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Marriott Rewards backtracks on its changes to Travel Packages

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This will hopefully be our last mention of Marriott Travel Packages for a while.

The excellent news is that Marriott has decided to compensate people who were most affected by the changes to Travel Packages last weekend.

The full story is in this article, but to summarise – Marriott had not told people in advance of the merger of SPG and Marriott Rewards what would happen to unused Travel Package certificates.  When they revealed the answer, many people found themselves in a position which they could have improved with some advance notice.

The news is that anyone who has a Category 6, Category 8 or Tier 1-3 Travel Package can request a 30,000 points refund to reflect the fact that they would have got the same benefits from buying a cheaper Category 5, Category 7 or Category 9 certificate.

The refund is not automatic – you need to contact Marriott Rewards via the website and request it.

Marriott has also re-opened booking for Travel Package certificates so you don’t need to wait until 18th September to use them, as was previously announced.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2024)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points sign-up bonus and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

40,000 bonus points and a huge range of valuable benefits – for a fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

and for small business owners:

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)

Category

Marriott Bonvoy

Comments (111)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • KevMc says:
    22 Aug22 August 14:39

    Try a different browser and/or turning off Adblocker/Ghostry etc

    • JohnT says:
      22 Aug22 August 15:17

      I thought you just used the referral link, but then changed to a different card to apply for?

      • Tom1 says:
        22 Aug22 August 20:28

        Yep always done that in the past.
        But this time only showing me same family cards.

  • VJ says:
    22 Aug22 August 15:36

    Since Amex/SPG transfer is enabled now; can I now use my Marriott account to link with Amex MR and skip SPG (or do I have to create a SPG account and then link SPG/Marriott together).

  • Faithy says:
    22 Aug22 August 15:45

    I have a reward business ticket booked on BA. If first tickets are available, how can I change it? Do I need to cancel and re-book and pay cancellation fee?

    • Rob says:
      22 Aug22 August 15:58

      Ring BA, pay £35 per person. You keep the same PNR / ticket reference.

    • KevMc says:
      22 Aug22 August 15:58

      Yes. Easiest to do it all over the phone, unless you have enough points to just book the F now, and then cancel the J once you’re confirmed.

  • moktar says:
    22 Aug22 August 19:00

    OT: Need advise on household account Avios redemption:
    I want to use my upgrade voucher for a two person one way HKG – LHR redemption. I have enough avios for 1 person though. OH has rest of the points in her BA and avios exec account combined. She also a upgrade voucher saved in her avios account. Should I create a avios or BA household account to make this redemption? Does the impending avios account closure have any implications? What would happen to the unused upgrade voucher?

    • Axel Heyst says:
      22 Aug22 August 19:47

      Check availability first as its very limited

      • tom1 says:
        22 Aug22 August 22:48

        it’s actually improved somewhat recently – I was watching March and April with nothing available, and now even good Easter dates – are still available in business for 2 seats.

      • moktar says:
        22 Aug22 August 23:05

        Yes, there is one day I am looking where there is availability. So ready to book once I figure out the best way

  • Rich says:
    22 Aug22 August 19:21

    Just out of interest, has anyone got any experience of paying for a ‘business transaction’ with their Curve Card? If so, did it work or does it get deemed to be a cash tranasction?

    • Crafty says:
      22 Aug22 August 19:58

      A What?

    • the_real_a says:
      22 Aug22 August 20:14

      All types of curve transactions would be treated in the same way – “business” or not. Only the Tesco card for a brief few weeks was charging a cash advance fee on all curve transactions, but they backtracked and refunded after a backlash.

  • KBuffett says:
    22 Aug22 August 21:19

    OT – Whats the deal with free breakfast at St Regis or JW Marriot as Marriott Platinum? Pondering St Regis New York and Maldives.

    • Rob says:
      22 Aug22 August 21:43

      See https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/2018/06/14/marriott-free-breakfast-simplified/

      You get something, is the simple answer, but whether it is in the lounge or restaurant (you don’t get a choice) varies.

      • Kipto says:
        22 Aug22 August 22:07

        OT. I have paid for specific seats on an an Avios booking in club. I have noticed that there is availability in first class on the same route but on a flight the day before. There is no cost to reserve specific seats in first class. Having checked BA’s t&c’s on seat selection it is vague as to whether I will get refunded for paying for the seats if I change flights. Can anyone confirm whether I am entitled to a refund ?

  • Alan says:
    22 Aug22 August 21:38

    I found in the last few weeks the AA miles were posting with every transaction rather than in a batch. All came through correctly.

  • Alan says:
    22 Aug22 August 21:40

    Use the link then Other cards > credit cards – works fine for me just now.

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