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Reviews of loyalty programs or co-branded cards typically cover more than just the basic points earning strategies like credit card spend or hotel stays. But, often, they only touch lightly on reciprocal agreements between airlines, hotels, and car rental companies.
Not every reciprocal partner program is going to prove useful to every member. Combined, however, they provide more options on a global scale, give both loyalty programs a boost in presence, and further tie members into an eco-system that is within easy marketing reach to garner repeat business.
Marriott's Two Reciprocal Airline Agreements
As part of the Marriott takeover of SPG, Marriott shelved the SPG/Delta partnership that provided reciprocal earning and status benefits for elite members of both programs. While the Delta partnership went by the wayside, Marriott has maintained SPG's reciprocal agreement with Emirates in addition to revamping its agreement with United, RewardsPlus.
Marriott's reciprocal agreements are:
- RewardsPlus with United
- Your World Rewards with Emirates
RewardsPlus with Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus
Marriott's partnership with United undertook a small revamp during the SPG merger, primarily due to the expanded elite tiers now offered by Marriott. RewardsPlus offers enhanced benefits for elite members of both programs and the chance to double up on rewards for all members that enroll. The program encourages members to take advantage of Marriott's larger global footprint and provides an incentive to members of Marriott Bonvoy and MileagePlus to stick within the brands.
MileagePlus Elite members receive:
- Complimentary Gold Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy (open to MileagePlus Premier Gold members and above, registration required)
- Conversion of MileagePlus award miles into Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio (open to Premier Silver members and above, registration not required)
- 10% more miles when converting Marriott Bonvoy points into MileagePlus miles (open to all members, registration not required)
- 10% more MileagePlus miles when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for RewardPlus Travel Packages (open to all members, registration not required)
Marriott Elite members receive:
- Complimentary Premier Silver status in MileagePlus (open to Platinum Premier Elite members and above, registration required)
- 10% more miles when converting Marriott Bonvoy points into MileagePlus miles (open to all members, registration not required)
- 10% more MileagePlus miles when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for RewardPlus Travel Packages (open to all members, registration not required)
Checkout our RewardsPlus review for all the details.
Your World Rewards with Marriott Bonvoy and Emirates Skywards
As a Marriott Bonvoy elite member flying on Emirates:
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members earn 3 points per US dollar spent on all eligible Emirates flights (on top of Skywards Miles).
- Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members enjoy Elite in-airport benefits, including priority check-in and priority boarding.
As an Emirates Elite staying at an Marriott property:
- Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members earn 1 Skywards Mile per US dollar spent on all eligible stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts worldwide.
- Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members enjoy additional benefits at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts, including 4 p.m. Late Checkout, access to Elite check-in and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi.
Head over to the Marriott or Emirates websites for more information and to catch the terms & conditions.
Final Thoughts
Reciprocal agreements are another way that you can increase the number of points you receive from the Marriott program. You can maximize your perks with co-brand cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.
Alternatively, you could use a rewards card that earns flexible rewards with bonus points for travel like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
Is it just savvy marketing to keep you within the Marriott eco-system? Absolutely. But that doesn't mean it's not a good deal. Reciprocal agreements can be a fantastic way of ‘double-dipping' on points and miles, allowing you to reach that next travel goal faster.
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Hilton also offers this
I fly out of Hongqiao whenever I can, especially for the few international flights. So much easier than the mass of people at Pudong international.
SPG, has been such a reliable loyalty program!
The title is somewhat misleading. Double Dip is only possible for elite members in all three programs (unlike Hilton actually).
looks good, thank you for the post. I tried to do it on SPG but got this message “You are currently enrolled in Airline Direct Deposit (ADD) with another airline.” what is ADD? and can i change that on my settings somewhere?
thanks
Jason
You’ll want to change those settings in your account at SPG.com. You can call up SPG support as well and they can change it. ADD is when instead of earning SPG points you earn airline miles at a 1:1 ratio.
Spg points are the best! Can’t tell you how many times they have saved my bacon. Great article!
I agree, SPG points are the best when it comes to redemption opportunities. Too bad they’re so difficult to earn, with no bonuses offered except for hotel spend with SPG…
I would love to get another Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card. I cancelled mine over five years ago. With American Express once in a lifetime bonus per credit card I have passed on getting a second one.
I am planning to sign up for the SPG card. Thanks.
Thanks for outlining the details on all of this. Too bad that it is focused on elite members.
Always love a double dip opportunity on points, great Thanks!
Can I earn starpoints on Emirates flights and credit them to alaska at the same time ?
No, you cannot. You must credit to Emirates to earn Starpoints per the terms: https://www.spgpromos.com/yourworldrewards/terms/