Not sure what Fliggy is? Fliggy is simply the new name for Alitrip, Alibaba’s travel platform. Marriott has already been pulled into the Alibaba ecosystem, and now Fliggy elite members at the F2 level (granted directly to Alipay Gold, Platinum, or Diamond members) or F3 level can immediately receive Marriott Rewards Gold status. Marriott Gold can then be directly matched to Starwood Gold Preferred Guest status. If you’ve spent quite a bit through Alipay, it may be worth checking your membership level. This is a limited-time promotion, and registration only opened today, so if you wait too long, this deal may disappear.
Who is eligible for Marriott Gold?
If you are Fliggy F2 or F3, congratulations: you can be directly matched to Marriott elite status. Alipay’s Ant Membership tiers are based on how much you spend through Alipay. If your spending ranks high enough among all users, you will be upgraded to a higher tier. If you are an Alipay Gold, Platinum, or Diamond member, you can get Fliggy F2 through the travel benefits and then enjoy Marriott membership benefits. You can check your membership level in the Alipay mobile app.
After tapping "Membership" here, your elite membership level will be displayed. Those who have been living in the U.S. for a long time probably do not use Alipay much anymore and are likely basic members.
Promotion details
Once you have confirmed that you already have Fliggy F2 or F3, you can scan the QR code in the image above (the one for “scan the QR code”), fill in your information, and you will receive an Email. Click through the Email to register, and you can be upgraded to Marriott Gold. For F2 members, only the first 550,000 people to register can receive Marriott Gold; after that, it will no longer be available. So you need to act fast. This status is valid for 6 months. To extend it through February 2018, you must complete 6 stays at Marriott properties during those 6 months (Starwood stays do not count).
Marriott may have more elite members than ever right now, but after 6 months the situation may improve, since the matched Marriott Gold status will expire by then. In the meantime, though, be prepared to see hotels in China across both Marriott and Starwood packed with elite members.