Vacations by Marriot Bonvoy

Question

We are Bonvoy members and we booked a Kauai vacation package through the Marriott website under "packages." It's under the umbrella of "Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy" and included our hotel, flight and a rental car. This vacation is many months out.

Today we received an email telling us that our flights have changed. The only options were "accept" or "cancel flights." The outbound flight change is 1.5 hrs earlier and I seem to recall that the later flight we chose cost extra. So now we're forced to go with an earlier flight and it doesn't look like they will compensate us. I'm confused. Also, it appears that the whole package is actually partnered with expedia, which was not indicated anywhere when we made our reservations. We're getting a little nervous that there will be other changes beyond our control. We thought we made a good choice by going "direct" through Marriott Bonvoy rather than Costco pricing was the same anyway) but now we're a little worried. Anyone have experience with this type of package and issues?

Answer

Booking vacation packages through "Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy" often means that the hotel, flights, and rental car are bundled together for convenience. However, even though the booking is made through Marriott’s website, the flight portion is typically managed by partner providers such as Expedia or their affiliated airlines. This is common, though it can feel confusing if it isn’t clearly stated at booking.

Flight changes are unfortunately quite common with package deals, especially when booked many months in advance. Airlines sometimes adjust schedules due to operational needs, and the travel agency or package provider usually offers limited options—typically accepting the new schedule or canceling the flight portion. Compensation for changes is not guaranteed, though some providers may offer vouchers or credits in certain situations.

Some important points to consider:

Flight Schedule: Since your original flight cost extra for a later departure, check if you can contact Marriott or the airline directly to request a similar seating arrangement or an upgrade to make up for the earlier departure.
Package Management: Even though you booked “direct” through Marriott, packages may be serviced by third-party partners like Expedia, which can mean you are subject to their terms for flights and rental cars.
Monitoring Changes: For the rest of your travel, keep an eye on your email and package portal for any notifications of changes, as airlines sometimes make multiple schedule adjustments before your trip.
Customer Support: Contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service and explain your situation. Sometimes they can negotiate with the airline or provide guidance, even if compensation is not guaranteed.

In summary, it’s fairly typical for vacation packages to include third-party services and for flight schedules to change. The key is to stay proactive, confirm any adjustments with Marriott, and understand the limitations of what they can control. Document your original flight preferences in case there is room for advocacy, but expect that changes are part of booking bundled vacation packages.