Much as hotel companies have implemented extended cancellation and change policies in response to the coronavirus outbreak, many also have altered their loyalty program policies, at least temporarily.
Best Western has extended the loyalty status of all Best Western Rewards members globally through Jan. 31, 2022, with no need to fulfill the necessary requirements, according to a company statement. Members who downgraded a tier at the end of 2019 will be leveled up to their previous tier and will maintain that status through Jan. 31, 2022, without the need to fulfill the necessary qualifications. In addition, BWR members can donate their reward points to the Best Western Hotels & Resorts charitable fund, Best Western for a Better World, which has committed to supporting those affected by the virus worldwide.
Choice Hotels has paused points expiration for all Choice Privileges members until May 31, 2020, according to a company spokesperson. The program also allows members to donate points to charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross. One new option is Serta's "Stay Home, Send Beds" program, through which members can donate points toward beds for hospitals and medical facilities in need because of the Covid-19 crisis. Choice for a limited time will match 100 percent of Choice Privileges points donated to this initiative.
Members of Hilton Worldwide's loyalty program, Hilton Honors, whose 2019 status was scheduled to be downgraded on March 31, 2020, whether Diamond, Gold or Silver, will receive an extension through March 31, 2021, according to a company statement. Likewise, 2020 member status will be extended through March 31, 2022. In addition, Hilton will pause the expiration of all points scheduled to expire before Dec. 31, 2020. The company also has extended the expiration date of all unexpired Weekend Night Rewards as of March 11, 2020, and all new ones issued until Aug. 30, 2020, through Aug. 31, 2021.
Hyatt Hotels Corp. is suspending the forfeiture of World of Hyatt points through Dec. 31, 2020, according to a company spokesperson. Typically, points do not expire unless a member's account is inactive for 24 months. All unused Free Night, Suite Upgrade or Club Lounge Access awards scheduled to expire between March 1 and Dec. 31, 2020, will be extended to Dec. 31, 2021. Awards that expired between March 1-31, 2020, will be replaced with new awards on April 20. Awards expiring in later months will have their rewards replaced on the 20th day of the month in which they were scheduled to expire. In addition, World of Hyatt is extending all status and benefits for all existing elite members without having to re-qualify, meaning whatever a member's status was on March 31, 2020, will be automatically updated to reflect a Feb. 28, 2022 expiration date.
InterContinental Hotels Group has reduced its IHG Rewards Club elite membership criteria this year by 25 percent or more, according to a company statement. Gold status has been reduced from 10,000 points or 10 qualifying nights to 7,000 points or 7 qualifying nights. Platinum has shifted from 40,000 points or 40 qualifying nights to 30,000 points or 30 qualifying nights. Spire status was reduced from 75,000 points or 75 qualifying nights to 55,000 points or 55 qualifying nights. For members whose points were due to expire between April 1 and the rest of the year, the company is extending the expiration date to Dec. 31, 2020. Typically, points don't expire for members with elite status; otherwise, points expire after 12 months of inactivity. For anniversary night certificates earned through IHG Rewards Club credit cards, IHG is extending the expiration date for those set to expire in 2020. Those that were to expire this year starting March 1 now can be used through Dec. 31, 2020. Certificates issued in 2020 will have an 18-month redemption time period. Members also can donate points to charities, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has activated a Covid-19 fund.
Marriott International has extended Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program status earned in 2019 through February 2022, according to a company spokesperson and statement. Marriott also has paused the expiration of points until February 2021. At that time, points will expire only if an account has been inactive for at least 24 months. The expiration of Suite Night Awards with an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2020, has been extended to Dec. 31, 2021. Members who have an active Free Night Award expiring in 2020 as part of their credit card benefit, annual choice benefit, promotion or travel package will be able to use it through Jan. 31, 2021. Members also can donate points to relief organizations active in Covid-19 response, including the American Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Unicef and World Central Kitchen.
Radisson Hotel Group is suspending its Radisson Rewards points expiration policy by six months, effective March 1, 2020, according to a company spokesperson. The company also has extended the elite status of members through February 2022 for those whose status would have expired in February 2021. E-certs earned using the Radisson Reward Visa card that are scheduled to expire by July 31, 2020, now can be redeemed through June 30, 2021. Radisson Rewards members can donate rewards points to organizations assisting in the Covid-19 crisis, including the American Red Cross.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will extend Wyndham Rewards gold, platinum and diamond level membership through Dec. 31, 2021, according to a company spokesperson. The company also is pausing the expiration of points until Sept. 30, 2020.
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