Ask John

ahmad alraddadi

how do i get royal Ambassador my membership level now is platinum?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

First of all you need to sign up for the Ambassador program. Then, during your Ambassador year, you need to have anywhere from 50 to 60 night at InterContinental Hotels Group hotels of which majority should be at InterContinental’s.

Other ways is to be referred by a Royal Ambassador that gets one referral certificate at his/her renewal package.

Third option is to buy the referral certificate off of eBay. Expect to pay $500 to $700 for it.

Brian

Hello John,

I am new to your sight. I love it!!!
Do you know of any cheap way to get a day pass to the admirals club or any other airport lounge?

Brian

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Some airlines allow free access for certain credit card holders. Also, you may get a discounted buy up offer during the booking process for access on certain airlines.

Tommy

Hi John,
I have sign up the email update, i want to ask you about the Accor A-Club / Le Club Accohotels Instant Platinum Status, how do i get a link for sign up to the promotion offer?

Thanks before….
tommy.susanxxx@gmail.com

Jiabao

I have one question: how do I donate…

Lazrguy

Very “confused” about my promo offers and registering. I register for these promotions and get “invalid” codes and there have been several missed opportunities that i have upset to have lost. i am a platinum member and hope this gets resolved asap. I was Marriott Rewards platinum as well and switched to Holiday Inns. They have offered me a challenge to switch back and if I can’t get these things resolved, I will go back. I am now back to traveling a lot for work and need the extras for my family vacation. Any help is appreciated. thank you in advance

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can ready about various kinds of Priority Club promotions here: http://loyaltylobby.com/2012/08/19/how-to-work-numerous-priority-club-promotions/

joonyoung lee

Could you send me the link?
thank’s again

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You need to email me at john@loyaltylobby.com.

ted

already subscribe to blog. what’s next for platinum le club accor status?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

If you have sent me an email, you can expect to receive the invitation within a day. I usually do them twice a day.
- ted
  
  I still cannot find the mail. Could you please resend it?
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    I just replied to the email you sent me. Check your Yahoo-email.

Ahmad

Dear John Can I transfer airline miles for Priority Club points

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can transfer Priority Club points to airlines miles, but not the other way around.

Correction: There might be something available through Points.com, but the transfer rates are usually so horrendous that I am not suggesting that anyone should take that route.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003377011902 George Georgy

RE: Instant Hilton HHonours Gold

Hi John I live in Australia and have an American Advantage account. When I enter my AAdvantage # on the Hilton sign-up webpage it does not recognise it – any advice? Thanks

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

What promotion are you referring to?
http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Sorry, I didn’t see the top of your message first. This specific promotion was targeted to some American Airlines AAdvantage members and wasn’t open to all.

Todor

Hi John, I’m trying to get the European free night deal from Marriott for new signups (as described in: http://loyaltylobby.com/2012/10/10/marriott-rewards-joining-offer-for-europe-free-night-certificate-after-one-paid-saty/ )

I tried to sign up using the link, but after I fill out and submit the form, I get an error message that the promotion code is invalid. Did the offer expire or am I doing something wrong? Or are they trying to match my email address with that of a Hertz membership?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Just tried and got the same message. They probably have misprogrammed something, but it is definitely a valid promotion. If you want to sign up using this promotion, you probably need to do it over the phone and refer them to this promo page on the web.

Thanks for the message. I will edit the promo page here on LoayltyLobby to include the new info.

alfaromeo

Hi John, Any recommendations on where should I use IHG unconditional free night (received by spending 10k on Black Visa card) in Europe? Will like to use this and some points towards a family holiday really. Thanks

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I would spend it at an InterContinental in Amsterdam, Cannes, Paris etc. If you are looking for a family holiday then there is the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus that is really nice as well.
- alfaromeo
  
  Thanks John – much appreciated..

HAN MIN

Hello John, I would like to get the letter to apply for the Accor Plat status.

Would you be able to send me the email to hanmin85@gmail.com?

It would be appreciated.

Thank you!

sappy02

In your opinion what is the best hotel loyalty program? The programs I am interested in are: SPG, Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton’s. There are pros/cons for each but hopefully folks can shed some light on their experiences with these loyalty programs. Some factors that I consider important in choosing the right program are as follows:

- Racking up the highest number of points per $ spent (and it just so happens that the
hotels in the area are not that expensive)
- Most generous rewards relative to the points gained
- Keeping the status for longer (not sure how long I will travel after I achieve elite
status)
- The breadth of hotel options across the world
- Quality of the hotels in the network
- Versatility of point redemption program
- Perks of top tier status

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I will do a piece about this in the next 7 days. I have received similar question quite a few times over the email as well.

Henry

Does the USAIR Club Membership 5k PQM apply to the 90 day membership at $120?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Have to buy yearly.

MJ

Hi John,

I have seen your video review on YouTube of the suite room at the Grand Hyatt Macau.

I’m currently deciding on which suite to book at the GH Macau and was wondering if you remembered the name of the suite you stayed in.. Was it the Grand Deluxe Suite or the Grand Executive Suite (in the Grand Club building)??

Cheers,

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

To be honest with you, I really cannot recall. The Grand Club wasn’t on this wing, however.

http://www.facebook.com/asanper123 Ana Teresa Sandoval Pérez

John, I love your site! I have a question, do you know how many IA Members are in the world? How may RA?
Thanks!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Unfortunately, I have no idea. There are probably quite a few Ambassador members.

Considering the requirements to be a Royal Ambassador by referral or qualifying, there cannot be that many of them.

MJ

Hi John,

I have an upcoming stay at the Hyatt Macau and I am currently a Hyatt Platinum. I have booked an Executive Suite using the Advance Purchase Rate. What do you think the chances are of getting an upgrade to a better suite? The next better suite is a pretty big step up – like the Presedential Suite or similar. Or do they usually not upgrade you to ‘better’ suites with the Platinum benefit?

Cheers,

MJ

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I don’t think that they need to upgrade you per the terms and conditions, but it never hurts to ask at check in and let them know if you are celebrating a special occasion.

Noel

Hello
Regarding Hilton Honors Fast Track to Gold promo after 4 stays how will this hold with the new change in Gold/Diamond status?
Thank you,
Noel

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

No change yet that I would be aware off.

Ben H.

Hi John,
I have an upcoming stay at Intercontinental hotel for 6 nights outside the US, should I book each night so to get 2000 points for each night/stay ? As I understand if I book 6 nights it will count only as 1 stay and give me only 2000 points ?
Thanks,
Ben H.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Sorry, somehow I missed your question. You will receive set number of points regardless of checking in/out.

Todor

Hi John,

Great site, as I’ve said before. I follow your tips with interest. I have 2 questions:

1) I’m really close to qualifying for Premier Silver status with United – I’m only 1150 miles short for 2012. Do you know of any tricks or ideas on how to get those last miles before the end of the year? Obviously I could take a flight, but are there other tricks? It seems like a lot of the good deals on flights are in classes that don’t qualify for PQMs anyway… or are not at all available this month. I’m in Bulgaria by the way. I wouldn’t be opposed to taking a weekend trip to somewhere in Western Europe if I find a good deal.

2) If I do get the Premier Silver status with United, will I be able to get free cabin upgrades within Europe on non-United-operated Star Alliance flights? I usually fly with Lufthansa or LOT. I know I will automatically get Star Alliance Silver status, but its benefits don’t seem to include anything related to upgrades.

