Marriott Extends Elite Status and Other Benefits
Marriott made a big announcement today about changes to its Bonvoy loyalty program. While that part of the announcement was mostly bad news, there’s also some good news for elites. Marriott is extending elite status, points and free night certificates. Plus there’s added flexibility for 35K FNAs.
Elite Status Extension
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and its lasting effects through 2021, Marriott it will be extending elite status for Marriott Bonvoy members once again. All Bonvoy members who currently have elite status will have that status extended through February 2023. That’s an additional 12 months from the previous extension. This applies to all Bonvoy members, regardless of whether their elite status was previously extended or it was achieved this year.
The extended year of status will count towards lifetime status in the Bonvoy program. But you’ll still have to reach 50 or 75 elite nights to be able to select Choice Benefits.
Free Night and Suite Night Awards Extension
Marriott Bonvoy members will also have more time to use their Free Night Awards (FNAs) and Suite Night Awards (SNAs).
Free Night Awards that were set to expire between January 3 and June 29, 2022, will now expire on June 30, 2022. This extension also applies to those certificates that have already been extended. The system will automatically update accounts in December 2021 to reflect extensions for those eligible.
You can earn Free Night Awards through credit cards. Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Business give 35K certificates and Bonvoy Brilliant give you a 50K certificate.
Suite Night Awards are also extended. SNAs that were set to expire on Dec. 31, 2021, will be extended and will now expire on June 30, 2022.
More Flexibility for Free Night Awards
We don’t really what to expect when the award chart is gone for the Marriott Bonvoy program. But, there’s at least a positive change that will make 35K free night certificates more flexible.
In addition to the extension of these certificates, Marriott announced that in early 2022, members will be able to combine their 35,000 point FNAs with 15,000 of their own Bonvoy points to redeem those certificate at a properties that cost up to 50,000 points per night.
Points Expiration
Marriott Bonvoy will continue to pause the expiration of points through December 31, 2022. At that point, points will only expire if your account has been inactive for at least 24 months.
