Marriott Bonvoy elite status “soft landing” policy: How to requalify for status

It’s official: Marriott is providing a “soft landing” to Marriott Bonvoy elite members who don’t requalify in 2024.

Specifically, the brand will offer Marriott Bonvoy members who don’t requalify for their current status in 2024 the opportunity to hold the status one tier below from March 2025 until February 2026. Loyalty Lobby first reported this news.

Here’s what you need to know.

Related: Last-minute tips for locking in hotel elite status

Marriott’s elite status soft landing policy

The Marriott status you earned in 2023 will expire at the end of February unless you requalify for your current level or achieve a higher status level in 2024. But what if you don’t requalify for the same or higher status?

That’s where Marriott’s generous “soft landing” policy comes in. Whether you qualify for a level far below your current status or don’t qualify for status at all in 2024, you’ll only drop down one status level in 2025.

According to Marriott’s website: “In early March 2025, Members who did not re-achieve their existing Elite Status will be offered one tier below their current status through February 2026.”

With this announcement, members who don’t requalify for their existing status tier will hold the tier just below their expiring status for the next status year:

• Ambassador Elite members who don’t requalify in 2024 will have Titanium Elite status through February 2026.
• Titanium Elite members who don’t requalify in 2024 will have Platinum Elite status through February 2026.
• Platinum Elite members who don’t requalify in 2024 will have Gold Elite status through February 2026.
• Gold Elite members who don’t requalify in 2024 will have Silver Elite status through February 2026.

It’s worth mentioning that Marriott offered similar policies before the pandemic. This was put on hold as Marriott extended elite status earned in 2019 and 2020 through February 2023, and it was reinstated the following year. This “soft landing” policy is a win-win: It benefits members who weren’t able to requalify for status, while giving them incentive to stay loyal to Marriott and perhaps retry for status next year.

Related: What is Marriott Bonvoy elite status worth?

Bottom line

Mid- and upper-tier Marriott Bonvoy elite members who don’t requalify in 2024 won’t be left empty-handed in 2025.

With Titanium Elite status, expiring Ambassador Elite members will enjoy many of the same perks of their current status, including complimentary breakfast at most brands, suite upgrades at check-in (including at Ritz-Carlton properties), a 75% point bonus accrual, choice benefits and status match to United Premier Silver. Platinum Elite also has many of the same benefits that Titanium Elite status offers.

You should see your new Marriott status and updated expiration in early March.