NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers

[NancyIL]

lynniepooh - the card itself isn't that important, as long as you have the number. Just make sure your Starwood number is on your Swan reservation so you'll get points for your stay. Don't forget to have any Swan/Dolphin restaurant meals charged to your room to get even MORE Starwood points!

 

[gottgotowdw]

I had the same experience. I never received my card. Now just upgraded to gold and would like the card in my possession for my trip in June. I did however print a card from the web site which will be an adequate substitution. I also called Loews yesterday to see if they would match my gold SPG status with theirs. They said to fax a copy of my card to their cust service # and they would do it.
So true what you say on these boards.....
You never know until you ask,.....nothing ventured nothing gained, ....etc, etc.
Many thanks to Jen, DF, LBYC, and countless others for the wonderful advice. Couldnt have done it without you.
Btw, my DH is very impressed with my newfound knowledge of the workings of all of these programs and the possibilities!!!!
My trip is almost here!!!! Better start stocking up the essentials!!
Laura

 

[MinnieGi]

Hi, could someone tell me what kind of information is in the Inside Flyer magazine. I looked on the web page, but it was not very descriptive of what kinds of information it contains. Also, is it a Starwood publication or an independent travel magazine?

Also are there any other perks associated with signing up for the Inside Flyer program besides the 2500 points. I'm considering signing up, but just would like more information. Thanks so much!

PS - This is a great thread!

Gi

 

[NancyIL]

Inside Flyer is an independant magazine, published by frequent-flyer guru - Randy Petersen. It's a great resource for learning about all the frequent-flyer/frequent-guest programs. The May issue has a special report on the Freddie Awards - given to the best frequent-flyer and frequent-guest programs. The magazine and book may seem a little pricey at $59.95, but it's about the cheapest way to earn 2,500 Starwood points you'll find!

 

[Shelly]

This deal was good till when?

 

[NancyIL]

The offer is good until June 30th. Here's the link again: http://www.insideflyer.com/starwood/productnav.cgi?ID=PO5SrH8AAAEAACxmdLo&FILE=infoifa.htm

 

[lynniepooh]

Thanks for the reassurance....I just don't want to miss any point opportunities!

 

[Jen80370]

gottgotowdw...thanks for the kudos...we all learned the same way you did...digging in our heels and saving money. Think of how much more you'll enjoy your vacation knowing what bang you got for your buck. Those extra bucks will go a long way to putting smiles on the faces of your families.

Enjoy!

 

[MinnieGi]

Hi, could someone tell me what kind of information is in the Inside Flyer magazine. I looked on the web page, but it was not very descriptive of what kinds of information it contains. Also, is it a Starwood publication or an independent travel magazine?

Also are there any other perks associated with signing up for the Inside Flyer program besides the 2500 points. I'm considering signing up, but just would like more information. Thanks so much!

PS - This is a great thread!

Gi

 

[MinnieGi]

Hi, could someone tell me what kind of information is in the Inside Flyer magazine. I looked on the web page, but it was not very descriptive of what kinds of information it contains. Also, is it a Starwood publication or an independent travel magazine?

Also are there any other perks associated with signing up for the Inside Flyer program besides the 2500 points. I'm considering signing up, but just would like more information. Thanks so much!

PS - This is a great thread!

Gi

 

[NancyIL]

MinnieGi - scroll up a few posts.

 

[MinnieGi]

Sorry for all the posts, I'm not sure how that happend?!? I thought I only pressed "submit" once.

Thanks Nancy for all the info on Inside Flyer!

Gi

 

[ozziewags]

I got my gold card about 2 weeks after I upgraded with an AMEX card, but I just got my original blue SPG card yesterday.....2 months after I applied. Go figure.

Carol

 

[Dead End Kid]

I applied for Starwood membership last year and also never received a card (though it said on the website that I would). But I did exactly what Nancy suggested when we went to the Swan last Auguest - I made sure they had my Starwood number listed on the reservation. I also double checked when I arrived. The points were easily and promptly credited to my account.

Early this year I received my first Starwood statement. I had a question and when I called customer service I mentioned that I'd never gotten a card. I asked if they would please send me one and I received it several weeks later.

Also - would like to thank everyone for the Starwood AMX information. I applied on-line on Monday evening. Received a call at work on Thursday afternoon - they told me I was approved but just wanted to verify some info (like name, address, SS #). The person I spoke with was very nice. He said the card should arrive within 2 weeks.

We already have several major items picked out to buy (new fridge, B-B-Q - upgrade to the computer system). It won't take us long at all to reach our needed 1700 points!

Once I have the necessary points the next step will be to figure out how to get the upgrade to Swan Club Level for our July trip!

Dead End Kid

 

[Swan]

How long does it take to get the points for the Inside Flyer? Sorry if this has been asked before?

 

[dreamflight99]

Two days ago...and placed it on my SPG AMEX! (White Glove Treatment!) I made close to an additional 6000 points, not including the excursions ($700) and the down pmt posted last fall of $600! (I have the cash to pay for this cruise...but why not charge it--then pay the cash to AMEX?!) This Disney Cruise has netted some SERIOUS points...so, along with the other 5+weeks of our sojourn~just think of all the points (rental cars, AP's, resorts, all misc.)! My head is "swimming" with SPG point-fever. It makes spending $$ so much easier, almost pleasurable (as Jen has been saying all along...I recall the car repair cost which was paid w/a smile due to SPG points!). Before the AMEX SPG (& skymiles card)...this money was expended in waste. Now, it nets us FREE resort stays, etc. I even paid my cable bill with AMEX this week. Now, if only my house payment could be charged, I'd be all set. Presently, I'm a happy camper!

 

[hightown]

Swan,

I just ordered the Insider for the points. The points showed up in about 7-10 days.

Was a real treat to go into the SPG web site and suddenly see that big number added into the points!

 

[lynniepooh]

I received my SPG AMEX yesterday...woohoo! Can't wait to upgrade to SPG gold staus! And I will be persistant!

Swan - I'm also leaving on the 6th for WDW (The Swan) but won't arrive until the 11th...visiting relatives in Ocala first.

 

[Peter Pirate]

I just received my AMEX Statwood Platinum & it specfically says in the enclosed material that this card elevates members to 'Preferred Plus' status and that qualifying Starwood stays will earn two points per dollar spent.

How can we justify demanding gold status? On what grounds? Any info will be appreciated...

 

[Swan]

Thanks Hightown .

Lynniepooh(that was my nickname when I was growing up)we will be there till the 17th. We usually hitthe Ocala area on the way back. See you there.