BETHESDA, Md. and CHICAGO
Marriott and United Airlines announced a partnership which would combine the Marriott Rewards and United MileagePlus benefits packages.
The new “RewardsPlus” program offers Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite members MileagePlus premier Silver status, featuring some of United’s most popular perks, and grants United Global Services, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold Members the Marriott Rewards Gold Elite status. Status offerings will be effective until Jan. 31, 2014.
The move pairs the largest airline with one of the biggest hotel chains to try and lock-in members by offering a combined rewards system.
"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."
Details of the perks available from the official press release are as follows:
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.
More information on the rewards plan merger can be found on marriottrewards.com/rewardsplus or united.com/rewardsplus.
