"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 don't do mobile check-in if I'm wanting to upgrade. I check the app before I go in to see if any suites are available to book during the duration of my stay. If there is I just say "Would it be possible to get upgraded to an available suite with my platinum benefit?". Of course this is typically at the hotel that I stay in about once a month for 3 day at a time for work. The front desk pretty much knows me and know that I am fairly low maintenance."

"My employer does not have a corporate rate but when I'm consulting for a company that does, I use theirs. I've only been challenged for identification once. In that one situation I explained the consulting arrangement, and the desk clerk accepted it without a badge or business card (neither of which I had anyway)."