Thanks a lot!
-Todor

Mary E

Hi John,

While I have many memberships of hotel status, I don’t have any in mileage programs. My United Account has Lifetime Flight Miles:29,561, what does that mean and how can I use this?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Those are just lifetime miles that are used to calculate your lifetime status with Mileage Plus program. You need 1 million lifetime miles to have lifetime Premier Gold status with United. You cannot use lifetime miles.

Potjernik

The room was booked 1 hour ago; 3 people are looking this hotel; this the last room – do they lie to us?

So, you know how online booking sites for hotels now claim that the room was booked at certain time and that certain number of people is looking at this web page right now? I am convinced that they are lying. I just booked “the last” room, and the room is still there. Plus, it still says that it was booked last time few hours ago. Is it possible that they are pulling our leg?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

They probably cache the information over number of websites i.e. Expedia has numerous country specific websites and they probably just combine this info how many has booked/how many has looked etc. I think that the overall goal is to make the person to make the booking by letting him/her know that there are other people looking at it as well.
- Potjernik
  
  The “last room available” kept popping up for days, even after 3 of my colleagues booked another room each, all after I booked “the last room”. I am still convinced that they are cheating.
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    Could be that they are trying to “convince” that it is urgent for you to make the booking?
  - Industry Travel Asia
    
    As someone who works with the industry and inventories, you may see the last room appear on sites (even when it is the hotel site) when on another site the ‘room/seat’ is available.
    
    in many cases the last room for that allocation is true. example: 200 room hotel/Airplane seats, they are allocated to 4 providers (60,30,45,15 seats each) and the hotel keeps 50 for themselves. Provider B (30) sells 26 and now 4 left in inventory, they sell 4 more they are gone. The hotel says….wow Provider B is hot right now, allocate 10 more rooms from….provider D who now says they have only 5 left, but B (your provider) magically has more rooms. No Magic…just moving allocations to where the action is.
    
    Hint: If a hotel is full according to the hotel, check the discount sites… as the hotel staff at reservations have no idea of inventory allocated to providers. Likewise check with hotel and see if a room is available or ask for a waitlist room ( they will pull allocation from a provider to service you in many cases).
    
    If you have a good travel agent this is all seamless and they sort it out for you, getting you the best rate, points, and seemingly impossible seats/rooms.

Annie

Hi John, Is the link still available for Accor Hotels Platinum status?
Cheers
Annie

yumiko

Hi john,
I can not be a Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Gold.
I was a Clear member today.but instant gold link do not work. so I send
Starwood Preferred Guest.replay below ..
As it is written in terms and conditions, this offer is only valid for existing Clear members who are not SPG members at the time of receiving the email offer.
As we see that you’ve been a SPG member since 2010, unfortunately this offer is not applicable to your account.

Must I give up a SPG gold MENBER?

Steven

Does the Holiday Inn group have and type of Lifetime Status available?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

No they don’t.

Larry D

For a Hyatt Diamond Challenge, do you know if it’s a “Once a Lifetime”, similar to many airlines, or “Once in a while”, similar to Marriott. I’m currently Hilton Diamond, and have a few Hyatt stays coming up which might get me to 8 nights. I don’t have any Hyatt stays planned after that until at least the fall. Therefore, the Hyatt Challenge will likely fail, but if I can enjoy the temporary status for the 8 nights, that would be great. However, if I would be nullified from any future Hyatt Diamond challenges forever, then I might not proceed. Any thoughts? (either way, I may try to get it to 12 nights with a couple inexpensive stays, but my real question is whether a Hyatt Diamond Challenge a once in a lifetime opportunity ?)

Larry

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

It could be “once in a lifetime” officially, but I am sure that they can make an exception in the future. There is likely a some sort of promotion starting next month that could make achieving the challenge more rewarding.

oneeyejack

Two questions:

1. Do you ever cite your sources on where you find your information??? I find it hard to believe that you find ALL this information on your own or through your “friends” all the time! Other bloggers have cited you when they have read it from your site. Give props to where it’s due. I see information posted on other sites all the time and then you post them right after.

2. Why don’t you answer all the questions in here? You answer some buy not others??

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I don’t follow or read any blogs. I have been an active participant on FlyerTalk for more than 10 years and continue to be.

Can you give an example what/whom I should have cited and when?

Potjernik

It would be interesting to see comparison between booking with Hotels, Agoda, Orbitz, Expedia…

Pam

John, I can’t get the priority club offers to come up through the link you’ve posted. Can’t find them anywhere, in fact!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Can you please help what is the link that you are referring to?

Terry

Hi John I am currently Gold HH and will lose this tier 31 Jan. I signed up ‘Fast Track to
Hilton HHonors Gold Status – Only Four Stays Required’. Promotion CFTE was
added successfully to my account. Telephoned HH and they say this is only eligible
for Blue tier customers – is this correct?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

It is unlikely that you could sign up for it BEFORE you have been downgraded. Why wouldn’t you do the four stays after January 31sr?

SG

Hello John, I am currently a silver elite member of Marriott brand and would like to take platinum challenge, but the customer rep told me I can’t take Platinum challenge but can register for Gold challenge,since I am only have silver status. I just to check if skipping a gold level is possible or not?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Call again and again until you get a rep that signs you up.

Brenda

Hi John, today’s post, double priority pointd for a 2nd stay before end of April. the link is not working, could you repeat it please, http://c

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

That was unfortunate mistake on my part that I was able to rectify off the site fast. Couldn’t get it out from the mailing, however.

DG

what if the weekend night benefit is not availed within the year of Ambassador membership…?? Can we get it extended by any chance…??

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You need to be Ambassador to use the free weekend night voucher.

paul-pauli

I would appreciate the link to Le Club Accorhotels Platinum status
thank you

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Just follow the instructions in one of the posts.

Tony

Hi John – thanks for all the useful info! Any thoughts or research done on the pre-check (United) program? Getting concrete details on It seem hard to come by. I’ve applied for the program, but no one can confirm if I’ve been approved…

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

That’s the TSA thing, right?

lino

Hello John! I will never stop thanking you for the useful information you are providing people like me, travelling a lot! I am a diamond HHonors and
platinum Priority Club. I was a Silver ClubCarlson so I contacted their customer service to have a status match and what I have got is a Gold stutus, not the Congierce one! I contacted them again showing that at least HHonors is giving the same benefits and privileges, but no answer. I am finding it quite strange: I mean the benefits are the same and I know about people who have got HHnors diamond being platinum Prority Club, that in my opinion is not the same! Do you have any suggestion? Somebody succeded to get the status match Congierce with Club Carlson?
Thnak you and KR
Lino

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Club Carlson usually only match to their Gold level, although the benefits at the Concierge one are better match to other programs’ higher tiers. My advise would be to give them a call.

lino

Hello John! I am an HHonors diamond and Platinum Priority Club member. I tried to have the status match Congierce with Club Carlson, but they upgraded me only to Gold status. Frankly speaking at least HHonors diamond is really matching their status in term of benefits. Any suggestion? Did anybody succed to get the status match Congierce?
Thaks and KR
Lino

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Club Carlson doesn’t match to Concierge level under normal circumstances. You may have luck calling them and explaining your situation. Tell us then how it went.

