The American Airlines-Hyatt partnership lets eligible elites from one program earn extra points when they do business with the other. Hyatt elites earn points for American flights, and American elites earn miles for Hyatt nights. They also regularly offer status matches.

Hyatt’s program is run by ex-Starwood executives, and Starwood pioneered this dual-earning approach back when they had a partnership with Delta.

The Delta partnership didn’t survive Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood. Marriott stuck with their partner, United, and their less expensive deal which includes modest status and bonuses converting points – but has not included ‘dual earn’. However they’re testing the concept on a promotional basis. (Registration required)

Marriott Bonvoy Titanium and Ambassador members, and United Gold elites and higher, can earn extra points when flying or staying with the other partner through December 9.

• 750 bonus Marriott points for eligible United flights
  
• 500 bonus United miles for eligible Marriott stays

Marriott Titaniums and above must first be registered through Marriott, while United Golds and higher must be part of the program through United – and then members must separately register for this offer.

Bonvoy members have to be earning points, rather than miles, to receive bonus points for United flights. Activity has to begin during the promo period (flights can complete and checkouts can occur after the promo end date). Reservations made prior to the October 10 start of this offer are eligible, however award redemptions are not. 500 United miles is generous as an add-on for short Marriott stays. 750 Marriott points, less so.

It will be interesting to see if something along these lines returns as a frequent promotion or more permanent feature of the partnership. I’m told to expect “more great promotions and benefit announcements in the future” for United-Marriott.

I also see it as interesting that on the Marriott side only Titanium and above members are eligible for this. Platinum is seen as the equivalent of United silver, effectively a giveaway level and not a ‘real elite’ whose business United wants to incent.