Earlier, I had written about the new reciprocal program just launched by Hyatt and American Airlines.
So when I recently received an email from Marriott Bonvoy and United Airlines talking about their new RewardsPlus program, I was initially excited.
But did that excitement last?
United Airlines And Marriott Bonvoy Team Up To Bring You RewardsPlus…But There’s A Catch
First, here’s a look at the email I received.
RewardsPlus: What It Is
Per the below, the RewardsPlus seems like another reciprocal program that will benefit members of both the Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus programs.
It all looks pretty promising so far…
Who It’s For: (Hint – Not Me)
But alas, as with many things Marriott these days, it seems there are flies in the honey.
Marriott Bonvoy continues to do to me what it does best: “Bonvoy” me [yet again].
As part of my ongoing “Bonvoy“, when I was issued a surprise downgrade from Bonvoy Platinum Elite to the [worthless] Bonvoy Gold Elite (for no apparent reason and with no apparent resolution), I come to find out that I’m not eligible for RewardsPlus (even though I’m still on the Platinum Elite email list) from the pop-up window below.
Dammit, Bonvoyed AGAIN!
To make things even more confusing, despite what the above message says, you must really be a Bonvoy Titanium Elite to be eligible for RewardsPlus.
What You Get (If You Are Bonvoy Titanium Or Above):
Assuming one is a Titanium Elite or above, they would be eligible for the following benefits in both programs:
For Marriott Bonvoy Titanium And Ambassador Elite Members:
In addition to the above miles & point benefits, eligible Titanium and Ambassador Elite members will also receive the following United Airlines-based benefits.
The Bottom-Line: United Airlines And Marriott Bonvoy Team Up To Bring You RewardsPlus…But There’s A Catch
Well, Bonvoyed again.
On the surface, RewardsPlus looked quite promising. But when you dig a little deeper and you try to enroll in RewardsPlus, you realize this program is only for Bonvoy Platinum Premier (AKA Bonvoy Titanium) Elite members or above.
If that’s you, and you stay at Marriott and fly United, this might be just what you were waiting for.
For me, that means I’ll be sticking with the Hyatt and American Airlines program – a decision I’m more than happy to live with.
Cheers!
