Last edit by: Oxon Flyer
It can take up to 7 business days from the day you qualified for your Lifetime Platinum status to be picked up by the system.
Starwood / Marriott merger
Q : What will happen to my Lifetime Status when the programs merge together in the future?
A : Rest assured we will always recognize your Lifetime Status, whether it is today in your earned program or in the future with a new, combined program.
http://members.marriott.com/faq/#what-will-happen-to-my-lifetime-status-when-the-programs-merge-together-in-the-future
Starwood / Marriott merger
Q : What will happen to my Lifetime Status when the programs merge together in the future?
A : Rest assured we will always recognize your Lifetime Status, whether it is today in your earned program or in the future with a new, combined program.
http://members.marriott.com/faq/#what-will-happen-to-my-lifetime-status-when-the-programs-merge-together-in-the-future
Discussion: SPG Lifetime™ Gold and SPG Lifetime™ Platinum status
#1756
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,165
Sorry if you guys don't understand, but both sets of people still have to pay for hotel stays, thus represent cash flow NOW! The question was which would you rather have and it is obvious one gave you cash previously that you have a delta of cost v. revenue for your profit, invested gives you a return to use (either capex, operations, or retained earnings). The other gave you jack squat in the past, but will now give you the same cash flow as the LTP.
If you were right, Starwood would be targeting LTPs with special incentives...which they aren't. If you were right, Starwood wouldn't have created multiple new Plat tiers (SPG 50/75/100) with in-kind benefits, to reward in the future (as in the next status year).
Another good example - the UA forum is littered with folks who make MM and then say "thank god I can finally get off the annual status qualifying merry-go-round", and also "now I can fly better Star carriers". They can enjoy their LT status, with some good benefits, but all things being equal, they become less valuable customers than annual UA Golds (who have to keep flying & spending on the airline).
This is Behavioral Economics 101 - once you achieve a LT milestone, you don't need to practice the same behaviors that got you there, as the incentive is now dulled. IMO it is still smart of course to offer some LT benefits - you still want those people consuming your brand/service. BUT as 3544quebec notes, Starwood is more interested in having that ultimate goal out there for the next generation of travelers, to drive future loyalty.
#1757
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
I think it is obvious that a customer staying 50-100 nights a year is more valuable to a hotel than a LTP who only occasionally travels.
Companies really don’t reward legacy customers. This dawned on me a few months ago when I was helping an octogenarian friend of mine enroll in her Amex Platinum programs (she had no idea about SPG Gold or Priority Pass) I was surprised to see “Charter Member” since 1958 on her card, and it inspired me to research if American Express conferred any special benefits to Charter Members. I didn’t expect much but thought that there might be something.
But there was nothing- zero-zip-nada.
After all, how profitable are most 88 year olds?
I also observed how companies wooed our two sons as they began their professional careers. Up and coming executives were more valuable than an older couple nearing retirement.
As they say “some customers are more equal than others”
😛
Companies really don’t reward legacy customers. This dawned on me a few months ago when I was helping an octogenarian friend of mine enroll in her Amex Platinum programs (she had no idea about SPG Gold or Priority Pass) I was surprised to see “Charter Member” since 1958 on her card, and it inspired me to research if American Express conferred any special benefits to Charter Members. I didn’t expect much but thought that there might be something.
But there was nothing- zero-zip-nada.
After all, how profitable are most 88 year olds?
I also observed how companies wooed our two sons as they began their professional careers. Up and coming executives were more valuable than an older couple nearing retirement.
As they say “some customers are more equal than others”
😛
#1758
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Programs: Hyatt Global, Marriot Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,282
And the promise of lifetime status -- if valuable -- is an incentive for that future performance by those who are not yet lifetime.
#1759
Join Date: May 2003
Location: LCY
Programs: SQ Krisflyer, QR Privilege Club, MB LT Plt (1K+ nights thx MB)
Posts: 1,032
It could be, and I am just speculating now, that certain segments of the brands would have a larger marginal revenue impact from these customers that would justifty some extra benefits at those ... but thats an open question ...
#1760
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
Frankly I don't think YOU understand...a sound maxim in business is "don't pay for past performance"...you want to pay for future performance. There's a reason why in travel specifically most companies now operate under a "what have you done for me lately" mantra...it's not about what you did in the past.
If you were right, Starwood would be targeting LTPs with special incentives...which they aren't. If you were right, Starwood wouldn't have created multiple new Plat tiers (SPG 50/75/100) with in-kind benefits, to reward in the future (as in the next status year).
