May 10, 2018, 7:14 am
Last edit by: Tokyoite
Regardless of the various arguments on whether SPG Golds were ever really "entitled" to Marriott Gold benefits, etc., etc... one thing is clear: SPG Golds will be losing a benefit mid-year, which is guaranteed 4 pm checkout.
It’s been clarified as of today. Starwood Lurker also just posted a clarification here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29734454-post980.html
It’s been clarified as of today. Starwood Lurker also just posted a clarification here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29734454-post980.html
Lifetime and Elite Status Updates
Since our announcement last month, we’ve been listening to member feedback and have a few updates and clarifications to share.
LIFETIME
Based on member response, we’re adding more flexibility for Lifetime Platinum Premier qualification. Now, SPG and Rewards members who achieve 750 nights and 10 years of Platinum status by December 31, 2018 will be grandfathered into that Lifetime tier, which starting in 2019 will no longer be available to earn. Rewards members can also qualify under the current criteria (750 nights + 2M points) through year end.
As we shared previously, members can also qualify for all other Lifetime tiers through both the new criteria on an ongoing basis and under the current criteria through December 31, 2018. And remember, we’ll combine lifetime activity across both Rewards and SPG toward qualification when members combine accounts in August.
AUGUST ELITE STATUS
We’ve also received some questions regarding status in the new program for members who status matched to receive elite in both SPG and Rewards. In August, nights earned (vs. linked status) will determine Elite status in the new program. For example, a SPG Gold member (10 stays/25 nights) who status matched to Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) will be mapped to Gold Elite (25 nights) in the new program, whereas a Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) will be mapped to Platinum Elite (50 nights).
The below FAQs hopefully provide even more detail, and have now been added to members.marriott.com. Please be sure to let us know what other questions we can help answer.
Additional FAQs
Can I earn Lifetime status under the legacy requirements (active prior to August 2018) for Lifetime Elite status in Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards or SPG? If so, when will I be notified of my Lifetime Elite status?
Yes, in addition to earning based on the new criteria, members can earn Lifetime Elite Status under the legacy requirements through the end of 2018. If Lifetime status is achieved by legacy requirements, between August and December 31, 2018 you will receive notice of your updated Lifetime Elite status in January 2019. If Lifetime status is achieved based on the new criteria, you will be notified both in August 2018 as well as any time it is achieved through the end of the year.
Example: An SPG member has 300 Lifetime nights, 4 years of Gold Elite Status, and 1 year of Platinum Elite Status after August, 2018. Under the SPG legacy Lifetime requirements, this member would earn Lifetime Gold Elite status which would reflect in their account January 2019.
If I will not be grandfathered into Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite, will I have the ability to earn into this level in 2018?
Yes, members can earn Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite in 2018 if they achieve 750 Lifetime nights and 10 years at Platinum Elite status. This requirement is only for 2018 and will not be continued in future years. Members will receive notice of this Lifetime achievement in January 2019.
How are years at tenure calculated for Legacy MR and RCR members?
We are keeping members “whole” in the applicable night tier in which they earned their Elite status.
Example: If a member has 4 years of Elite status at the 50 night level (Gold Elite status) they will be counted in August and beyond as 4 years at the new 50 night level (Platinum Elite status). Only the names of the levels are changing. How we account for tenure is not changing.
I already linked my SPG and Rewards accounts. What will happen to my matched elite status in August?
The current status matching opportunity is tier for tier (e.g. Gold gets Gold, Platinum gets Platinum), even though the qualification requirements and benefits between SPG and Rewards are quite different. Given this, the following Elite status mapping will occur in August (unless a member has also qualified by nights for higher status):
SPG Members
· SPG Gold (10 stays/25 nights) is status matched to Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) and in August will be Gold Elite (25 nights)
· SPG Platinum (25 stays/50 nights) is status matched to Rewards Platinum Elite (75 nights) and in August will be Platinum Elite (50 nights)
Rewards Members
· Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) is status matched to SPG Gold (10 stays/25 nights) and in August will be Platinum Elite (50 nights)
· Rewards Platinum Elite (75 nights) is status matched to SPG Platinum (25 stays/50 nights) and in August will be Platinum Premier Elite (75 nights)
Question: Does this mean that SPG Gold who is given the elite status from Amex Plat or an airline program with 0 or less than 5 qualifying nights will get matched to... nothing (ie basic)?...Answer: I'm told "No" –if you have the card and get Gold today…you will be mapped to the NEW Gold tier. So, if you have the AMEX Plat/Centurion card that gives you Gold today…you’ll still get Gold status – just with the newly-defined post August 2018 benefits.
