Have you ever dreamt of a world where your airline loyalty and hotel loyalty programs seamlessly work together, amplifying your rewards and making travel even more luxurious? Well, for members of United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy, that dream is a very tangible reality! This isn't just about earning points; it's about unlocking exclusive benefits that elevate your entire travel experience.
Linking your United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy accounts is a smart move for any frequent traveler. This powerful partnership, often referred to as RewardsPlus, allows you to enjoy reciprocal benefits, from elite status perks to enhanced earning and redemption opportunities. Let's dive deep into how you can make this magic happen and what amazing advantages await you.
Understanding the RewardsPlus Partnership: Why Bother Linking?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of linking, let's understand why this partnership is so valuable. It's designed to reward loyalty to both brands, recognizing that often, the same travelers fly with United and stay at Marriott properties.
Status Matching: This is arguably the biggest perk. Depending on your elite status with one program, you might receive complimentary elite status with the other. This means enjoying perks like complimentary upgrades, bonus points, late check-out, and more, without having to qualify for them separately.
Enhanced Earning: You can earn both Marriott Bonvoy points and United MileagePlus miles on qualifying activities, essentially "double-dipping" on your travel spend.
Flexible Redemptions: The ability to convert points and miles between the two programs provides incredible flexibility for your travel planning. Need more miles for a flight? Convert your Marriott points. Want to book a luxurious hotel stay? Convert your United miles.
Now, let's get down to the step-by-step process!
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Checking Your Status
First things first, let's see if you qualify for the most lucrative benefits of the RewardsPlus program. The core of this partnership revolves around elite status.
1.1 Identify Your Current Elite Status
For United MileagePlus Members:
Do you hold Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, or Premier 1K status? If so, you're in an excellent position! You're eligible for complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
If you are a Premier Silver member or lower, you can still participate in points/miles conversions, but the complimentary status benefit is typically for higher tiers.
For Marriott Bonvoy Members:
Are you a Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite member? Fantastic! You're eligible for complimentary United MileagePlus Premier Silver status.
If you are a Platinum Elite member or lower, you can still convert points/miles, but the complimentary status benefit is usually reserved for Titanium and Ambassador Elites.
Don't have elite status yet? Don't worry! You can still link your accounts and take advantage of various benefits, especially earning opportunities. However, the status match is where the significant value lies.
Step 2: Accessing the RewardsPlus Enrollment Page
The linking process is typically initiated through a dedicated portal that validates your elite status.
2.1 Navigate to the Partnership Portal
You'll generally find the RewardsPlus enrollment page on either the United Airlines website or the Marriott Bonvoy website.
United Airlines: Look for a section related to "Partners" or "Loyalty Partnerships" under MileagePlus. A common link is
united.com/rewardsplusor a variant liketravel-partner.marriott.com/united.Marriott Bonvoy: Similarly, search for "United" or "Partnerships" within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program section.
Pro Tip: A quick Google search for "United Marriott RewardsPlus" will almost certainly lead you to the correct page. Be sure you're on the official United or Marriott domains.
Step 3: Linking Your Accounts - The Core Process
Once you've found the dedicated RewardsPlus page, the linking process is straightforward.
3.1 Sign In to Your Primary Account
The page will usually prompt you to sign in with the loyalty program whose elite status you hold. For example:
If you're a United Premier Gold member, sign in with your United MileagePlus credentials.
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite member, sign in with your Marriott Bonvoy credentials.
3.2 Authorize the Link
After signing in, you will be asked to authorize the sharing of your account information between United and Marriott. This is a crucial step to enable the reciprocal benefits.
The system will typically automatically detect your elite status based on the account you've signed into.
You may be prompted to enter your member ID for the other program if it's not already linked to your profile. For instance, if you signed in with United, it might ask for your Marriott Bonvoy number.
Double-check the numbers you enter to ensure accuracy. A small typo can delay the linking process.
3.3 Accept Terms and Conditions
Like any partnership program, there will be terms and conditions to review and accept. It's always a good idea to read these carefully to understand the specifics of the benefits, limitations, and any expiration clauses.
3.4 Confirmation and Processing
Once you've completed all the steps, you'll usually receive an on-screen confirmation that your accounts have been successfully linked.
Please note: While the link is often immediate, it can take anywhere from 7-10 business days for your complimentary elite status to be reflected in the partner program's account. Don't panic if you don't see the status update instantly! You might also receive an email confirmation once the process is complete.
Step 4: Verifying Your Benefits and Exploring New Opportunities
After the processing period, it's time to confirm your new elite status and start leveraging the benefits.
4.1 Check Your Elite Status
Log in to your United MileagePlus account and then your Marriott Bonvoy account separately.
Look for your updated elite status. For example, if you were a United Premier Gold, you should now see "Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite" reflected in your Marriott profile. Similarly, if you were a Marriott Titanium Elite, you should see "United MileagePlus Premier Silver" in your United account.
4.2 Understand Your New Perks
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Benefits (for United Premier Gold+ members):
25% bonus points on eligible hotel purchases.
Enhanced room upgrades (based on availability).
