United MileagePlus
members with Gold status and above now are eligible for Marriott Rewards Gold
Elite status, while Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite members are eligible for United
Premier Silver status. Such status matching is available until Jan. 31, 2014, according
to the companies. Unlike a recent "crossover" loyalty program announced
by
Delta and Starwood, the United-Marriott connection does not enable travelers
to simultaneously earn points and miles in both companies' loyalty programs for
the same booking. However, "beginning in August, Marriott Rewards and
United MileagePlus members will receive added value when transferring points
into miles and will get additional miles for travel packages," according
to an announcement. "Also, for the first time, MileagePlus Premier members
will be able to convert their miles into Marriott Rewards points."