To the point
Marriott Bonvoy has clarified its policy for the smooth transition of its members' status, or "soft landing", for the year 2024.
This transition is called “soft landing,” which means moving its program members down one Marriott Bonvoy status level at a time.
Marriott Bonvoy policy in 2024
As was the case for 2023, this news is intended for those unable to maintain their Elite membership status in 2023 for 2024.
Marriott Bonvoy has updated its policy for the status of its Elite members:
In January 2024, all Members will have their 2023 loyalty activity evaluated as follows:
Members who achieved their existing Elite status again in 2023 will have their current status renewed through February 2025.
Members who did not re-achieve their existing Elite status in 2023 will be downgraded. These members will see their new status starting in March 2023 and can enjoy their existing status through February 2025.
Members who achieved a higher Elite level during 2023 already have a status expiration date of February 2025.
In other words, members who were unable to renew their status in 2023 will see this transition from March 2024 until February 2025:
- Ambassador Elite members will get Titanium Elite status
- Titanium Elite members will get Platinum Elite status
- Platinum Elite members will get Gold Elite status
- Gold Elite members will get Silver Elite status
What does that mean?
When a traveler has a special membership status with a hotel or airline, he or she must maintain (or exceed) it each year. If it does not meet the program requirements, it may no longer have this status.
For example, this transition prevents an Ambassador Elite member (requiring 100 elite nights) who has only done ten nights in 2023 from ending up with Silver status for 2024. It will then slowly descend to the Titanium level for 2024, which is a lower level. This is despite the fact that Titanium status requires at least 75 Elite nights.
As a reminder, here are the 6 status levels in the Marriott Bonvoy program:
| STATUS | NIGHTS/YEAR |
| Member | 0-9 |
| Silver Elite | 10-24 |
| Gold Elite | 25-49 |
| Platinum Elite | 50-74 |
| Titanium Elite | 75-99 |
| Ambassador Elite | 100+ US$20,000 in expenses |
For more information on Marriott Bonvoy program status, qualification and duration of status, please read our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy.
Bottom Line
This is good news for all Marriott Bonvoy members who achieved status in 2022 but could not maintain it in 2023. Initially, this soft landing offer applied only to Ambassador Elite members; members with other statuses will be pleased to know that they too can benefit from this transition policy.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
