Marriott Platinum Challenge = United MileagePlus Premier Silver Status
(Hat Tip to Frequent Miler for the idea.)
I was able to call Marriott and ask for a Platinum Challenge. Within minutes, my account was upgraded to Marriott Platinum. If you are curious about the Marriott Platinum Challenge, read Frequent Miler’s post.
Marriott Gold Status (before the Platinum Challenge call):
Marriott Platinum Status (after the Platinum Challenge call):
After my Marriott account was upgraded to Platinum, I registered for the United promo here.
As soon as I clicked the Get Started button, Marriott was able to find my United account by searching for my full name. If your Marriott and United names differ, you may run into problems. Consider calling either company to get the name changed to match the other. Double check that the accounts are correct, check the ‘I agree’ box, and click the Register button.
The message on the screen says it will take 7-10 business days to verify the accounts and upgrade your account to MileagePlus Premier Silver Status. Reports online state that the process takes between 24-72 hours to upgrade your United account.
Here is my United account before the promo:
Here is my United account after the promo:
My account had been upgraded to United MileagePlus Premier Silver Status. Reports online state that the status should last until January 31, 2014. Benefits of having United MileagePlus Premier Silver Status include:
This trick might not last long, so take advantage of it now if you want United MileagePlus Premier Silver Status. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
How long can we keep the UA Premier status?
I’m not sure, probably through the end of the year.
Ha great minds think alike. I’m actually in the process of doing this myself. Great catch!
I did a gold Marriott Challenge earlier this year, so can’t do this trick. Glad everyone else can get in on the trick.
Wonder how long it actually took from the confirmation page that states it will take 7-10 business days to verify the accounts to the moment you see silver status. I did the same yesterday Morning. Now 24hr passed, still no status change at UA.
P.S. Marriott lists UA silver as one of the benefits of Platinum. So since you participate the “state of Platinum”, I don’t see there is a reason Marriott would shut the “hole”, at least not within the three months. Otherwise, it can exclude any Platinum benefits because you are not a “real” Platinum yet.
They may decide to code Platinum Challenges differently than true Marriott Platinum which would close this loop hole.
Yes, that can. But my point is: isn’t UA silver now part of the platinum benefits? Look at here: https://www.marriott.com/rewards/member-benefits.mi. The last item of Platinum. If yes, then shouldn’t we, as Platinum challengers, have a “taste” of that as well? If you defend Marriott on this, then you can also accept they remove other Platinum benefits.
Anyway, anybody has an idea how long it takes for the UA Silver to show up? I have waited 24hrs but still no changes. Thanks.
You are right, as long as you are a Marriott Platinum member, you should get United Silver. Some people said it can take up to 3 days, while the official statement is 7-10 business days. I’m guessing it is done manually, so the more people apply for the promo, the longer it will take to be approved.
marriot platinum challenge benefit is only for less than 4 months, but how long you get to keep the united silver status?
I am not sure, but I would assume through 2013. I have been looking around for the answer, but haven’t found anything.
Worked.. now waiting for the approval..
Still.. Platinum for 3 months helps.. hopefully i can get 9 cheapo stays to keep Plat for 2013 and 2014.
You don’t actually have to go for platinum if you don’t want to. The amount of money spent to get Platinum will probably cost more than the cost of the platinum benefits you will receive.
still no answer about how long you get the UNITED SILVER status with the Marriott platinum challenge?
There are reports online that the United silver status is a good through January 31, 2014.
I received the Marriott platinum status challenge match, should I wait to sign up for the united silver status if i don’t need it now?
If I sign up for the united silver in mid October, it should last until Oct 2014?
Or doesn’t make difference?
That’s a good question. If you don’t need United silver between now and January 31, 2014, I guess you could wait until just before the Platinum challenge expires to sign up for the promo.
Hi Grant, which number did you call for the platinum challenge? I can not find any information about how to get platinum challenge on their website. Thanks!
When I logged into my Marriott account, there was a number for Gold Customer Service. You can probably call any customer service number and ask for the platinum challenge.
I called Marriott on 7/19 to sign up for the Platinum challenge. Logged into my UA account today and it’s updated. Premier Silver status is good until Jan 2014.
Same here, I don’t have any trips planned on United, but hopefully you can take advantage of Silver!
i became marriot platinum today but it is good for 4 months max and if i go for united silver, it is good till JAN 2014. My travel is not until April 2014, I don’t know what to do. wish they are good for at least 12 months
Hmm, I don’t know what you should do.