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Can I Book Marriott Hotel + Air Packages Without Set Dates?

Feb. 07, 2016
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3 min read
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Can I Book Marriott Hotel + Air Packages Without Set Dates?
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TPG reader Kenneth sent me a message on Facebook to ask about Marriott Hotel + Air packages:

“I'm thinking of booking a Marriott Hotel + Air package to get the Southwest Companion Pass, but I don't have any upcoming stays planned. Can I buy the package, get the Companion Pass, and then redeem the hotel portion later?”

Marriott's Hotel + Air Packages are among the most lucrative ways to redeem Marriott Rewards points, as they effectively allow you to swap for more valuable airline miles when you redeem for a seven-night hotel stay. I list Marriott points at 0.7 cents apiece in my most recent monthly valuations, but airline miles tend to be worth twice as much or even more, so trading (often at a 1:1 ratio) is a clear win.

The Hotel + Air Packages are offered for more than 40 airlines. Some are more enticing than others, but perhaps the greatest opportunity comes from Southwest Airlines, since the Rapid Rewards points you earn count toward the Southwest Companion Pass. I took advantage of this to score myself a Companion Pass a few years ago during a trip to Cannes, and again more recently as part of an award travel retirement gift for my parents. The Companion Pass is one of the most valuable travel rewards out there to begin with, so getting it as an add-on to a hotel booking is an incredible deal.

Kenneth has similar designs for his Marriott points, but needs to know whether he can jump on this deal even if he doesn't have specific plans that involve a Marriott stay. Fortunately, the answer is yes. When you book a Hotel + Air package, you only have to select the number of points you want to redeem and the hotel category, not the specific property. Marriott will then award you a digital certificate for a seven-night stay at any hotel in that category. You can redeem the certificate later once you decide where and when you want to travel — it's valid for 12 months, but Marriott is often willing to extend the expiration date.

The airline miles will typically reach your frequent flyer account in a few days or weeks (some of the international carriers may take longer). That timeline is unaffected by when you redeem the hotel certificate, so you can earn the Companion Pass now and wait to plan your stay until you're ready.

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Alaska Airlines is another great option for earning miles with Marriott's Hotel + Air packages.

One thing to keep in mind is that you can always upgrade to a higher category by paying the difference in points, but you can't downgrade to a lower category. Technically, each package is valid for the specified category or below, but if you buy a Category 7 package and redeem at a Category 6 property, then you're just paying more than you need to. If your plans are uncertain, the best strategy is to book a Category 1-5 package, since you can upgrade it later and avoid getting overcharged.

For more info on Marriott Rewards and the Southwest Companion Pass, check out these posts.

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.