isn't easy to spell, sometimes it's easier to hand over the loyalty card along w/ the credit card. I've done that before. The FDC can get the spelling from either of course.
Can't speak for hotel chains, but I know that for some int'l partner airlines you're not gaining access to the airline lounge unless you can show your airline card proving status.
Even though Marriott sent me a gray (aka, platinum) LT card I still keep the LT card that has the picture of a Marriott resort. Much prettier than the boring card!
When traveling I always have the airline & hotel cards w/ me. It's not like they take up much space in the wallet & if there is a need for them, then I have them.
I think the OP's 'work-around' is quite funny & he does make some good points.
Cheers.
Can't speak for hotel chains, but I know that for some int'l partner airlines you're not gaining access to the airline lounge unless you can show your airline card proving status.
Even though Marriott sent me a gray (aka, platinum) LT card I still keep the LT card that has the picture of a Marriott resort. Much prettier than the boring card!
When traveling I always have the airline & hotel cards w/ me. It's not like they take up much space in the wallet & if there is a need for them, then I have them.
I think the OP's 'work-around' is quite funny & he does make some good points.
Cheers.
It's nice to have a physical card - another reason to have it is to status match other chains - I remember once a chain requires a picture of a physical card.
Yes airlines insist on having the physical card to get lounge access - in cases where you credit your flight to FFP #1 and then use status from FFP#2. Tried some airlines and they demand to see the cards, so no card no lounge.
Once we were at UA Club at IAH, they couldn't just "beep" our BPs so she had to type our numbers into the system. The FFP# on our BP were so tiny that she had trouble reading it, so I gave her our cards and it was a great help to get us into the UA lounge faster.
Mr. flashed his Platinum card at check-in and said, "Here is my Platinum card in case you don't have it in my booking". Of course the reply is, "Yes". Then he went on and asked for a "Platinum" upgrade and we got one. He checked in on his own so I guess it increases the chance for an upgrade - we stayed for 4 nights so it's not bad at all.