Erik

Have you been upgraded to executive floor in Crown Plaza for award stays? I am platinum priority club member

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I don’t think that I have ever had an award stay at Crowne Plaza hotel.
lino

Hello! I am a platinum as well, lat year I spent 2 rewards night in Crowne Plaza Dubai: I have got a room upgrade but no access to executive floor. The same happened in Madrid at Intercontinental.
- http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
  
  Lounge access is not Priority Club Platinum benefit. If you stay at InterContinental hotels, you should buy Ambassador and get referred to Royal Ambassador status. Priority Club Platinum doesn’t mean anything at InterContinental hotels.

georghein

what about Golden Lotus Vietnam Airlines

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Vietnam Airlines frequent flier program. What would you like to know about it?

Lsed

Just wondering where you’re based in ?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

North America, Europe and Asia really. I haven’t had a home per se for the past ten years.

Greg

How do I find your comparisons of reward programs. Do you have FAQ’s

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

http://loyaltylobby.com/2013/01/07/summary-of-pros-and-cons-of-hilton-hyatt-intercontinental-hotels-grouppriority-club-marriott-starwood-preferred-guest/
I will have a proper programs guides up at a later point this spring.

lino

Hello! Is there any possibility to get Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Match for an HHonors Diamond?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Hilton doesn’t officially do straight matched (there are exceptions) but rather will offer you a challenge. You can find my article about it by using the search box on right “Hilton Diamond Match”.

intermagix

Hi John, which hotel do you normally stay at Yangon? Thanks.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I have stayed at three hotels. The Governors Residence was really good (paid $110/night last year – now $300+++). The Traders is very centrally located and I have camped out in their lobby few times typing away, but I have never stayed there. The Clover City hotel just behind the Traders is a decent “budget” alternative. Maybe around $100/night. I have videos of all of these at http://www.youtube.com/loyaltylobby
- intermagix
  
  Thank you.

Bjorn from Holland

Hi John, I love your site, lots of useful info. I read in one of your articles that you stayed at the Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira. I will be staying here with my family end of april for 5 nights. Did you like the hotel? When necessary I can switch to the Crowne Plaza Dubai (Sheick Zayed road). Thanks!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I saw your other post, but hadn’t the following short video of the room I had at the Crowne Plaza Deira uploaded on Youtube yet.
- Bjorn from Holland
  
  I just saw the video on youtube. Thanks John!!! We will stay at CP Deira..

Lynn

John – what hotel would you recommend for the ‘average person’ who doesn’t travel for work? My family and I like to go for weekend trips places. Right now we always stay with marriott – we like the stay twice and get a free night certs and such. We’re silver members but hitting 50 nights seems astronomical if you don’t travel for work. Can you give advice to someone like me who just likes to stay somewhere nice on vacation and a a weekend here and there every few months?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You could do the Marriott Gold challenge later this spring. It would then give you Gold status until 2015. You need only 6 stays within the month you sign up + the following three months. You could time this to match the free night cert promo.

Other option would be to forego hotel loyalty programs altogether and start booking the hotels using Priceline/Hotwire. The savings could be significant and this works very well in the North America. You can get 4* hotel in most cities at a very favorable price.
- Lynn
  
  I was considering doing the gold Challenge during the next free night promo and get a few free nights on top of gold. The problem is with the challenges with the program it feels very devalued now and I’m not sure if being ‘Gold’ will give me a whole lot at the courtyard type hotels we normally frequent. The only issue I have with priceline is that I like to book far in advance and like to plan out where I’m going to be.
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    The benefits at the Courtyards are rather limited. You really need to stay at full service properties to get proper Gold/Platinum benefits.
    
    The cat 1 to 4 certs will continue to work for me just ok, but mainly because I will use them in Asia.
- kris
  
  Looks like option with Marriott challenge does not work anymore.
  I asked for it at all three available email address+contact form, and didnt get any answer from them, not even “get lost dude”
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    I haven’t heard anything that they would have discontinued this. Maybe they just have an email backlog? They don’t usually reply during the weekends and Monday was a public holiday as well in the United States. Have you tried calling them?

Andrew Fernandes

John – in your opinion for a frequent flyer, (who uses multiple airlines) which is the best annual membership to buy so they can access any airport lounge .. AA charges like $400. I heard United charges about the same…

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I think that you would need to calculate how many times and where you would use airline lounges. I have not covered credit cards here in LoyaltyLobby, may have to, but some Amex products offfers i.e. AA, DL, and US access.

Do you have elite status with any airline(s)?
- Andrew Fernandes
  
  Hi John – Yes ,Gold with AA (Million Miler) Silver with United. I know United has a card that offers points but only access lounge twice a year..

FTL

Any easy way of getting one world lounge access – with BA however much short haul I fly I never quality! – Do they ever status match with *Alliance

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You could get access for being Oneworld elite on some other alliance carrier? Status matching?

ASM

I just want to ask how can I buy a Royal ambassador certificate???

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Likely eBay is your friend IF you don’t have friends that may have some laying around.

http://www.facebook.com/aoxford Alberto Oxford

What happens if I book the corporate rate and have no affiliation with that corporation? I have acorporation ID for Intercontinetal Hotel and I want to use.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

They may ask or they may not. If they ask and you are not able to present one, they may require you to pay the BAR (Best Available Rate) for the day.

loh

any promotion flight for student from moscow back to kuala lumpur ( malaysia ) rounf trip

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can use matrix.itasoftware.com to explore your options.

Harry

Hey John, just wondering what kind of career would allow me to travel and rack up the massive amount of points like yourself?

May I ask what you do for a living? Consultant for a global firm?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I would not just search for a job that would allow you to travel. You should get into a career/profession that YOU like. Obviously, management consultants travel a lot.

Basically, I was running a small one person biz and decided to take long breaks during slow months. Worked well for me, but unlikely for most.

miss-miss

Do you offer an award booking service?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I have received quite a few requests for personalized assistance, so I have decided to offer this kind of service shortly. Stay tuned.
- miss-miss
  
  Thanks John,
  I have done some research but the ins and outs of the One World Explorer award are quite complex. I’ve jot a general idea of where I’m going, I just want to be sure I’m getting the best value for my award miles. Please let me know.
  Thanks,
  Missy

robyn

I want to transfer some marriott points into my airline miles, from my recently deceased domestic partner. I have all the info. on his profile, as we always traveled together. Do any of the airlines give a fair exchange for hotel points? Thank you

ChrisP

Hi Jone, this is a great place!

I have been Platinum Premier with Marriott and Platinum Ambassador with Priority Club. Have been 1K with United about 10 years but trying to fly with a different airlines after the merger.(They devaluted benefits for 1K, I really think you need to be GS with United to get real VIP treatment).

Anyway, I like to get some status different hotels for Aisa and EU stay.
Like to be Gold or Platinum with Air France as well.
Could you recommend me to get status with Hilton, Hayatt and Starwoods?

Thanks again your hardwork for this website.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

All the three hotel chains have their strength and weaknesses. I wrote about the pros and cons of all these chains at the end of last year. You can use the search function to locate them. Just search for “pros cons”.

Personally my pecking order would be SPG, Hyatt and then Hilton.

