Marriott Bonvoy Extends Elite Status Due To Covid-19

Marriott Bonvoy Extends Elite Status Due To Covid-19
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By Mark Jackson on April 08, 2020

Following Hyatt and Hilton, Marriott Bonvoy has now unveiled their plans for elite status earning due to Covid-19, with status being extended by one year.

Marriott Bonvoy Extends Elite Status By One Year

the Marriott at St Regis in Bali

Similar to the World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors programs, the status you currently have (earned in status year 2019) is being extended by one year. Marriott Bonvoy status normally expires in February 2021, but now status will expire in February 2022. So, if you have Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador status with Marriott, you can enjoy your benefits through 2022.

You’ll still need to stay or earn 50-nights to choose between these choice benefits in 2020:

  • 5 Suite Night Awards
  • 5 Elite Night Credits
  • The ability to gift Silver Elite status
  • 40% off a hotel bed
  • A $100 UNICEF donation

and 75-nights to choose between these Choice Elite benefits:

  • 5 Suite Night Awards
  • 5 Elite Night Credits
  • A free night award (valid at a hotel costing up to 40,000 points)
  • The ability to gift Gold Elite status
  • 40% off a hotel bed
  • A $100 UNICEF donation

No announcement has been made yet on if status earning requirements will be lowered, since this is still a fluid situation. You’ll at least know you won’t lose status next year because you can’t travel now.

Suite night awards have also been extended to 2021 for those that have them (they originally expire 12/31/2020.) At the time of this writing, I’m still showing a 2020 expiration date in my account:

Suite night rewards example

Point expirations are also paused until February 2021. Make sure to earn at least one point in your account to keep it active, since, after that time, 24 months of inactivity will result in points expiring.

Current Reservations Policy

Marriott has also updated their current reservations policy:

  • New and Existing reservations for any future arrival date, including pre-paid rates, are allowed full changes or cancellations at least 24 hours prior to arrival through June 30, 2020.

Conclusion

Overall, this is good news for Marriott Bonvoy elite members. We’ll continue to monitor the situation for updates.