LIFETIME
Based on member response, we’re adding more flexibility for Lifetime Platinum Premier qualification. Now, SPG and Rewards members who achieve 750 nights and 10 years of Platinum status by December 31, 2018 will be grandfathered into that Lifetime tier, which starting in 2019 will no longer be available to earn. Rewards members can also qualify under the current criteria (750 nights + 2M points) through year end.
As we shared previously, members can also qualify for all other Lifetime tiers through both the new criteria on an ongoing basis and under the current criteria through December 31, 2018. And remember, we’ll combine lifetime activity across both Rewards and SPG toward qualification when members combine accounts in August.
AUGUST ELITE STATUS
We’ve also received some questions regarding status in the new program for members who status matched to receive elite in both SPG and Rewards. In August, nights earned (vs. linked status) will determine Elite status in the new program. For example, a SPG Gold member (10 stays/25 nights) who status matched to Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) will be mapped to Gold Elite (25 nights) in the new program, whereas a Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) will be mapped to Platinum Elite (50 nights).
The below FAQs hopefully provide even more detail, and have now been added to members.marriott.com. Please be sure to let us know what other questions we can help answer.
Additional FAQs
Can I earn Lifetime status under the legacy requirements (active prior to August 2018) for Lifetime Elite status in Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards or SPG? If so, when will I be notified of my Lifetime Elite status?
Yes, in addition to earning based on the new criteria, members can earn Lifetime Elite Status under the legacy requirements through the end of 2018. If Lifetime status is achieved by legacy requirements, between August and December 31, 2018 you will receive notice of your updated Lifetime Elite status in January 2019. If Lifetime status is achieved based on the new criteria, you will be notified both in August 2018 as well as any time it is achieved through the end of the year.
Example: An SPG member has 300 Lifetime nights, 4 years of Gold Elite Status, and 1 year of Platinum Elite Status after August, 2018. Under the SPG legacy Lifetime requirements, this member would earn Lifetime Gold Elite status which would reflect in their account January 2019.
If I will not be grandfathered into Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite, will I have the ability to earn into this level in 2018?
Yes, members can earn Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite in 2018 if they achieve 750 Lifetime nights and 10 years at Platinum Elite status. This requirement is only for 2018 and will not be continued in future years. Members will receive notice of this Lifetime achievement in January 2019.
How are years at tenure calculated for Legacy MR and RCR members?
We are keeping members “whole” in the applicable night tier in which they earned their Elite status.
Example: If a member has 4 years of Elite status at the 50 night level (Gold Elite status) they will be counted in August and beyond as 4 years at the new 50 night level (Platinum Elite status). Only the names of the levels are changing. How we account for tenure is not changing.
I already linked my SPG and Rewards accounts. What will happen to my matched elite status in August?
The current status matching opportunity is tier for tier (e.g. Gold gets Gold, Platinum gets Platinum), even though the qualification requirements and benefits between SPG and Rewards are quite different. Given this, the following Elite status mapping will occur in August (unless a member has also qualified by nights for higher status):
SPG Members
· SPG Gold (10 stays/25 nights) is status matched to Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) and in August will be Gold Elite (25 nights)
· SPG Platinum (25 stays/50 nights) is status matched to Rewards Platinum Elite (75 nights) and in August will be Platinum Elite (50 nights)
Rewards Members
· Rewards Gold Elite (50 nights) is status matched to SPG Gold (10 stays/25 nights) and in August will be Platinum Elite (50 nights)
· Rewards Platinum Elite (75 nights) is status matched to SPG Platinum (25 stays/50 nights) and in August will be Platinum Premier Elite (75 nights)
Question: Does this mean that SPG Gold who is given the elite status from Amex Plat or an airline program with 0 or less than 5 qualifying nights will get matched to... nothing (ie basic)?...
SPG Gold today? You will NOT be getting Platinum after August 1st.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:31 pm
#31
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
When we reconvened at a Rag’n’Bone Man private gig last night (as you do) Marriott’s European VP of loyalty confirmed that any Amex Platinum member who has matched their SPG Gold to Marriott Gold will become ‘Merged Scheme’ Platinum until the end of 2018.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2018/0...ing-yesterday/
https://www.headforpoints.com/2018/0...ing-yesterday/
Apr 18, 2018, 1:38 pm
#32
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,208
If you are upset because you feel you were given information that turned out to be true, it's understandable. The point I have been trying to make over and over again is that even if you are right to be upset that does not change that Marriott's SVP in charge of the loyalty program has made it very clear the the qualifying status is what will determine status in the new program on Aug 1. SPG Golds, including those with the Amex card, who matched to Marriott Gold will not be Plat going forward. Being upset about that is different than trying to argue that fact is not a fact because some marketing exec in Asia said something or some blogger said something or a member thought they had something they didn't or somebody made a promise last year when we all know Marriott and SPG loyalty program T&Cs allow the company to change parameters at will.
sorry if you are upset that there are different answers out there at this point in time. Just deal with it. You will know for sure once everything is said and done.