Paul Frank

Hi John.. Have u heard anything of staying in any priority club for free but just only one night ?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Do you mean getting a free night using the Best Rate Guarantee?

srvneed

Hi John, Thank you for the promotional codes, it helps to save some money on tickets. I am looking to buy tickets for parents from India to USA and noticed that code FRACCOR is working , but it doesn’t have any eligibility/restrictions criteria so little hesitant to use this code. Will there be any questions or show any proofs at the time of travel if this code is used.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

There is no guarantees, but I am not aware of anyone who would have run into any problems.

lionheart

hi john, which search engine you would use to get the lowest price for hotels ??

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

With hotels there are so many different sites and the price can vary a lot. There really isn’t one stop solution for this.
- lionheart
  
  perhaps you could share some short list of non popular website? so that i could compare different hotel in different place…

Industry Travel Asia

Hi John, this should be clear….. but can’t find an answer. Perhaps you have ‘solid’ answer that can help.

A passenger, a silver member in CX Marco Polo Club, wants to use Asia Miles points to upgrade on a CX flight to North America. 2 segments each way. Two of the four segments do not have premium economy, only business class.

The upgrade rules seem vague…..if you go to the AM website and use the award redemption calculator they say the award is 45K for entire journey when upgrading from economy to PE. Does this mean on the 2 segments w/out PE they will be upgraded to Business?

When we asked the local CX office they said no, the pax needs to buy BC upgrade @ 80K to get upgraded for the 2 segments or at the very least 60K to get business upgrade for sectors w/out PE. So now we have 3 answers….

Does AM/CX upgrade to the next class when the class of service is not available on an aircraft? We are trying help this customer use the points and stay on CX, but looks like it might be better to move her to another carrier (MH?) for the upgrade as they are more straight forward.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

This is tricky. I need to check this.
- Industry Travel Asia
  
  An hour on the phone with CX marco polo and the operator agreed that: 1. it is confusing; 2. the site says 45k for upgrade; 3. it does state that no PE service means that the upgrade is possible to BC; 4. Would not put the upgrade through….. “I am no authorised to do that…No I will not transfer you to my supervisor as they will say same thing and back me up….”
  CX looking shakey for future business from this client…
  
  No one in the Philippine call center is authorised to make a decision that supports the web site/calculator.
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    This is very usual with outsourced call centers. They are not able to provide ANY customer resolution.

steve

I have been checking the eprize page for months since the Priority Club sweepstakes last fall and there are still no results. Do you know how long it should take before the winners should be announced? http://winlists.eprize.com/INCON005-205953.pdf

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Interesting. Have you contacted Priority Club to see what they say about this?

Steven

Hi John, do you negotiate about the rates with the hotels themselves? Would it help to ask for a better rate when you you are looking to stay in a hotel for a certain time(e.g. 50 nights+ in the next 2 months)?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You should speak with a revenue manager of the hotels that could likely offer you a deal. Probably works better in smaller than bigger hotels.

plongs3

Hi John, can you reccomend a status match please , I am Gold Elite on ANZ, but have 3 long hauls on Koreanair coming up and lounge access would be nice, thxs Paul

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I am going to do write a piece about possible SkyTeam status matches. The Air France-KLM Flying Blue status match (in Nordic countries but was open for all) would have worked well for you, but it was withdrawn early.

crechem

Hi John,

Just discovered your site, and I am really enjoying it. Here’s my dilemma. I am a HHonors Gold member, and this upcoming devaluation is going to kill me. I only stay around 20-25 nights/year, but using the HHonors credit cards and taking advantage of promotions has helped me maintain gold status. So I am trying to decide if it’s best to stay with Hilton (I have almost 600,000 points but I can’t book a big aspirational trip before the devaluation date) and keep earning, or just hold onto the points and jump to Hyatt, Marriott or Starwood. (I’ll get the appropriate credit card form whichever program i go with.) I have a 4 hotels in 5 nights trip coming in a few weeks so i have to decide where to book. I don’t stay enough to justify concentrating on more than 1 chain, so what would you recommend I do? Thanks!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

There are properties in Asia that you can book up to 24 moths in advance. You should try to book couple of trips for those before the deadline. I wrote a piece about this trick last month that you can access using the Hilton HHonors tab on the right.

Hyatt still offers good value, but they are likely on the line for drastic category changed next year, as there were hardly any changes in 2013.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I have one article on my to-do-list about these hotel loyalty programs. Do they make sense for infrequent guests. I am trying to get it done before the end of the month. It would likely address some of the issues that you are looking an answer for.

ivan

hi john!
i am hhonours gold member having doubledip with virgin(i earn 1000 miles per paid stay)and would like to know that would any miles be earned on award stays at hilton/doubletree properties

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You won’t earn miles but you earn regular points + Gold bonus for incidental spend.

Industry Travel Asia

China Airlines. The Taiwan based carrier… do they have a status match system for their loyalty programme?

Carmi

I’m new to this, love the info. I never heard that you can use choice priv. points for Preferred Hotels Group before… how do I do this?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

The list of participating properties is here: http://www.phgoffers.com/searchResults.aspx?id=717

You need to call Choice Privileges customer service to book any of them.

Chris

Dear John
I note that there are alway offers from various companies and banks for joining their Credit Card – giving bonus points, frequent flyer points, and also 1 -2 years of NO annual fees.
Does that mean I could join for that year or two, and then cancel once their offers of NO annual fees finish? Do they make it impossible to you to cancel and get out?
I wonder if many people (including yourself) would take advantage of these bonuses to accrue bonus points in this manner.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Already replied to the email that you sent regarding this. You can cancel and keep the points as long as they are transferred to partners.

Kristen

Hi John,
What has your previous experience been with “best price guarantee” price matches by hotels? I’d obviously rather book directly with the hotels to get points/status but have been finding their rates more expensive than the aggregators and that they don’t seem to honor their best price guarentees. For example– I was recently denied price matches by both Starwood and Park Plaza in London even though the rates were lower on Orbitz/Expedia/hotels.com, and neither company really provided explanations on why they were denying the claims. After many emails with Park Plaza I realized from the terms and conditions that I was being denied because the London hotel quotes in GBP and Expedia quotes in USD; no USD prices are allowed for the match even if they are lower converted to GBP (in this case it was 246 GBP vs $215 USD too). This seems like a pretty dumb policy and they lost 12 nights of my business that trip. In Starwood’s case, Orbitz was about 7 GBP cheaper but after a few emails I never received an explanation on why my claim was denied. What has your experience been–any tips, thanks.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Some require that the charges currency is same on the competing site as on the hotel. This is case with both IHG and Club Carlson. The currencies can b different with Starwood and Marriott. I have written pieces about Marriott’s Look No Further and IHG’s Best Rate Guarantees.

I got denied for few SPG claims the other month because it took more than TWO days before they even got the check the claims that I had filed. I think that these are good IF you have lot of time in your hands to find/research lower rates and then file/follow up on the clams.

PS

Thank you for the Hilton advice – very valuable! Question – using points, can you get the 5th nite free and if so, how?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

The fifth night free will start on 28th when the new award levels are in place.

Marcel Schaefer

Hi John, wondering what to do with my old accor-points (yes, it’s me again Will it be the best to configure the automatic point transfer to a partner program, then stay one night, collect ome points in the old accor account to “start” the point transfer and then switch to the “new” platinum account completly? Or is there another way to use the “old” miles (other than booking evouchers)? Thanks, kind regards, Marcel

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Yes. That would be mu advise and I am about to do a piece about it. Has been on my list to write about already for a while.