Another good example - the UA forum is littered with folks who make MM and then say "thank god I can finally get off the annual status qualifying merry-go-round", and also "now I can fly better Star carriers". They can enjoy their LT status, with some good benefits, but all things being equal, they become less valuable customers than annual UA Golds (who have to keep flying & spending on the airline).
This is Behavioral Economics 101 - once you achieve a LT milestone, you don't need to practice the same behaviors that got you there, as the incentive is now dulled. IMO it is still smart of course to offer some LT benefits - you still want those people consuming your brand/service. BUT as 3544quebec notes, Starwood is more interested in having that ultimate goal out there for the next generation of travelers, to drive future loyalty.
If you were right, Starwood would be targeting LTPs with special incentives...which they aren't. If you were right, Starwood wouldn't have created multiple new Plat tiers (SPG 50/75/100) with in-kind benefits, to reward in the future (as in the next status year).
Another good example - the UA forum is littered with folks who make MM and then say "thank god I can finally get off the annual status qualifying merry-go-round", and also "now I can fly better Star carriers". They can enjoy their LT status, with some good benefits, but all things being equal, they become less valuable customers than annual UA Golds (who have to keep flying & spending on the airline).
This is Behavioral Economics 101 - once you achieve a LT milestone, you don't need to practice the same behaviors that got you there, as the incentive is now dulled. IMO it is still smart of course to offer some LT benefits - you still want those people consuming your brand/service. BUT as 3544quebec notes, Starwood is more interested in having that ultimate goal out there for the next generation of travelers, to drive future loyalty.
FT everyone is always confident, often wrong.
#1761
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,165
UA-NYC buddy, if we are going to resort to ..... “no you dont’ understand” or “I know better because......” this isn’t going to go anywhere. I’m trying to help you guys. I have contributed with my financial background and present role, if you want to dumb it down with subjective this and this or to whatever makes you feel like you won, go ahead.
FT everyone is always confident, often wrong.
FT everyone is always confident, often wrong.
#1762
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
You are alone on an island with this one, there doesn't seem to be much point to the discussion frankly. You lost "us" with your statement that "previous spend collected from a business should be more valuable to a business than a dollar today"...5-6 posters have basically said "uh, that's not how the world works, especially loyalty programs these days."
You are omitting what I said "both sets of people still have to pay for hotel stays, thus represent cash flow NOW! " Oh yeah..... forgot about that line huh? Never did I say the LTP doens't have to continue to accrue stays. But, in your world of selective reading apparently it is convenient to aid your fiction.
I NEVER said the LTP gives you money in the past and NEVER stays again. Check the transcript. I said they gave you revenue in the past, which yields capital that you can invest, but both sets of people still have to pay for hotel stays.
They are equal moving forward, but one gave you cash previously and will in the future. The other gave you jack in the past and will now give you cash. My writing (unedited mind you) stands, not your poor comprehension response to it.
Which is more valuable? Thanks for playing.
BTW I don't need to band together with 4-5 others to feel good. My point stands and if I stand away from you, then it is away from ignorance.
#1763
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,165
You haven't been on my radar in the past as assailing others with fiction, but you are now.
You are omitting what I said "both sets of people still have to pay for hotel stays, thus represent cash flow NOW! " Oh yeah..... forgot about that line huh? Never did I say the LTP doens't have to continue to accrue stays. But, in your world of selective reading apparently it is convenient to aid your fiction.
I NEVER said the LTP gives you money in the past and NEVER stays again. Check the transcript. I said they gave you revenue in the past, which yields capital that you can invest, but both sets of people still have to pay for hotel stays.
They are equal moving forward, but one gave you cash previously and will in the future. The other gave you jack in the past and will now give you cash. My writing (unedited mind you) stands, not your poor comprehension response to it.
Which is more valuable? Thanks for playing.
BTW I don't need to band together with 4-5 others to feel good. My point stands and if I stand away from you, then it is away from ignorance.
You are omitting what I said "both sets of people still have to pay for hotel stays, thus represent cash flow NOW! " Oh yeah..... forgot about that line huh? Never did I say the LTP doens't have to continue to accrue stays. But, in your world of selective reading apparently it is convenient to aid your fiction.
I NEVER said the LTP gives you money in the past and NEVER stays again. Check the transcript. I said they gave you revenue in the past, which yields capital that you can invest, but both sets of people still have to pay for hotel stays.
