Someone from change.org reached out regarding a petition that has received thousands of signatures, which involves airline employees wanting their airline elite status honored on all stays. I thought this would be an interesting topic to cover.
In this post:
Petition asks Marriott to recognize airline crew status at hotels
There’s a change.org petition that currently has around 7,000 signatures, which urges Marriott to start honoring Bonvoy elite status when airline crews (pilots and flight attendants) are staying at Marriott properties while on work trips. Let me just share the petition in its entirety:
I am a military veteran who has spent more than an impressive total of 1011 nights in Marriott properties. Throughout my journeys, my family and I have remained loyal to the Marriott brand. We hold four Marriott credit cards and consistently choose Marriott hotels for our accommodations. However, there is an issue that leaves me deeply disappointed – the non-recognition of my loyalty status when staying in rooms purchased by my airline.
Among airline crew, many of us have cultivated a significant status with Marriott, a testament to our years, often decades, of loyalty. Yet, when we stay at your hotels during our trips, this status – a symbol of our lengthy and dedicated relationship with your brand – seems to be unacknowledged.
This lack of recognition is not only disappointing, but it also undermines the respect and appreciation we believe should be associated with our loyalty status. This is especially poignant in my case, as I am a proud Titanium for Life member – a rank illustrating my unwavering allegiance to Marriott.
Our request is simple: Please reconsider your policy regarding lounge access for those of us in the airline industry. We urge you – as valued members and lifelong supporters of your brand – to acknowledge our loyalty status at your hotels, as you do in your airline. Our loyalty to Marriott has not faltered; we just ask that you return the gesture.
Please honor our loyalty, respect our status, and allow us the enjoyment of our earned privileges across all platforms of your brand. Show us that our commitment matters. Sign this petition to stand with airline pilots around the world in urging Marriott to reconsider its policy.
My take on this hotel elite status petition
For some background, let me explain why Marriott Bonvoy doesn’t award elite nights or offer elite benefits on airline crew stays during layovers. Marriott Bonvoy offers points and elite benefits to members on “qualifying rates,” and in the case of airline crews, these rates are non-qualifying for two reasons:
- The terms specifically state that a rate is non-qualifying if “the Member does not directly pay the Participating Property for such room” (in these cases, the airline pays directly for the stay, and not the member)
- The terms also state that a rate is non-qualifying if “the guest room was booked at a tour operator, wholesaler, or crew room rate or package” (as you can see, these stays would be booked as crew room rates)
So, where do I stand on this? From the perspective of Marriott and individual hotels, obviously they don’t have much of an incentive to go above and beyond on crew hotel stays. Airlines get huge discounts on room rates by promising a certain amount of volume, and it’s not like the individual crew member has any discretion over where they stay. These contracts are negotiated on a really high level, and guarantee thousands of room nights for a property.
At the same time, I also get where airline employees are coming from. Obviously in an ideal world, a loyalty program would foster a long-term relationship with a company, and shouldn’t be transactional. Members earn their elite perks through qualifying stays, so it would be nice to be able to use them even when a stay isn’t qualifying.
But it’s also worth being realistic here, and understanding that loyalty has become incredibly transactional:
- Marriott doesn’t have to try as hard as some other hotel groups when it comes to loyalty, given its massive footprint; so if your “loyalty to Marriott has not faltered,” then that’s sort of on you, and you’re being loyal to a faceless corporation that doesn’t really value you back in the same way
- With how credit card perks have evolved, there are so many pathways to status, and it’s also so much easier to earn than in the past; that’s also why there’s less leeway or discretion than in the past, since hotels have no shortage of elite members
- Speaking of that last point, Marriott hotels just have an absolutely massive number of elite members, with things like club lounges being very overcrowded; so I also can’t blame hotels for not wanting to be overly generous there
It’s worth noting that some airlines do negotiate club lounge access for certain ranks of employees at many hotels. For example, at Emirates, pilots and pursers generally receive club lounge access, and it’s something the airline pays for (or negotiates).
Bottom line
There’s a change.org petition urging Marriott Bonvoy to honor elite perks for airline crew members when on work stays. Marriott doesn’t offer elite credit or honor elite perks on these stays, since they aren’t paid by the actual member, and crew rates are also excluded as qualifying stays.
