SayAlt

Hmmmmmm. Might be about time to sell this one...

The dude

Our flight department switched from Hilton to Marriott last year and have been much happier. The hhonors program was once a great program, but they ratcheted up their points redemption schedule and it became ridiculous to get a reward stay at any appealing destination. That's why we switched and all agree that Marriott is much better. FWIW.

We are a part 91 op., however and book our rooms through Marriott's website most of the time. Can't say it wouldn't bother me if I wasn't getting credit for nights. These bean counter CFO's that try so hard to make their most loyal customers angry should be fired.

NoSidNoStar

The problem with Hilton is that their points expire after a year, while Marriott don't expire. Marriott has a better presence internationally, and comparing the high ends properties, Marriott are much better.
The TVL and General Dynamics rates were never intended for corporates or charters anyway, and the abuse of them might have caused the enforcement.

USMCFLYR

Which points are we talking about here?
The points used to get free hotel rooms for example?

I only ask because I've been a member of both rewards programs for the last 5-6 years and my points in either program have never expired.

NoSidNoStar

Your Hilton points did not expire because you kept renewing them with a stay. If you would not stay for a year, the point will expire.
As a matter of fact, Hilton has even a policy to just let you buy points, I think by spending $50, to keep them renew, when you are did not stay during the last year.
Marriott points, so far, never expire, even if you don't stay for over a year.

USMCFLYR

Ah.
Well that won't be a problem.

westside

The Marriott East Side in NYC has been the worst at not granting points for TVL rate stays the past few months.

NoSidNoStar

As I stated before, the TVL rate is not for charter or corporate flight departments. It was just commonly abused. And it was never intended to award points. I guess now that Marriott starts to enforce the rules, more pilots are going to stop the abuse, pay what is right and get the stays and points.

ufgatorpilot

I think starting in 2016 Marriott points will expire after 24 months if there is no activity on the account. I remember getting an email about that change recently.

And yes, as of a couple of months ago, the TVL rate is no longer eligible for points and night credit. I had TVL stays in January that posted with no issues, but then sometime in February things changed. I had one TVL night that didn't post, and I was able to talk customer service into giving me points for that night but no night credit. I really hope they lose a lot of business over this! While I understand that you can get into some nice properties at a reasonable rate using TVL, the TVL rate isn't always available and it isn't THAT cheap. They're still making money off of it and points are awarded based on the nightly rate anyway. I hope they'll reconsider this, but they're probably just waiting for the whining to die down a bit... What I think is most irritating about this change with TVL (or their decision to enforce what they say has always been their policy) is that they didn't let their customers know in advance about this. Then again, I don't think even the people at Marriott know what the heck is going on since everyone seems to get a different answer about this issue.

I'm also Diamond at Hilton. Eh, it's okay. I'd definitely prefer to stay at a Hilton and get points and night credit than stay at a Marriott with the TVL rate and get nothing!

RI830

What is yours source for the TVL rate not being for flight departments.
I have info stating it is for anykne in the travel industry ie. Flight crews who carry passengers.