Marriott has been handing out ‘soft landings’ to elite status customers for at least two decades. For as long as I can remember, customers who did not requalify for their status have been getting downgraded at most one level.
Put another way, a Platinum member who did not stay at all for a year wouldn’t get busted down to no status, or even Silver. They’d be given Gold. They would also let members buy back their higher status level for points.
This has never been the published policy, but it was long-standing practice. After decades, though, Marriott has finally made the soft landing policy official.
In early March 2026, Members who did not re-achieve their existing Elite Status were offered one tier below their current status through February 2027. Members can see their new status in March 2026 and enjoy that new status through February 2027.
This is a tricky decision, and there was a reason not to publish the policy.
- Soft landings are a great way to retain a valuable customer. You don’t know whether someone is done traveling, or done traveling with your brand or just in a lull – perhaps a change in jobs, or personal reasons. If they don’t travel much going forward, the status costs you little. If they do travel again, you might pick up a lot of business.
- But when people know soft landings are coming, there’s less reason to strive for status. Customers don’t need to go out of their way to earn status when they’re going to get status anyway. Marriott Titanium isn’t worth that much more than Platinum. If Platinum is guaranteed, you don’t need to try for it.
That’s the balance Marriott had for years. Now, though, they’ve decided to come out and reassure members. But we’re near the end of the current member and requalification year, and of course Marriott can and will change policies in future years without notice.
(HT: Loyalty Lobby)
Or… just pay the $550 annual fee and use the 85K free night each year to ‘break-even’ on the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card (using Gary’s sign-up link for a nice sign-up-bonus, unless you got a P2 with a referral)… because it comes with Platinum status, which is all you really need at Marriott properties (for the free breakfast, where they still offer it, if anywhere.)
Otherwise, get real, Titanium and Ambassador hardly do anything anymore. Just not worth it, unless you’re already traveling that much anyway (and it’s OPM). And Silver, Gold don’t do much, besides, they already come with many other credit cards, anyway. Like, Amex Platinum and the Amex Marriott Bevy includes Gold Elite status (but, that level has no breakfast benefit, so, maybe a later checkout for you?) Other cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and Bold credit cards only offer Silver Elite status (hardly any benefit, but ‘free’ WiFi.)
nonsense. during covid I, like everyone else could not travel and Marriott dropped me from Titanium to Gold
@Suhas — So, you lost a 25% points bonus, your ‘choice benefits,’ free breakfast (where honored), late checkout (where honored), access to executive lounges (where they have them), and complimentary United Premier Silver status. Boohoo. But, look on the bright side, you didn’t have to stay 75 nights at Marriott!
why worry, get Amex marriott and it keeps you platinum always
@1990 – or you could be like me with over 1400 nights and lifetime Titanium. While I realize it isn’t much in the US ai have gotten incredible suites in Europe and Asia. And the beauty of lifetime status (also retired, hence the screen name, with lifetime AA, DL and UA status after 40 years of living in the road) is you are off the hamster wheel and can stay wherever you want!
BP to BG is a sizable drop, if you use full-service hotels. BT does get the free night award above BP. Both BP and BT get the late checkout, though more mid-service are reneging on that now. Future does not look promising. I’m at LBP and have gotten a fair amount of value out of it, though benefits are clearly eroding.
Ironically, the Marriott Waikiki pictured is one that doesn’t honor all BP benefits.
@Retired Gambler — Wow! You’re right; overseas we do often get treated better than at home, ironically, as with most of these programs, not just Marriott, most of the airlines and hotels. And, of course, you’ve earned, so please do enjoy!
Question – What happens if you are Platinum for Life and don’t stay 50 nights a year but still stay regularly at Marriott – Do you still lose status