"Northrop Grumman's Marriott code NOR is a major defense contractor code. Defense contractor employee IDs are classified security badges that staff recognize. Properties near Northrop Grumman facilities (Los Angeles, Falls Church VA, Melbourne FL, Huntsville AL) are most likely to encounter genuine Northrop employees. FlyerTalk's defense code thread: "Security badges from defense firms are hard to fake and staff know the look." US full-service properties near defense installations: 15-25% verification rate. Select-service: minimal."

"I wanted a higher room floor at a Seattle area hotel. I requested it at the front desk when checking in. The front desk thanked me for being a platinum member and told me that the hotel is fully booked and no “upgrades” to a higher floor for me. The girl behind me checked in and she was thanked for being gold, and they gave her a free upgrade to a suite and let her choose which room she wanted! I asked about the upgrade and they told me it’s random. I spoke to the manager and the manager said lots of rooms available and she gave me 5 rooms to choose from. 🤷🏻‍♂️ In the end, I got my upgrade. Had to fight for it."

"I am very rarely asked to prove my eligibility for a rate...but they have every right to ask and if you can't produce it, you will be re-rated to the current rate, which is often even higher and there is no guarantee points rooms will be available. Doing online check in rarely helps this as most properties don't actually do online anyway - especially to people who are not returning guests to the property or elite. You are taking a gamble. One that is likely to be fine. But understand you are intentionally breaking the terms of the bonvoy program and if someone really cared, there can be consequences."