Ahmad

Mr. John I’d like you to you to answer this question I have a membership Platinum Ambasidor and I want to get at the level of the Royal and found referral offered for sale in the referral sites net does include a free night
Will be packaged and mailed or through the website online and how much you need from time to activate the new membership Will expire at the end of the validity of Platinum or validity of the new calculated

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You will get a free night certificate and 5000 bonus point code in the referral package that is mailed to you by Ambassador service center.

Your RA is only valid until the remainder of your Ambassador year.

lino

hi John! Do you have a list of the airlnes company regularly matching the gold status of other ferquent flyer program: I mean companies who are matching all over the year (no dedicated campaigns).
Thanks and KR
Lino

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I am doing write ups about these airline status matches one by one. Stay tuned.

Abraham

Hello John.

What would be your advice for someone who is going to Amsterdam and will have to stay for two months. I am thinking for an extended stay or long term contract with a 4-5 star hotel, if I get good price, so what would be your advice in this case.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You are likely far better off by renting a fully furnished apartment for such a long stay. There are companies that provide such accommodation or you can try renting from individuals using services such as airbnb.com.

Hotel may cut you a deal as well. Really depends what your requirements are.

waleburg

Hello John!
Is there a way to gain access to aurport lounges through a hotel program like Accor Le Club Platinum? That would be great. But probably not available.
Maybe you know some backdoor?
Thanks!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Not possible. The only thing I can think of is getting SAS Eurobonus Gold for being Club Carlson Gold member. I will write about this later.

satish

is hilton offering 4000 virgin atlantic miles per stay ?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

http://loyaltylobby.com/2013/03/26/quadruple-virgin-atlantic-flying-club-miles-at-hilton-hotels-in-london-scotland/
- sandeep
  
  this says that this promotion is applicable only in scotland and london. is it also applicable in other parts of the world?
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    Correct. There is no global double/triple miles promotion going on at the moment.

Vic

Hi John!

I just found your blog today – its amazing! I really want to book a athens to sydney return flight – are there any working coupons for singapore, virgin, etihad or emirates airlines? thank you!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I have listed the Emirates discount codes that I am aware on that one post last year. Some of them might require password now, however.

Flo

HI John, Just found your blog and it is really helpful.
I have a question…can I use my AAdvantage miles for tickets for members of my immediate family (my sister in this case). thanks

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You absolutely can.

Susan

Hi John, I like your blog a lot. I have a question and I think you may be able to help. I will be travelling in the next 6 months with Delta but it’s a short distance flight, that means 500 miles one way. Is there a way I can get the gold status faster? I know I will fly a lot with them so I want to get the upgrade and bonus miles every week. I have a delta credit card. Shall I upgrade it to platinum? Is there anything such as gold challenge like the hotel chain provide? Thanks a lot!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Delta offers Gold/Platinum challenges. I will do a write up about them early next week.

lino

Hi John!
I am a diamond member HHonors, I spent 5 day at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and ….no breakfast for free!!!! I am still not believing it happened…but that’ true!
I don’t know what HHonors is doing to cut costs (I read your article about the new awards) but treating like that Diamond members…..no words.
I hope you can start writing about such situations: maybe making the customers aware it will scare them to come back to a “reasonable” customer service.
KR
Lino

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

The Diamond benefits are different at Waldorf-Astoria branded Hilton family of hotels.

Jan

Have bought tickets Emirates for 2 from New Zealand to Barcelona returning Emirates Venice to Auckland and also Qantas Wellington to Bangkok return. Economy fares. Do we get Marriott points rewards fro these fares?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can earn Qantas or Emirates miles for all of these flights as the airlines are partners now. Alternatively, you can credit Emirates flights to Emirates partner programs and same for Qantas as well. Lot depends of the fare classes that you have purchased.

atexan

Hello,
In the AA miles program I am platinum for life. When the merger with USAir happens, is it your opinion that this status will remain? If I have USAir miles, will they be merged with AA miles, in your opinion? Thank you.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Did a piece today based on your question. You can find my educated guess what will happen here:

http://loyaltylobby.com/2013/04/09/american-us-airways-proposed-merger-and-frequent-flier-programs/

Caroline

was wondering if you know of any promo code for BA exec club new member sign up. It asks for a promo code when joining.
Thanks

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Unfortunately, I don’t.

Natasha

John, I signed up for the Priority Club Stay 5 get 10,000 + 5000 for each additional 5 nights. I see they have extended it until August. I got the 10,000 easy enough, but they are not posting the 5000 increments to my account. Should i contact them, or are these additional points expected to post when the promotion ends? My reward offer summary states that I have fulfilled the promotion in full with 5 out of 5 nights. It doesn’t reference the 5000 per 5 night increments…

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I have no idea about that extended the promo besides what I have seen in my account online. Would like to hear from IHG about this.

These bonuses after the first hurdle have been posting way after the stays. You will get them but it can apparently take weeks.

http://twitter.com/AngryBOD Anonymous

arrrggghhhh…

Need some advice as to how best I can gain an advantage here.

I regularly travel to norway, so have an SAS loyalty card. I also have a Scandic Hotels loyalty card as well.

I also travel within the UK as well, so therefore have an IHG priority club card for stays at Holiday Inn’s etc.

I’m now travelling to London on a regular basis and have a BA executive club card as well as a Accor Hotels platinum loyalty card.

So my question is, how best can I tie these up to gain an advantage. I’ve had several loyalty cards in the past ,and, through various circumstances, my role has changed etc. my travels have been curtailed.

Any advice mucho appreciated.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

It is unclear where you are located and if there are preferred travel providers that you use or have to use based on the corporate policy or how many hotel nights/stays you have per year.

ALAN GOLDBERGER

The Milepoint premium upgrade for $59 does not come up in the link you have.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

That offer has expired.

presboss

Hi: As a United 1K, you get 6 system wide upgrades. This was a great benefit, but their inflight service on long distance flights to Asia is terrible compared to Cathay. My question is
- does Cathay have any such offers for Diamond?
- it is better to accumulate miles on Cathay or American, and where do you get faster status

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Cathay doesn’t offer anything similar but you are likely get operation upgrades once in a while.

I would say that American miles are more valuable than Cathay ones due to no fuel surcharges other than on BA/IB.

jarusoba

Just to let you know, MH is Malaysia Airlines, not Malaysian Airlines as you have been referring to.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You are right and I have had it both ways in my text. Need to fix that category thing.

Lou

John
I am wanting to book emirates flights with the UKMEDIA code which is working for me, but do they ever require ID or proof that you are media? 10% is a good saving so long as they wouldn’t then demand a full on the day fare because we lied!?!

Swanny

Well then you shouldn’t use the code if you are not eligible!

http://www.facebook.com/mondophotography Alison Brown

Hi,

My husband and I are about to
head off on holidays, flying with Emirates on Saturday the 27th
April to Germany and returning on 23rd May..

We are members of Emirates
Skyways are we eligible to become members of the Regus Businessworld Gold
Membership .. Free ??

If so can you tell me how to
do it and what you are entitled to if you do join… are there any hidden
catches ?

Thanks

Ali

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I had article about the free Regus Businessworld Gold offers and some didn’t require any affiliation at all.

Laura

Hi, have subscribed to your blog. Liked on Facebook and tweeted you. Please send to me the private link for accor sign up. Can PM me at @watercreast or mwanyap@gmail.com on Facebook. Thanks.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I do these all once a day and have already sent you a DM.

