Back in February, Marriott Bonvoy already announced positive program changes for 2021, including depositing bonus elite nights into the accounts of elite members, and reducing the spending requirement for Ambassador status.
Today Marriott has announced a further extension of both free night awards and points.
In this post:
Marriott free night awards validity extended
Eligible Marriott Bonvoy free night awards (FNAs) are being extended through January 3, 2022:
- This extension will take place on May 6, 2021, for free night awards with an original expiration date in 2020, or which will expire before January 2, 2022
- This applies to free night awards received as a co-brand credit card benefit, annual choice benefit, promotion, or travel package
- Free night awards with an original expiration date prior to 2020 will not be eligible for the additional extension
- No action needs to be taken, as the system will automatically update accounts with these new expiration dates on May 6
Free night awards are valid through January 2022
Marriott Bonvoy points validity extended
Previously the expiration of Marriott Bonvoy points was paused through August 1, 2021. That’s now being extended by a further eight months, through March 31, 2022. As a reminder, Bonvoy points ordinarily expire after 24 months of inactivity.
Bonvoy points won’t expire for an additional several months
Bottom line
Marriott is extending the validity of free night awards through January 2022, and the validity of points through March 2022, which is a great development for members. I suspect we’ll continue to see loyalty programs give members more time to redeem their rewards, given the circumstances.
Will you benefit from this Marriott Bonvoy extension?
Mine were just updated
Did not update for me either
Same. Mine didn’t update. Marriott told me to wait 48 hours.
It is May 7 and mine don't seem to be extended -- both still expiring in August -- Any updates?
Any chance they will extend the suite night award expiration as well?
Great news! I called Marriott just 2 days ago and it was still a no-go on my expiring free night (July 1, 2021), so very happy they have decided to do this!
@Ben - W-Hotel-Aspen
What hotel pool is in the picture?
@Christian I'd rather Lucky do the work and parse it out. I don't want to link to a bunch of other places.
I think this is a great move that actually supports the directive of avoiding non-essential travel. Hopefully we will hit heard immunity in local regions and some travel advisories can be lifted. I am feeling more confident as more people become vaccinated
The extension of the credit card free night awards will help me a lot. I still have the legacy card that awards an annual 25K certificate, as well as the "SPG" Amex with 35K cert, and was stressing on how to use these after I'm fully vaccinated (late May) and before the Aug 1 expiration - the exact period when most hotels have peak night rates. Big sigh of relief.
Do you know if the expiration on the use of the $300 Bonvoy Brilliant travel credit will be extended as well?
Why not just post the link to the announcement on FT that a Marriott Lurker just made? Not like you got these details yourself. Sorry but just being honest.