Marriott tests airline style upgrade waitlist for elite Bonvoy members

Marriott is trialing a new feature in its mobile application that displays an upgrade waitlist for elite loyalty members, TravelPulse, LoyaltyLobby, One Mile at a Time, and View from the Wing all reported. The digital tool displays an elite member's current rank in the queue for complimentary, status-based room upgrades before they arrive at a property. [1][2][3][6]

The feature provides airline-style visibility by showing how many upgraded rooms are available alongside the member's queue position, according to One Mile at a Time and View from the Wing. View from the Wing reported that one Titanium elite member saw themselves placed second in line with zero upgrades available, before slipping to third position. LoyaltyLobby noted that the beta functionality also integrates with Nightly Upgrade Awards, formerly known as Suite Upgrade Awards. [2][3][6]

Complimentary upgrades subject to availability are a primary perk for top tier Marriott Bonvoy members, particularly those holding Platinum status and above, One Mile at a Time reported. A loyalty program is a marketing strategy designed to encourage customers to continue using the services of a business. [3][9]

The test is intended to bring more transparency to the complimentary upgrade process as elite ranks expand, according to One Mile at a Time and View from the Wing. Marriott has not announced an official date for a full rollout across its digital platforms. [3][6]