Brian

John,
Do you have any insight into what Starwood’s new criteria are for the VIP level in the SPG program?
I was invited into the VIP level in1998, then inexplicably demoted (they said “soft landed.” Um, yeah.) to Lifetime Gold in January 2013 after the program was rebooted. My business volume did not change over the years.
What company does that to its longest-tenured, top-tier customers?
I’m sure there are others like me out there who where blindsided by Starwood’s move.
I want to hear from them. You should, too.

Brian

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

They have the Starwood Ambassador program for those that stay 100 or more nights per year at Starwood hotels. I have written about this program several times and was part of it last year, as I stayed 100+ nights with the SPG in 2011.

I am sure that they have separate program for REAL VIP’s, however.

How may years have you been a Platinum member and how many total nights with the Starwood do you have?

eric

on the AA instant gold (which i received.. ) does that mean i can spend 6000 points on my AA advatage card and still quailify or do points mean 6000 miles flown?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

No. You need to fly 6000 miles or earn 6000 elite qualifying points on AA or on the list of partner airlines that were included on the list such as BA and Iberia.

sandy

Do you know what the best way to book a flight during end of year period? I searched emirates for MEL-SIN, yesterday was 900 and today it jumps to 1500. I searched as early as in feb but it was still high, yesterday was as normal days, but today as high as during peak season.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

The availability and price can all change dynamically. Use matrix.itasoftware.com to search for airfares.

tiddlesmango

HI John…You are completely fabulous, love your newsletters and being able to pick your brain. My question of today is….
I have been an emerald one world FF for the past 3 years courtesy of being a Qantas Platinum FF. I now want to ‘switch’ my allegiance to American Airlines, but only of they agree to match my status. I have tried ringing AA and enquiring about this but the people I talk to are very unhelpful and dismissive (or don’t have a clue what I am talking about, maybe it is the Aussie accent?!). Do you have any tips for me as far as who i should contact to try to achieve this, any tips for how I should ‘pitch’ my request to status match, or how I should go about it in general.
meny thanks in anticiaption!
Best
Flo

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You should contact American Airlines through their website. Did you call the US number?

They only match to AA Platinum through a paid challenge, but also offer EXP matches for Delta Diamonds and United 1K’s.
- Tiddlesmango
  
  Yep, I did. Also, I did a search on the paid challenge, but I don’t really ‘get it’…can you suggest a good link that I could go to which might explain it more clearly?
  Thanks for your help
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    I will do an article about this next week. Stay tuned,
    - Tiddlesmango
      
      Fantastic!

Sykkelthor

So I was surfing around the web contemplating on what the easiest and cheapes way to reach Star Alliance Gold, and then I got a somewhat intreaguing idea. Could it work if one were to sign up for the Trial Preferred program at US Airways, and then try to match that 90 days gold status with TK Miles and Smiles? Or would the nice people at Miles and Smiles be just a little bit smarter than that?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

It could work, but obviously no guarantees. They may require a copy of your account statement as well.

zach

I can’t open your american airlines link to register for matching status. Advice?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I will do a new piece about American Airlines status match next week.

sheik mohanad hilal

how can i renew my ambassador membership

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

This is the link that was valid last year:

https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/ambassador?offerId=WBJIC

Felix

I have about 110,000 Delta Skymiles that I am not using. Is there a good way to convert these miles to Marriott or IHG points?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can usually convert hotel points to airline miles, but not the other way around.

Have you had trouble using SkyMiles?

David2Brown

Hello John,

Where can I find information on status matching for air and hotel programs?

Thanks for LoyaltyLobby, I appreciate the tips.

Best regards,

David.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I have written about all the hotel status matches here on LoyaltyLobby. I need to make them better visible. You can currently find them by using search term “status match” on the Google Custom Search bar on the right column.

Anders

Hi

I have a question.

My statement on IC looks like this.

Have I received the Royal level?

Date Posted|Activity Type|Description|Total Activity Earning

May 3, 2013|Earn|Qualifying Stay

|3,000 pts.May 2, 2013|Earn|Qualifying Stay

|3,000 pts.Apr 25, 2013|Earn|Qualifying Stay

|3,000 pts.Apr 22, 2013|Other|Royal Ambassador Renewal

Page of 1102030View 1 – 5 of 5

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Difficult to tell. What does it show as your status online?

For some reason, they are using Ambassador Renewal or Royal Ambassador Renewal lines and you can never be sure what it is for.

shaf

Hey John,
any offers or promo codes for Atlantis Dubai?

Roderick R.

Any word for getting Aadvantage Customer service to target an old EXE and lifetime Platinum? I would be most grateful I called, but the lady said (after talking to about 10 different ones) that you need to have the code for the registration BUT also the code for that they only have for targeting people.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

It won’t work unless this specific offer was targeted to your account.

They still, however, match United 1K’s and Delta Diamond’s even if you have been EXP with AA before. That’s what I did last year.

Do you have any chance getting 1K or Delta Diamond?

helena

club carlson has not resolved my complaints. what is their correct email id for calson gold elite guests?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

What is the problem that you are having and how you have tried to resolve it with them?
- helena
  
  had some issues during my stay as i was not provided what was promised. can i have thier email adress
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    I don’t have any special email address beyond the usual Club Carlson one.
    
    You could always open a complaint with BBB.

muhammad ubaid

how to get discount promo code of emirates

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I have the list up here but some of them now require a password that I don’t have.

Tara

Hi. I love your site and the information you provide. I am however very confused as to what are the “cash value” of miles or points. Is there an easy index or graph to determine easier?
Also, I have 111,000 points on my BOA card and want cash for them. How do I get cash? Sell, trade, exchange? I’m so confused and don’t have a clue about all these points and miles things.
Thanks for your help.
Tara

TnTxT3@aol.com

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

If you read the terms and conditions of these programs, the cash value of miles/points is usually considered zero. But they of course are worth something.

Some credit card programs let you cash the points that you have for a check or account deposit. I am not sure what BOA product you have.
- http://www.facebook.com/TnTpluz3 Tara Golden
  
  I have World Points. Was hoping to get a better deal than what they are offering, but thanks for the reply

Ann

I have a Hyatt question. I’ve managed to book two free nights (using my Hyatt Visa), four nights using 22,000 points each, and am planning to purchase the “inspire certificates” for three nights for a stay in Aruba next Spring. I’ve yet to try and get air mileage and am told no one posts this far in advance. First, is there anyway to get better than a standard room, which they say is all I’m entitled to? And second, with the inspire certificates, it seems this is the top of the line for what they offer at a discount, and those also only get you a standard room. How can I upgrade to club level? I don’t have any poins lleft, as I still have to book air– and am trying to use my American points for that. Need a trick or two.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can upgrade with cash and you need to contact the hotel to find out how much this would cost.

Alternate option is to book the point award nights for the club level at the premium. Have you considered this?

David

Hi there
I am top status with IHG but am now staying regularly at the Hilton in Berlin
What is the best way to get my status up with Hilton….with Radisson last year I emailed then following a tip here and they status matched IHG
With IHG I have a credit card that ensure permanent platinum…maybe there is something similar
I am in UK
????