They are equal moving forward, but one gave you cash previously and will in the future. The other gave you jack in the past and will now give you cash. My writing (unedited mind you) stands, not your poor comprehension response to it.
Which is more valuable? Thanks for playing.
BTW I don't need to band together with 4-5 others to feel good. My point stands and if I stand away from you, then it is away from ignorance.
Your side point about "capital given in the past that you can invest" is irrelevant. Money paid in the past is irrelevant - that revenue is sunk. Once you have achieved the goal (LTP, or MM, or whatever LT status one is trying achieve) it is simply human nature to let up. Those posters have some incentive to keep staying (they do get benefits) but simply put, they are less valued customers to Starwood. It's not personal, it's business...Starwood isn't sending them any promotions to drive new activity. And they were "layered" by the SPG 50/75/100 levels...to drive future, incremental business.
If LTPs are spending points for stays, getting more benefits than their cash outlay to the brand, staying at cheaper properties...arguably they may be less valuable than newer customers (or year to year Plats). Same reason why people argue 1Ks are UA's least favorite customers.
Keep knocking yourself out though about dollars in the past being more important...
#1764
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: perth
Programs: SPG(LTG), QANTAS gold, Korean, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,500
Frankly I don't think YOU understand...a sound maxim in business is "don't pay for past performance"...you want to pay for future performance. There's a reason why in travel specifically most companies now operate under a "what have you done for me lately" mantra...it's not about what you did in the past.
If you were right, Starwood would be targeting LTPs with special incentives...which they aren't. If you were right, Starwood wouldn't have created multiple new Plat tiers (SPG 50/75/100) with in-kind benefits, to reward in the future (as in the next status year).
Another good example - the UA forum is littered with folks who make MM and then say "thank god I can finally get off the annual status qualifying merry-go-round", and also "now I can fly better Star carriers". They can enjoy their LT status, with some good benefits, but all things being equal, they become less valuable customers than annual UA Golds (who have to keep flying & spending on the airline).
This is Behavioral Economics 101 - once you achieve a LT milestone, you don't need to practice the same behaviors that got you there, as the incentive is now dulled. IMO it is still smart of course to offer some LT benefits - you still want those people consuming your brand/service. BUT as 3544quebec notes, Starwood is more interested in having that ultimate goal out there for the next generation of travelers, to drive future loyalty.
If you were right, Starwood would be targeting LTPs with special incentives...which they aren't. If you were right, Starwood wouldn't have created multiple new Plat tiers (SPG 50/75/100) with in-kind benefits, to reward in the future (as in the next status year).
Another good example - the UA forum is littered with folks who make MM and then say "thank god I can finally get off the annual status qualifying merry-go-round", and also "now I can fly better Star carriers". They can enjoy their LT status, with some good benefits, but all things being equal, they become less valuable customers than annual UA Golds (who have to keep flying & spending on the airline).
This is Behavioral Economics 101 - once you achieve a LT milestone, you don't need to practice the same behaviors that got you there, as the incentive is now dulled. IMO it is still smart of course to offer some LT benefits - you still want those people consuming your brand/service. BUT as 3544quebec notes, Starwood is more interested in having that ultimate goal out there for the next generation of travelers, to drive future loyalty.
#1765
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: DFW from PDX - UA 1K 2MM,Lifetime HHonnors Diamond, Bonvoy AMB/LT Tit, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 554
Lurker: SPG LTP > 750 Nights
William: Can we get an official statement on this. Marriott did say they would combine status and nights and August. Does that mean they will take in to account current SPG LT Plat member's who have greater then 750 nights and make them the new LT Plat Prem level?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#1766
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,834
William: Can we get an official statement on this. Marriott did say they would combine status and nights and August. Does that mean they will take in to account current SPG LT Plat member's who have greater then 750 nights and make them the new LT Plat Prem level?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#1767
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: DFW from PDX - UA 1K 2MM,Lifetime HHonnors Diamond, Bonvoy AMB/LT Tit, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 554
#1768
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
What about for members that have > 750 nights and the equivalent of 2 million points but not 10 years Plat? I'm 1 year short!
#1769
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,399
So if you have more than 750 nights in one program you get Platinum Premier. The question remains of the combined. I have 762 nights (683 SPG, 76 Marriott). Was hoping the combined would get me Platinum Premier. No idea on total points.
#1770
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,834
It would seem foolish for Marriott to piss off the people that have stayed the most with Starwood and there are probably not many that have LT Platinum and over 750 nights with SPG. If they follow through with this, I think the new program has been very fair thus far.