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Update: Marriott is refusing to further extend Free Night Awards beyond June 30, 2022. However, if your Free Night Award hasn't yet been extended, you can contact Marriott to request a one-year extension. See this post for more on how to use Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award certificates.
Lots of news is coming out of Marriott Bonvoy this week. Yesterday we shared that Marriott is eliminating its award chart. But, not all of the news is bad. Marriott will extend elite status, Free Night Awards, and other elite perks yet again.
This isn't the first time Marriott has extended these perks either. So, let's highlight which perks are extended and until when — so you can plan accordingly.
Bonvoy Elite Status Extended Again
Firstly, let's talk status. Marriott Bonvoy will extend all members' elite status levels until February 2023. This comes after the previous extension we saw last year. After Hilton extended status again last month, we wondered if other hotels would do the same.
Marriott Bonvoy will extend your current status through February 2023. That's even if the status you are sitting on was originally earned in 2019 or 2020. All levels of status are eligible for extensions, and the extended year of your status will count toward lifetime status requirements.
Status Extended, But No New Choice Benefits
It's important to note that only your status is being extended. Platinum Elite and Titanium Elite members will still need to pass the required number of elite nights to choose new Annual Choice Benefits for next year.
Earlier this year, Marriott gifted all members elite night credits. So, you may be closer to earning these benefits than in normal years. Speaking of which, there's no news so far about Marriott gifting elite night credits again for 2022.
Perks Extended to June 2022
In addition to extending elite status, Marriott Bonvoy will extend the validity of other perks.
Suite Night Awards
The first of these is Suite Night Awards (SNAs). Any SNAs with an expiration in 2021 will be extended to June 30, 2022. This applies even if your Suite Night Awards have already been extended.
Free Night Awards
All unused Free Night Awards (FNAs) — such as those earned by having a Marriott co-branded credit card — will also be extended. Free Night Awards set to expire between January 3 and June 29, 2022 will now expire on June 30, 2022. Expiration dates will be updated automatically at some point in December 2021, so keep an eye on your account.
Change to Using Free Night Awards
Speaking of Free Night Awards, you will have more flexibility in how you can use these certificates. At present, if you have a Free Night Award worth 35,000 points, that's all it's worth. Even if a property prices at 35,001 points on the night you want to stay there, too bad.
Now, you will be able to use a Free Night Awards plus Bonvoy points. The maximum amount of points you can add to “top off” your Free Night Award certificate is 15,000 points. This will provide all members with more flexibility for using these certificates.
Points Expiration Pushed Back
Along with the announcement about status and perks, Marriott is again extending its pause on points expiration. Points expiration will resume after December 31, 2022. Remember that Bonvoy points only expire if there is no activity on your account within 24 months.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are several pieces of good news in this announcement. Really the only negative is that Marriott is moving to dynamic pricing. However, we have time to adjust and this pain will be blunted by being able to enjoy our elite status, perks, and points into 2022.
Free Night Awards will be extended and become more flexible. Points expiration remains on pause, and both elite status and Suite Night Awards are being extended again.
Are you happy with these changes? Do they make up for the bad news about dynamic pricing?
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