Hi everyone:

I'd love your input on the following. Have about 18,000 Mariott Guest Points. I am an SPG fan and only stay with Starwood properties. Only happened to be at a business meeting and stayed with Marriott. I looked at what types of rooms I qualify for but there isn't really anything good. Shy 2000 miles for a UA Mileage Plus ticket and figure I'd transfer them. Is it worth it? I have exactly enough Marriott Points to get the mileage transfered? What do you think?

Thanks!

IMO, exchanging MR points for airline miles is a pretty poor value proposition (unless you're going for one of the pricey package deals), but if you're certain that you won't be staying at any Marriott properties again for the foreseeable future, go for it.

I'd save them and use them when you're going to some out-of-the-way location not served by Starwood. That's the advantage Marriott has over Starwood: Marriott is everywhere! 18,000 points gets you 2 nights at a small-town Fairfield Inn - which could run you $200 if you end up having to pay.

Plus, if you want a few more points, they are easy to come by. Just signing up for the Marriott VISA card can get you 20,000 points for no cost (the annual fee is waived the first year).

Of course, keep in mind that the points may expire if you have no activity for 12 months. If you're going to lose them, then use them.

Also, if you do want to exchange them for United miles, at least wait until you're ready to redeem a United award ticket. Nothing worse than having transferred them to United, not use the United miles, and then wish you had the Marriott Points instead.

You know what, good point. I'm glad I asked. Thanks for the advice.

That should be 24 months. See General Membership rule #7.

18 hours. That was just an intentional error to see how long it took for another FTer to correct me.