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Here’s my piece about the Hilton status match that I wrote last year. It is still valid. but I will do an update later this month (the MVP offer is no longer valid):

http://loyaltylobby.com/2012/04/26/hilton-status-match/

You can use other offer to get Gold status just after FOUR stays within 90 days:

http://loyaltylobby.com/2013/01/09/fast-track-to-hilton-hhonors-gold-status-only-four-stays-required/

Ishina

Hi John,
I was looking for a stay in Hilton and Club carlson hotels in the near future and the award booking was giving me a gud value
Could u let me knoe where can i buy the Hilton Hhonor points and club carlson gold points from,for a good cheap deal.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Both are selling their points on their respective websites. It is rarely a good deal to buy the points and use them for “free” nights.

Qin

Hi John,

You’ve stayed in quite a few shanghai hotels. In your opinion, which did you like the best in terms of location, service, views, and comfortability?

I’m flying there on vacation for three weeks and can’t decide from all the options.

Thanks!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

It really depends, where you would like to be in Shanghai. I was not very impressed about the Park Hyatt, but many people like that hotel. I liked the Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont Peace and the Le Royal Meridien hotels a lot.

wade

hi john

i am planning on having my mother buy aa bonus miles to go PER – LHR in sept for her and her husband. with this they can fly QF or CX business class for 60000 miles. not a bad wicket for $1300us a piece…

the issue is how do i get them back with the same sort of money?

my plan was to get them business class tickets on CX DXB – PER rtn for $3000aus.

are there other airline with bonus miles atm that we could look into?

thanks for you help.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can always buy the miles on separate accounts.

jan

Hello,

My boss is telling me that we will fly more with Turkish Airlines. That is why I want to match my platinum card von KLM with my new card von Turkish airlines. TK 453886841. I will opload my platinum card.
Hope that it will be ok.
Greetz Jan

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You need to follow the instructions that I posted on the Turkish Airlines status match post. You need to send this info to Miles&Smiles.

Lorraine

While on a recent vacation, I picked up a paper that had “Stay 1 Get 1 SO GO!” Now that I am home I find that has expired. Is this true? We stayed at Country Inns on April 26th and May 1st. They were great hotels.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

That is something from last year. It is not unusual for properties to have outdated marketing material on display.

Cade

I have been a Marriott Platinum for a couple of years now. Honestly, my wife loves Ritz Carlton’s (who doesn’t?), but the rest of the brands are not consistent enough. I have been entertaining making the switch to HHonors due to what we perceive to be more consistency in the Hilton brands. Most of my “travel buddies” tell me the two programs are virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Would I make a huge mistake if I switched?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

If you think that Marriott’s brands are inconsistent, I don’t think that Hilton is the answer. Your travel buddies are correct.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003249714880 이영경

Hi John,

http://loyaltylobby.com/2012/09/19/accor-a-club-le-club-accohotels-instant-platinum-status-for-new-accounts-still-available/

I joined the program.

But it was not platinum.

I can upgrade to the Platinum?

I will need a tier in an Accor hotel.

I’m begging you.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

http://loyaltylobby.com/2012/10/14/accor-a-club-le-club-accorhotels-platinum-status-for-new-accounts-and-olds-too/

Ronee

Hi John,

I am trying to use my AAdvantage miles to go to London or Paris, but the fees are almost $700! Anyway around these fees

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You have to make sure that you do not use British Airways or Iberia over the pond. You need to use either American or Finnair or any other partner.

Ghafoor

Hi John

I noticed that SPG have the following offer on club rooms.

http://www.earnyourdreams.com/

Where by you can earn triple points or 3000 starpoints on select hotels. One such hotel is Sheraton Stockholm where i am booking.

I am a platinum member with > 75 nights so i get the Quadruple points offer per dollar.

Does this triple award stack with my existing x4 multiplier?

If i use my corporate rate to book a club room, or i upgrade myself when i’m there informally will i still avail of this offer?

Any info you could provide would be highly appreciated man!

Best Regards,
G

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

This offer triples the number of base points you earn from 2 to 6. Your PLT extra points and fourth Starpoints are extra. So, without any other promotions, you would earn 2 + 4 + 1 +1 = 8 Starpoints per USD.

You need to book a special rate plan and corporate rates are not eligible for this bonus.

http://www.facebook.com/TnTpluz3 Tara Golden

I booked Royal Caribbean Cruise on Orbitz and later realized Orbitz does not award points for Cruises. Any suggestions?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Don’t think that there is lot you can do besides canceling it and booking through some other TA IF your agreement allows it.
http://www.facebook.com/TnTpluz3 Tara Golden

sorry, after posted realized you may not deal with cruises.

Gautier

Hi John, I still have a United Airlines Electronic Travel Certificate of $150, to redeem in 4 months, for which I don’t seem to have much use. I live in Europe, fly rarely to North America, and from what I noticed, that voucher can only be redeemed with UA. Any ideas what I could do with it?

Thanks, and thanks for a great website! Gautier

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You could try to barter (sell) it to someone in the North America. This is against the terms and conditions of the vouchers, but very unlikely that anything would happen. You could get maybe $100 for it.

I have friends who fly on United, so drop me an email if you would like to get some cash for it.

Kyushuman

Hi John, thanks so much for posting the Hilton Fast Track to Gold offer a few months ago. I see that the one I signed up for (VIP) might be closed now. One positive thing about how Hilton now handles its Fast Tracks: Once you’re signed up, and make a stay, your HHonors account will show “3 more stays until Gold” after the first stay, and drop one by one. A few years ago when I did one of these, it worked out but there was no confirmation that I was signed up, etc, until I received the HHonors Gold Card in the mail a few weeks after my 4th stay.

Thanks again!

Kyushuman

Oops I meant Hilton MVP is where I signed up for this current Fast Track (same place as 2 years ago!)
http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Thanks for the update. I wasn’t aware that they have this “programmed” on their website display as well.

Biff

Would’ve taken a look at your site BUT you hit me with 3 popups in 30 seconds OVER the text I was trying to read on your site. Life is too short. Won’t be back again.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

If your browser uses cookies and you have properly enabled them, you don’t see the lightbox more often than once in 60 days.

Petitpok

Hi John,
I booked a room in Novotel through Expedia and since I am a “fresh” ACCOR LOYALTY PLATINUM member I wrote directly to the hotel (novotel toronto center) to ask them to take into consideration my membership status (points+late check out+upgrade) they replied to me that in order to get the perks I should have ordered the room through their website, not a third party…did you know about that?
Thanks

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Normally, the benefits apply on bookings that are made directly with the chain. I would just ask them to associate your reservation with your Le Club Accorhotels number and then try to negotiate at check in if they haven’t upgraded you.

Wilson

Hi John, Now also can register Accorhotels Platinum? Is out of date already? Is there any new promotion Code.Thanks，Have a nice day!,

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Follow the instructions on the piece to request a private sign up link.
- disqus_zIpwSA9JcB
  
  I tried many times, said registration code is invalid. Which one should I according to the detailed steps to register it? Than
  - http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
    
    http://loyaltylobby.com/2012/10/14/accor-a-club-le-club-accorhotels-platinum-status-for-new-accounts-and-olds-too/

Ian

Hi John,
Quick question, which is the better value in your opinion. Continuing to collect IHG/Priority Club points, or converting to Avios points. I guess which one is the better option.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

General answer would be that hotel points are best use for hotel awards, but this really depends of your individual circumstances.

