Marriott Cathay Pacific Status Match
There was a Marriott & Cathay Pacific status match and partnership announced late yesterday, which lasted less than half a day before filling up all of the limited spots. The sad thing is the vast majority of the people that filled the spots will likely never use the status they matched to. That is why limiting status matches to a number is a frustrating way to run a status promotion. It would be better suited to limit the timeframe it is available versus a hard and fast number.
Somewhat Of A Niche Status Match
The only people that would really benefit from this status match are people that live in Asia, or fly to it often on Cathay Pacific metal. That is because the matching of Marriott Gold to Cathay Pacific Silver status gets you lounge access no matter why kind of ticket you are flying. That could be beneficial to anyone who flies Cathay Pacific often.
Oneworld Ruby Status For Non Cathay Pacific Flyers
For the rest of the people, and potentially many of the people that grabbed the available slots, it would get you Oneworld Ruby status. Having Oneworld Ruby status is better than a poke in the eye, but outside of early boarding it doesn't do a whole lot. This match would have offered a short cut to Cathay Pacific Gold status too, should you be interested in that.
This Was A Poorly Run Promotion
Now, I don't fault people for jumping on this match early, even if they had no plans to use it. It is better to have status and not need it than to need it and not have it, at least when it costs you nothing to secure said status. But, Marriott and Cathay should have known this would have been the glutton of people doing it. At least guarantee it will be open for 24 – 48 hours if you are going to offer a match. Otherwise, you announce a promotion in the middle of the night and it fills up by mid morning.
Maybe It Should Have Been A Targeted Offer If They Wanted To Limit It
Having said that I do envision this was more aimed at Asian elites versus North American elites. The perks, and timing of the offer, seem to suggest that. If I am right in that respect, then limit the offer to that geographical area so that the rest of your elites don't feel disrespected. Or at least offer some token reciprocal earning etc. as a sweetener too.
Marriott Cathay Pacific Status Match: ToP Thoughts
I feel comfortable saying that this was a poorly run, and timed, promotion. It did get the word out there for both programs, which was likely the main goal. No such thing as bad press after all, or so they say. Maybe some push back will open up some new spots at least.
Did you notice how I didn't mention the match back to Bonvoy? That is because Marriott Bonvoy Gold status is not worth mentioning and easily procured with a few different credit cards.
If you want more information on the promotion, Ben at OMaaT did a good write up on it this morning.
