In a major competitive move, Marriott Rewards and United MileagePlus have joined forces to provide their most loyal members with travel benefits, the companies report.
Starting today, "RewardsPlus" offers Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite members MileagePlus Premier Silver status, featuring some of United's popular Premier perks, and gives United Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold members Marriott Rewards Gold Elite status. Status offerings will be effective until Jan. 31, 2014.
RewardsPlus will soon include other features as well. Beginning in August, Marriott Rewards and United MileagePlus members will receive added value when transferring points into miles and will get additional miles for travel packages. Also, for the first time, MileagePlus Premier members will be able to convert their miles into Marriott Rewards points.
"We share United's belief that a high level of customer service and recognition are among the most important elements of our members' travel," said Ed French, senior vice president, Marriott Rewards. "We are bringing together the world's leading hotel and airline loyalty programs to enhance the customer experience from beginning to end."
For United's Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold MileagePlus members, Marriott will offer Gold Elite status, including:
Lounge access and complimentary continental breakfast at participating JW Marriott®, Renaissance Hotels®, Marriott® Hotels and Autograph Collection® Hotels (Resorts are excluded)
Room upgrades, based on availability
Complimentary high-speed internet access at more than 3,700 hotels globally
25 percent point bonus on all Marriott stays
Priority late check-out
Gold Elite customized offers and awards
One-to-one transfer of MileagePlus miles into Marriott Rewards points, a benefit United's Premier Silver members will also receive
For Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite members, United will offer Premier Silver status, including:
Complimentary access to Economy Plus seating at check-in, when available
Complimentary Premier Upgrades on domestic flights, when available
Premier Access travel services, which include designated ticket counter check-in lines, priority security lines and priority boarding and baggage handling
One complimentary standard checked bag
25 percent Premier bonus award miles on United flights
In addition, beginning in August, all MileagePlus and Marriott Rewards members will receive 20 percent more value when converting Marriott Rewards points into MileagePlus miles and a 10 percent bonus for MileagePlus miles on Marriott Rewards travel packages.
Visit marriottrewards.com/rewardsplus or united.com/rewardsplus.