Ian

Executive club….anybody any ideas whether they status match to other airlines/hotels.
As an example, through your ‘endeavours’ I will have IHG Platinum, Le Club Platinum, Best Western Platinum Elite and Club Carlson Gold.
However, being honest, I tend to fly more often than stay in hotels, so I’m trying to maximize my Executive Club and SAS Bonus Points to the maximum I can.
Do you know if BA will status match based upon what I can achieve with my platinum cards?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

BA is very stingy with status matches. There was one from SAS last year that I took advantage. I will write about them whenever they come by.

David

Hey John

I have Platinum status with IHG and I believe that is guaranteed as long as I have the IHG Visa card. I also have a Hilton Honors Visa card and they have status matched me recently to Gold but with a promise that if I do 15 nights in 90 days I will get Diamond.

Next Easter I have used Avios to fly club BA to Far East with family and so need to get as many points as possible to use for hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Vietnam
My question is this – should I go all out now to get Diamond with Hilton and then stay mainly at IHG as they have broader footprint of hotels or should I just stay on Gold with Hilton and focus all my stays on IHG. I don’t want to spread my love between the two if focusing on one makes most sense…..and if it is one then IHG I believe is stronger in Asia
Thanks for the help and BTW great site I have learnt so much form it

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

IMHO, here is no clear cut answer. The foot print of the IHG is far greater in Asia compared to Hilton. Hilton HHonors Diamond treatment is better compared to IHG Rewards Club Platinum.

I don’t think that hotels in Vietnam are worth using points because the rates tend to be on the low side unless there are good Point Breaks when you happen to be there. IC’s in Vietnam have all appeared occasionally on the Point Breaks list.

Hilton property in Hong Kong is now very expensive using points.

Shanghai has both reasonably prices and rather expensive hotels.

Rick

Hi John,

I’m traveling in July to the bustling metropolis of Ely, NV where I’m limited to only a LaQuinta. Any idea if LaQuinta will do a status match from IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, or BW Diamond?

Are there any LaQuinta promos that you know of? I found a 500 point Amtrak Rewards offer until 8/31, but that was it.

Also – thanks for all the recent IHG postings. I have a bunch of CP stays in July, so that will help greatly!

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

I haven’t really covered the La Quinta’s program because it is so US centric and I am already “struggling” to get all the info out about the programs that I follow and write about here on LoyaltyLobby. I remember that they recently had some promo with United.
- Rick
  
  If you are interested, I found 3 “promos” for LQ. #1, “PROPE20″ will give a 20% discount for stays until August 31st. #2, you can get 500 Amtrak reward points until August 31st. #3, LQ will do a status match if you contact their Returns support. Thanks.

Gregg

Hello John

I’m seeing this message in my recent account activity of Priority Club and was wondering what is means. Any idea?

Jun 5, 2013|Other|IHG Rewards Club – PLTG – 2014
|0 pts.”

Rick

I was going to post that same question. On my account, I have “PLTN – 2014″. My wife’s account has “PLTN – 2013″. Didn’t know if you knew what the differences were?
- http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.
  
  This is really interesting.
http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

How many BASE points have you earned so far in 2013 and how may different IHG brands have you visited?
- Gregg
  
  Not impressive so far this year. Only 6K base points so far and only 2 brands actually.

Alex

Hi John congrat for the site !!

the Q is there is any statust match working now ? star or OneW

Thanks

Alex

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

There is the Turkish Star Alliance Gold match for SkyTeam, Star Alliance or Oneworld alliance frequent flier members.
- Alex
  
  Thanks for the info I have sent all the docs to TK i will post if success

Mark

Do you know which, if any, loyalty points can be awarded for bar and restaurant spending, if you are NOT actually staying at the hotel but just visit for a meal or drinks? A night out with friends can easily clock up more expense than a hotel night stay! Priority Club points are not awarded by IHG apparently…

And a related question: if you are staying in a hotel under a group booking (i.e: not booked in your own name), which chains do / do not allow you to collect points for your bar / food spend?

Regards, Mark

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can get points for F&B at both Hyatt and Starwood properties even when you are not staying at them.

This does not work with Hilton, Marriott or InterContinental Hotels Group.

yeonhee ryu

Hi, John!

this summer vacation accommodation Accor is planning.
If possible, a temporary flat Accor would like to experience the benefits of the Platinum tier.
I’ll wait the good news

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

You can follow the instructions that I have posted for getting the private invite for Le Club Accorhotels Platinum status.

HAN WOOHYUK

Hello John
I am planning a trip this summer haeteo Manila.
Staying at Sofitel Accor A Platinum tier, if I want to think we need.
Flat link and tell me you think so grateful.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Just follow the instructions for a private request.

ian smith

Hi John Just a quick question. Why does Starwood, at some hotels, only offer award nights if you book more than one night? I am also finding that when you try and book one night the amount of points required goes up. This does seem a bit unfair especially when you spend your hard earned cash earning those miles in the first place. I used to like Starwood PG, but I am now drifting away due to some unfair practices. Keep up the good work John, i really find your site useful and informative.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Some hotels may block i.e. Saturday arrivals and have minimum stay requirement like W South Beach. They know that they can always sell out the Saturday but they would rather reserve those for guests that stay longer.

SPG has fifth night free on awards. So, if you book five nights, you only pay for four using points.

HYUN CHUL LEE

Good afternoon, John.

I would like to qualify for the Accor Platinum.

I reserved July 15-16, for the Pullman Hotel, Changwon, Republic of Korea .

So, I would like to enjoy special benefits for Accor.

Thanks.

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Just follow the instructions how to request a private sign up link.

Brian

John: Anything on this?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

On what?
- Brian
  
  I posted the email below to you in May. You responded that you’d get back to me….
  
  John,
  Do you have any insight into what Starwood’s new criteria are for the VIP level in the SPG program? I was invited into the VIP level in1998, then inexplicably demoted (they said “soft landed.” Um, yeah.) to Lifetime Gold in January 2013 after the program was rebooted. My business volume did not change over the years. What company does that to its longest-tenured, top-tier customers?
  I’m sure there are others like me out there who where blindsided by Starwood’s move. I want to hear from them. You should, too.
  
  Brian

alex

Hi John,

is the le club accorhotel platinum status match / enrollment still active.

Thanks and best regards
Alex

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

It is.

kris

my question dissappeared so once again:
John did you try switching at hotel loyalty program(Marriott,Hilton,Carlson) to switch method of earning – from points to miles?
I am interested what is going on with points/certificates earned before switching? Do they erase/burn them or not?

http://loyaltylobby.com/ John O.

Already replied to your question here: http://loyaltylobby.com/contact-us/

Hanlim Lee

Good afternoon, John.

I would like to qualify for the Accor Platinum.

I reserved July 24 -25, for IBIS riverside Hotel, Bangkok .

In addition I want to book July 19~22 Novotel Siam Square, Bangkok.

So, I would like to enjoy special benefits for Accor.

Thanks.

Nick

Today (as programs change substantially quite often …) what is the program that provides the quickest way to have access to Club/Executive Floor (perhaps part of a room upgrade benefit ?)

Alex

Hi John just to say that Status match on Turkish IS WORKING just received today….

Referring to your e-mail message dated 10.06.2013 , Elite
card status match has been provided and your membership has been updated as ”
Elite Card ” level.

We would like to be honoured to see you as an Elite
member for your future flights by Turkish Airlines.

Your full kit has been sent

Kind Regards,

TURKISH AIRLINES INC.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT

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