While I can appreciate where airline employees are coming from — they’ve worked hard to earn status, and want those perks honored on all stays — I don’t see Marriott budging here.
Where do you stand on this petition for elite perks on crew stays?
And I think during negotiations of the contract between Marriott and airline. Marriott already threw in certain amount of elite status quotas for high-level executive / travel manager of the airline based on the number of committed rooms/nights per year. That is more favorable for Marriott since those are the one who make decisions on which hotel to use for the crew.
If the lounge access / room upgrade perks are to be implemented,...
And I think during negotiations of the contract between Marriott and airline. Marriott already threw in certain amount of elite status quotas for high-level executive / travel manager of the airline based on the number of committed rooms/nights per year. That is more favorable for Marriott since those are the one who make decisions on which hotel to use for the crew.
If the lounge access / room upgrade perks are to be implemented, I think that would be based on negotiation for a certain rank/position such as captain or purser rather than based on individual elite status.
To prevent overcrowding, instead of lounge access, give the pilots and flight crews the Marriott benefit of raiding the complimentary in-room minibar for snacks and refreshing beverages.
This is as simple as the airlines have a negotiated rate that is billed directly to the airline and excludes benefits. For Corp rate - you get a corporate plan credit card in your name that is negotiated with the CC company. You pay, and submit expense report and company pays. But you have a choice at what hotel you stay at - company has a big list of contracted hotels and the employee chooses....
This is as simple as the airlines have a negotiated rate that is billed directly to the airline and excludes benefits. For Corp rate - you get a corporate plan credit card in your name that is negotiated with the CC company. You pay, and submit expense report and company pays. But you have a choice at what hotel you stay at - company has a big list of contracted hotels and the employee chooses. Hence there is an incentive for hotels to try to get them to book a their hotel. Corp rates are much higher than airline rates - and more like a AAA rate or Senior rate. No comparison.
“I am a military veteran” — what exactly has this to do with status recognition at a hotel?
First priority to check-in. Just like the airlines (or some airlines) allow veterans and active-duty to board first. I'm all for the troops. But that's a stupid policy. And it's heavily abused.
Crews aren’t asking for perks earned from the airline purchase of layover hotel rooms. They’re asking for perks they’ve earned spending their own money on stays unrelated to layovers. Many of us have outside jobs requiring travel and these benefits should not be encumbered just because we choose to exercise those perks on a layover.
This is not the same situation as a business traveler booking with a corporate rate. Business travelers often have choice among a list of preferred hotels. Crews are assigned to a single hotel.
Conceptually, is there really a difference to someone booking a stay using an agreed corporate rate (between Marriott and say, a large corporation), paying for the stay him/herself and then expensing it to the company per policy? (and thus the individual is getting all the Marriott elite benefits associated with the stays)
In the end, the agreed corporate rate applies, and the company pays.
Yes. When the employee pays and gets reimbursed they usually have chosen that hotel and therefore Marriott wants to encourage them to choose Marriott. When the company pays directly the employee was told where to stay.
Come on. I’m a business traveler and happen to work for a company that gives me a corporate card to use when booking travel. I’m not paying, my company is, but of course I’m getting those hotel points and frequent flyer miles. When airline pilots and crew are staying in hotels on business, it’s the same situation. Give them the points they’ve earned through all those nights away from home.
I'm normally pro-employee but this ask is ridiculous. "Bump me into a suite and give me lounge access on my $78 crew rate at a Westin." just comes across as insanely entitled.
The irony of Flight Attendants demanding better elite benefits and recognition is rich.
Not sure the airlines will negotiate a higher room rate to fund the benefits. The airline pays, the airline benefits.
For anyone travelling for business and using corporate rates their company generally pays as the stays are expensed. Those stays usually benefit the individual travellers that get the Bonvoy credit. Where's the difference?
As an airline employee, even I have to say this is ridiculous. I am a Titanium member but it's from my OWN SPENDING, NOT my employer. I would never expect elite benefits from a layover stay, only stays I PAY FOR. Most properties at least offer discounts on food and beverages for airline employees on layover plus free internet. If you didn't PAY FOR THE STAY, then you shouldn't get the additional perks! Just my (probably) unpopular opinion.
