"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."

"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)."

"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."