BTW I couldn’t care less as my Marriott/SPG stays wound down over the last few years and don’t care about if they make me Gold / Platinum or nothing after the merger
Apr 18, 2018, 1:39 pm
#33
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Except that they did. Marriott previously and continue to give away status of 50 nights (old Gold/new Platinum) to a random UA person.
In addition, per the official MR twiiter account yesterday: a random UA person can still expect same benefits and rewards (emphasis added).
In addition, per the official MR twiiter account yesterday: a random UA person can still expect same benefits and rewards (emphasis added).
Apr 18, 2018, 1:47 pm
#34
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
On the video you see a detailed answer with explanation come out of the horse's mouth. All the other things being quoted are repeats of what someone said their understanding is of what the horse meant. Sorry, but coming out of the horse's mouth in a detailed explanation seems definitive as opposed to a blogger quoting an article that quotes someone working in a different area of Marriott explaining what she thinks the horse meant.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:51 pm
#35
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,208
You need to realize that everything should be considered a rumor or an early plan.
nothing is set in stone (even if you try to make people believe so).
wait and see
nothing is set in stone (even if you try to make people believe so).
wait and see
Apr 18, 2018, 1:53 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,878
This is the standard language Marriott has been using. They keep saying that a Starwood Gold will become a combined program Gold so they will not lose any benefits they originally qualified for. Nowhere in that answer does Marriott say the person will be Plat in the new program. In your opinion it seems you think the only way not to lose something is to be made Plat but Marriott does not agree apparently. The phrase "you can still expect the same benefits and rewards that you are used to" is what they apparently think is a less harsh way of saying if you are SPG Gold you will be new program Gold regardless of any status match with old MR. This is clear in yesterday's video.
There's no need to continue to recite and point to the TPG video. As you posted, you have stated over and over and over again. Your point has been made, repeating it does not add any value. I and others have provided multiple Marriott sources that conflict with the video. Thus, the confusion. If you do find new information, please post that information.
I know if the principal of my daughter's schools said school starts at 9am on August 1, but her teachers and the school materials state 8am; I would be confused.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:54 pm
#37
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 5,116
I'm LT Gold and pretty upset at the moment. I will wait for the final details but I don't expect any changes to be made. My ideology of loyalty has been tarnished and I think that goes for many SPG G or P members.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:59 pm
#38
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: JRF
Programs: AA Gold, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,784
Sounds fair and equitable to me. New Marriott Gold is literally exactly the same as old SPG Gold and that's what people earned.
What is a missed opportunity though is not devaluing free hotel status from credits cards like Amex Plat, etc. It's another step down the road to Hilton with the tons of points and status for everyone and none of it worth anything...
What is a missed opportunity though is not devaluing free hotel status from credits cards like Amex Plat, etc. It's another step down the road to Hilton with the tons of points and status for everyone and none of it worth anything...
Apr 18, 2018, 2:19 pm
#39
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 5,116
Like no guaranteed 4PM check out and less points....yep fair
Apr 18, 2018, 2:48 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
Business Traveller magazine reports, from same source as me, that Amex Plat Golds will be Plat until the end of 2018 - https://www.businesstraveller.com/bu...erger-details/ (for those earlier who were concerned about my hearing).
Apr 18, 2018, 3:58 pm
#42
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,208
Apr 18, 2018, 4:02 pm
#43
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Not according to the SVP in charge of the program who clearly states those who qualified for SPG Gold, whether they linked their accounts or not, were on par with the benefits being given under the new Gold. You can argue, disagree, think it is unfair, but that does not change that it is his program, the rules allow him to set the rules and he is the final arbiter if there are questions. "But a blogger said...." or "Some remote Marriott employee knows more about the program than the SVP of the program..." don't change that the verbiage being use about not losing benefits is code for SPG Golds will become new program Golds.
Apr 18, 2018, 4:05 pm
#44
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Apr 18, 2018, 4:08 pm
#45
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,208
Actually, I had posted it to another FT thread an hour before it was posted on this thread. I got it from a different message board but did not find it myself. After I posted it on the other thread I found that someone had posted it on a third FT thread prior to my posting it, but at about the same time I saw it on the other thread.