It's not just crew members, it's the traveling public too; because when a flight is cancelled and accomodations are provided by the airline, reward points are not accrued and the lounge access is denied. It's a tough call, but I doubt they care about going above and beyond with no compensation on the hotels part. ♂️
I stopped my loyalty with Marriott and switched to another brand. On rare occasions, my employer will book rooms for large meetings and the bill doesn’t go to me. Previously you could charge food to the room and ask for the credit. They stopped this. More than once, I’ve stayed and have not been granted the room nights for the stays to reach status. I can promise those contracts charge for late cancellations— bc that...
I stopped my loyalty with Marriott and switched to another brand. On rare occasions, my employer will book rooms for large meetings and the bill doesn’t go to me. Previously you could charge food to the room and ask for the credit. They stopped this. More than once, I’ve stayed and have not been granted the room nights for the stays to reach status. I can promise those contracts charge for late cancellations— bc that occurred when I got COVID the night before a trip. And the rates were still high- I saw the contract.
If Marriott can’t give me credit for the nights I stayed in their facility (no upgrades, no lounge, no parking)…. Then why will I be loyalty to them. Roof riddance you can have them! I haven’t been able to use room upgrades in over a year (consistently denied) AND the hotels are all gouging point stay. I may not be able to choose the twice a year my company picks — but I can choose the other >100 nights! Marriott stopped caring about customer loyalty a long time ago.
Many hotels offer them other benefits/perks. Like special buffets (included in contract). Or I've even seen properties like a Comfort Suites have a room set aside as a "crew lounge" with free sodas and light snacks. Regular elites staying at the hotel don't even get that.
Next they’ll demand miles on the flights they work.
(sorry)
They do not get perks - but also things like late cancellations do not apply to them.
Maybe offer a deal - you get the perks - but other rules which apply to regular guests apply to you as well. Flight cancelled 30 mins before departure and you never made it to layover city? You are still on the hook to pay your (airline negotiated) night rate
Exactly... I've dealt with some of these contracts. There are benefits to the contract that the general public doesn't have, like even being able to cancel a room at midnight and not get charged.
They do not get perks - but also things like late cancellations do not apply to them.
I think even those without special circumstances would like Marriott to honor elite benefits. Ha.
Petition is way too much fluff language. "Veteran", "cultivated", "honor", "respect our status", "proud", etc. etc. etc.
They're staying on heavily discounted rates as part of the travel business. You don't get perks with that.
They can easily pay the difference if they wish.
You're a veteran? I had oatmeal for breakfast.
Is there anyone more self-entitled than those in the airline industry?
Pay a group/package/crew rate, get nothing related to status seems like a fair deal
Yes, then in their off time they sometimes get up to 50% off rates. Would you rather have 50% off a room or a room upgrade to look at the Target next door versus the parking lot?
I don't feel sorry for this group at all. These are the people who talk the entire flight while their customers are trying to sleep, then wonder why people resent the employees!
FWIW, I spent about $30,000 of MY revenue (sole proprietor) on food and beverage in Marriott hotels, and I get ZERO credit on any of that toward becoming an Ambassador status customer. Candidly, if I don't get recognition when spending my own money,...
I don't feel sorry for this group at all. These are the people who talk the entire flight while their customers are trying to sleep, then wonder why people resent the employees!
FWIW, I spent about $30,000 of MY revenue (sole proprietor) on food and beverage in Marriott hotels, and I get ZERO credit on any of that toward becoming an Ambassador status customer. Candidly, if I don't get recognition when spending my own money, why would a hotel give someone recognition when the airline people are spending someone ELSE's money?
Airline employees should remember that they are trying to jump in front of people who pay more per room AND make the purchasing decision on that money.
What in the world does being a military veteran have to do with any of this? He leads with that for shameless clout irrelevant to the discussion.
I can't think of any reason a chain would add perks to massively discounted rates. Bad business.
Because “America”. Everyone is supposed to have a hard-on for anyone connected to the military. The “thank you for your service” zombies. The military is a job. Get over it.
Join the club. We all want our earned perks honored.
As a side note, I'm assuming most airline staff aren't staying at much above a Fairfield Inn or a Hyatt Place on most nights. There really ain't that many perks at those types of properties.