Complimentary enhanced in-room Wi-Fi.
Late check-out (up to 2 PM, based on availability).
Member-exclusive rates.
United MileagePlus Premier Silver Benefits (for Marriott Bonvoy Titanium/Ambassador Elite members):
Complimentary access to Economy Plus seating at check-in (if available).
One complimentary checked bag (up to 50 lbs) on United and United Express flights.
Priority boarding (Group 2).
Eligibility for complimentary upgrades on the day of departure.
7x miles earned on every flight.
4.3 Explore Earning and Redemption Options
Converting Points/Miles:
Marriott Bonvoy Points to United MileagePlus Miles: You can convert Marriott Bonvoy points to United MileagePlus miles at a 3:1 ratio, with a bonus of 10,000 miles for every 60,000 points converted. This effectively makes it a 3:1.25 ratio (60,000 Marriott points = 20,000 United miles + 10,000 bonus miles = 30,000 United miles).
United MileagePlus Miles to Marriott Bonvoy Points: Premier members can convert United miles to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio (up to 200,000 miles per calendar year). This is a great way to top off your Marriott account for a dream redemption.
Earning Miles/Points on Stays/Flights:
Keep an eye out for promotional offers from both Marriott and United that allow you to earn bonus miles on hotel stays or bonus points on flights when your accounts are linked. These promotions are often seasonal and can significantly boost your loyalty balances.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Linked Accounts - Advanced Tips
Once linked, think about how you can fully leverage this powerful alliance.
5.1 Strategic Travel Planning
Consider your travel patterns. If you frequently fly United, aim for Marriott stays to consolidate your loyalty. If you often stay at Marriott, try to choose United for your flights.
Factor in elite qualification. While the status match is fantastic, remember that to maintain higher elite levels, you'll still need to meet the published qualification requirements for each program independently.
5.2 Leverage Promotions
Sign up for email alerts from both United and Marriott. They frequently announce exclusive promotions for linked accounts, such as bonus miles on hotel stays or bonus points on flights. These can be very lucrative!
Check the "Offers" or "Promotions" sections on both websites regularly.
5.3 Don't Forget the Details
Always ensure your linked loyalty numbers are attached to your bookings. Whether it's a flight on United or a hotel stay with Marriott, make sure your correct loyalty program number is entered during the booking process to ensure you earn all eligible points and miles.
Keep your contact information updated in both accounts. This ensures you receive important communications about promotions and status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my United and Marriott accounts are already linked?
The easiest way is to log into your United MileagePlus account and look for a section related to "Partnerships" or "Marriott Bonvoy." Similarly, check your Marriott Bonvoy account for a "United" or "Airlines" partnership section. If you see an option to link, they are likely not yet connected.
How to resolve issues if my status doesn't update after linking?
First, wait the recommended 7-10 business days for processing. If it still hasn't updated, contact the customer service of the loyalty program where you expect to see the new status (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy if you're waiting for Gold Elite). Be prepared to provide your account numbers for both programs and details of when you linked them.
How to earn points and miles on flights and stays after linking?
Ensure your United MileagePlus number is added to your United flight bookings and your Marriott Bonvoy number is added to your Marriott hotel reservations. Special promotions may require separate registration, so always check the offer terms.
How to convert Marriott Bonvoy points to United MileagePlus miles?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, navigate to the "Redeem" section, and look for "Transfer Points to Airlines." Select United MileagePlus as the partner, enter your MileagePlus number, and follow the instructions to transfer your desired points. Remember the bonus for every 60,000 points transferred!
How to convert United MileagePlus miles to Marriott Bonvoy points?
This option is typically available to MileagePlus Premier members. Log into your United MileagePlus account, find the "MileagePlus Awards" or "Redeem" section, and look for options to convert miles to hotel partners. Select Marriott Bonvoy.
How to maintain my complimentary elite status with RewardsPlus?
The complimentary elite status typically renews annually as long as you maintain your qualifying elite status with the original program. Check the specific terms on the RewardsPlus website, as requirements can occasionally change.
How to take advantage of PlusPoints through this partnership?
While the core RewardsPlus partnership primarily focuses on status matching and points/miles conversions, specific promotions might offer PlusPoints for top-tier members who meet certain spending thresholds on flights or stays. Keep an eye on targeted offers from United for Ambassador Elite or Premier 1K members.
How to know about the latest promotions for linked accounts?
Subscribe to email newsletters from both United Airlines and Marriott Bonvoy. Regularly check the "Promotions" or "Offers" sections on their respective websites, especially around popular travel seasons.
How to unlink my United and Marriott accounts if needed?
There isn't typically an easily accessible "unlink" button. If you need to sever the connection, you would generally need to contact the customer service of either United MileagePlus or Marriott Bonvoy and request that the RewardsPlus linkage be removed from your profile.
How to ensure I maximize my benefits from both programs?
Always use your loyalty numbers when booking flights and stays. Explore co-branded credit cards for both United and Marriott, as these can offer additional earning opportunities and elite night credits or bonus miles, accelerating your progress in both programs. Stay informed about current promotions and tailor your travel plans to take advantage of them.
