The Internet had been abuzz since the launch of the new program and Marriott’s mapping of old to new, leaving some package holders mapped to a category exactly the same as one they could have paid less points for. Marriott is now allowing those affected to exchange down one category – essentially a points refund.
This is just in from Dan Forman, Senior Director – Loyalty, Digital, Marketing Innovation PR.
“As you know, this past Saturday, new Travel Packages became available for purchase. At the same time, due to system capabilities, we had to place a month-long blackout on cancelations and modifications to existing Travel Package certificates. After pressure testing our new system over the weekend, we’re happy to relay that starting today, the blackout period is over. In addition, members who purchased a Category 6, Category 8 or Tier 1-3 certificate prior to 8/18 are able to request a one-time exchange for a package one category lower. To submit a request, contact us at https://www.marriott.com/
While I think they should have done that off the bat to avoid all of the “bad will” that popped up since, it’s nice to see them doing the right thing here.
Additionally, you should be able to combine your accounts now for status, or atleast in the next day or so.
More information on Account Combine can be found here: Rewards:https://www.marriott.
Relieved? Let me know here, on Twitter, or in the private MilesTalk Facebook group.
New to all of this? My new “introduction to miles and points” book, MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points is available now.
Don’t forget that August 25th is your last day to get both the Marriott Visa cards and SPG Amex cards if you already have the other one – new rules on card restrictions kick in on August 26th!
