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This news came out almost two weeks ago but I’d somehow missed it and figured some readers may have as well: if you lost Marriott status recently, it may be worth sending a message to ask if they would consider upgrading you back to your previous status level. On a case-by-case basis they have been upgrading some members back to previously-held status.
Gary at View from the Wing reported almost two weeks ago that a reader who lost Platinum status in 2020 and was downgraded to Gold reached out to Marriott on Twitter to ask if they would reinstate his Platinum status. Likely much to his surprise, they said yes.
Then Dan’s Deals reported a couple of days ago that he sent a message as he’d dropped from Titanium to Gold. Marriott upgraded him back to Platinum status and confirmed that it’s good until February 2022. That falls in line with the status extension Marriott is giving to those who earned status last year.
It looks like there are a mix of positive and negative datapoints from others; in some cases Marriott restored Platinum and in others Marriott said the member didn’t have enough activity. I don’t know if there’s a method to the madness or who stands a better shot at getting restored out of those who send messages, but I know that those who don’t ask won’t get it. If you had Platinum or higher last year but didn’t hit the mark to re-qualify for 2020, it’s worth a quick ask on Twitter.
I’d go into it with low expectations; after all, you didn’t stay enough times to qualify. You’re essentially asking for something you didn’t earn, so be nice about it and be pleasantly surprised if it works.
Is this even worth it given the current state of travel? Probably not if they only extend status for 2020. However, in Dan’s case they confirmed that the status is valid until February of 2022. Given that Marriott Platinum gets you free breakfast at most hotels, club lounge access at most hotels (that aren’t called Ritz-Carlton or St. Pancras Renaissance), and a 4pm late checkout, I’d say it’s worth a couple of sentences of typing. I hope travel returns to normal in time to get some benefit out of having that until February 2022.
For more on Marriott status, see our Marriott Bonvoy Complete Guide.
H/T: View from the Wing and Dan’s Deals
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I was a platinum in 2019 but they did not extend in 2020-
“Hello, the Elite Status you are seeing now (Gold) reflects your stay activity during 2019, which was processed on March 22, 2020. The Elite Status you earned with your 2019 travel would have normally expired in February 2021, but will be extended to February 2022.“
I was Titanium and had dropped to Gold. I asked and am now Platinum until February 2022. Thanks.
I just gave this a shot. Any idea how long the response time is?
i asked for the status and they gave me platinum but only until 12/2020. i just messaged on twitter again to ask for an extension, lets see what they say.