I guess it depends on the airline and possibly a region but I regularly see crews in likes of Hilton, Intercontinental, Conrad, etc. Especially premium carriers and Asian airlines tend to pay for really good hotels. Low-tier airlines tend to be less generous, e.g. I usually meet Lufthansa Group crews in the likes of HGI, Crowne Plaza and similar.
So, they’re whining because it all boils down to them not wanting to spend their per diem on food during layovers. They just want to eat at the free Marriott trough. Sorry, but that’s not the way the game is played.
Clearly, the requests are coming from pilots who want free drinks and canapes at lounges during Happy Hour while keeping their per diem.
Some airlines used to have happy hour perks as part of their hotel contracts. Southwest used to have a standard 1/2/3 pricing for pilots... $1 drafts, $2 house wine, $3 well drinks (with crew ID of course).
This petition may be directed at the wrong party. It seems to me that this should be between the employees and their employer.
I don’t need a bunch of flight attendants classing down my club lounges. No thanks.
Airlines get Priceline type rates for crew stays. Hotel chains don't award points for Priceline/Hotwire stays. Why should they provide points for crew stays?
If you book through a 3rd party (like AAdvantage Hotels) you do not get credit or Elite benefits. Airline rates are cheap - compared to corporate negotiated rates. Corp rates are not in many cases cheaper than AAA or Senior rates. Yes - I do at times see crews (capt etc) at Lounges)
Question - how did the one with the petition get 1100 nights and LT Titanium if most of those nights were from airline stays?
Also - if you are on Corp Travel - you pay with a credit card with your name on it. You get the bill and get reimbursed. Airlines pay direct - the crew doesn't but it on a CC.
I have 1611 nights stayed (airline trips don’t count so that me paying points and or cash) I earned lifetime Titanium elite. Why shouldn’t I be able to eat off the Buffett in which the food would be tossed anyway ? Marriott is pretty bad for not offering benefits. Points … I totally understand but benefits should be honored.
You are not the single person that could gain the perk, so the thought that food just goes to waste is not logical. There will be an increase in food consumption and the hotels will have to cater more. Perks have a cost. Ask your employer to put them in the Marriott agreement in return for something else in your CBA, to equalize the higher rate the airline will pay.
And, by the way, the hack to get points on non-qualifying rates is to spend some money at the bar or in the gift shop. Not only do you get points on the spend, but you also almost always trigger an elite qualifying night.
This is just ridiculous. And the airlines should investigate employees signing this petition since they're likely scamming travel benefits and so forth. What next: Marriott employees demanding Bonvoy perks for $30 employee rates?
Lol. No one is more entitled in this world than a Delta Diamond. I’m sure if you were an airline employee you would still have the same angle.
“They’ve worked hard to earn status”
……or maybe just paid $650 for a cc?
Sounds like a bunch of entitled union workers to me.
"Sounds like a bunch of entitled union workers to me."
Yup.
And the fact that they get *paid* for their work is completely unfair to the airlines.
Always nice to get a good chuckle early in the day.
In my opinion, not a strong argument made by the supporters of the petition.
The airline employees have earned their status at no cost them. They can enjoy that status for all of their personal travel, for the rest of their life if they are lifetime status. Sorry, y’all. The rules are clear. Negotiate for your airline to pay Marriott for lounge access in your next contract.
And? Employees flying on corporate travel get it for free too. In fact most elites are not paying for these benefits with their own money. Why should airline employees be any different?
But corporate travel discounts are not nearly as cheap as airline negotiated rates. It’s less so “who is paying” and more so, how much are they paying.
If you book through a travel portal and get a bulk rate or your company books out a hotel on behalf of employees, those stays also may not be eligible for elite perks. So it’s not just specific to airline employees.
Just as an example to support Jetset, a particular Hilton in Baltics gives 25% off from the cheapest flexible rate for airline employees, while corporate rates are 15% off
So clearly things are not the same, so one getting lounge perks is quite understandable…
It is not about who pays. It is the incentive Marriott has to offer benefits. Corporate travelers often have choice among hotel chains, even though the business pays. If Marriott pulls the benefits, they lose business.
Apparently they are unaware that literally no one gets Bonvoy perks in the U.S. Clearly they live in a parallel universe.
Lounge overcrowding is one of the biggest issues.