Randy:

What's your overall take on the changes to Marriott Rewards?

I think the loss of the 714 is significant. Though I've never claimed it, nobody else had an award like that. Even at its basic version (4 tickets, 2x10 day hotel stays, plus other minor extras for 425k points) it was a great award. Though the savy few figured out other ways to use the award.

You could claim it for 240k miles, return both hotel certs and still have 213k MR points in your account, which you could then use for a 713 award for another 120k miles plus a cert for 7 day hotel systemwide hotel stay, which you could extend beyond its expiration date or return for 50k MR points.

We don't know if the hotel certs for the new all-inclusive awards can be turned back in or extended with the new awards. I called MR to redeem my 713 the other day, and they weren't sure .. CS rep asked a supervisor who called another office, and they weren't sure .. they thought it could be turned in for 25% of the value of the award, but 25% doesn't make sense if you choose the "stay anytime" version.

What used to cost 200k (713) is now approximately 250k points for the all-inclusive awards. So we have 25% point deflation there. I haven't caclulated the deflation factor in the non-stay-anytime hotel awards, but others report it is significant.

The stay anytime option is great, but do we really have to pay a $35 fee to get the paper cert quickly? What if I need an emergency stay somewhere? It's not really "stay anytime" is it? It's "stay anytime we have availability (supposedly) but make sure you leave ample time for us to get you a paper certificate." On the plus side, you can combine stay anytime awards (in case of cap controls or blackout dates) with regular awards, in any combination of days, provided the stay is consecutive days.

Not sure if any of the other award options are decent or not.

Thanks,
David


[This message has been edited by LIH Prem (edited 04-28-2001).]

Also .. I vote to invite Marriot Rewards for a live chat.

Thanks,
-David

I think you have your answer as to "why" right above.

Wonder how many zillion 'Latin Pass' points ended up getting 'washed" via Marriott? They too read the boards I guess. Still sounds like those high end rewards offer more 'value' than anything Starwood or Hilton has, due to the airline component?


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~ Glen ~

I've wondered too what the effect of Latin Pass was in Marriott's decision to devalue the points.

Also I thought that Randy stated somehere recently that he would not worry about airline miles being devalued (is that a fair interpretation?). I wonder what the trend is for frequent flyer/guest programs in the future, given recent changes by Marriott, Alaska (where partner and high end Alaska awards were bumped up), and other stealth increases (e.g. United quietly bumping up Business class award to India).

I will admit that I was one of the people ordering the 714 reward and returning the hotel portion 9 out of 10 times. The Marriott 10 night award is very difficult to use, can not use it at Residence Inn for example. The 25% refund of points is the 106,250 on 714 for each 10 night certificate, it would be pro rata on the 713 reward. The GOOD NEWS ON THE NEW PROGRAM FROM MARRIOTT is that as a Platinum member, when I order an award with frequent flyer points, the $35 fee for immediate deposit of the points is waived by Marriott. We have until July 31, 2001 to order rewards under the old system.

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Myriad made this clampdown warning here actually:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum.../003384-2.html

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~ Glen ~

I doubt LatinPass million miles were able to transfer enough miles to Marriott before the January cut-off to cause Marriott to revamp their whole high-end award structure.

The million mile promo and the subsequent discussion on FT about how to maximize miles through the 713 and 714 awards may well have caused the LP to Marriott transfer option to be terminated by Marriott on 1/1/01. However, most high point balance Marriott members were already well aware of these awards and how to use them efficiently.

I don't see how the tail could have wagged the dog in this case.

Bringing this forward since it may have been missed during "sick time".

Any comments on the changes, Randy?

Is there any possibility of getting MR execs in for a live chat?

-David

One additional question: Would you favor taking the 200K award on the BA Concorde or it is unlikely you would be able to use it? We have waited to claim this award and, of course, the crash sent us wondering if it will ever be available. Certainly, I do not see it in the new award scheme. If nothing else, it makes me crazy to see so many choices, most being variations on a theme...