Marriott extended Bonvoy elite benefits and earning points for Employee and Friends & Family rates back in late 2019 (read more here).
Now, the Travel Agent, Fam-Tastic, and Plan-Tastic rate plans, available for travel agents and advisors, are qualifying effective May 2, 2022.
You can access Marriott Bonvoy here.
READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers
Marriott previously listed Fam-Tastic rates, Plan-Tastic rates, and travel industry rates as non-qualifying for the Bonvoy program in the Terms and Conditions, but removed the reference to these on May 18, 2022 update.
There are still, however, notes on Marriott’s website that these rates are ineligible under Bonvoy, but those are outdated.
We have confirmed this with Marriott:
Effective May 2nd, Fam-Tastic, Plan-Tastic and Travel Agent rates began qualifying for Marriott Bonvoy points.
Fam-Tastic, Plan-Tastic and Travel Agent rates are only available to qualified travel advisors working for an active accredited intermediary (ARC, IATA, CLIA).
Conclusion
It makes sense for Marriott to have these rate plans qualifying because it helps geting Travel Agents and Advisors to familiarize themselves with Bonvoy program benefits and make more direct bookings.
You have to remember that most reservations you make through independent agencies qualify under Bonvoy as long as the agent doesn’t pull up the availability from specific room wholesalers.
And no, you cannot qualify for these rates merely by becoming affiliated with an agency. You need to take some qualification tests, and the agency must book standard revenue reservations too.