Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status “Soft Landing” Policy: How to Requalify for Status
It’s official: Marriott is extending its “soft landing” policy until 2026.
Specifically, the brand will offer Marriott Bonvoy members who do not regain their current elite status in 2025 the opportunity to remain in the lower tier from March 2026 to February 2027. Here’s what you need to know.
RELATED: Last-minute tips for locking in hotel elite status before the end of the year
Marriott Elite Status Soft Landing Policy
Your Marriott status earned in 2024 will expire at the end of February unless you requalify at your current level or reach a higher status level in 2025. But what if you don’t regain the same or higher membership level?
That’s where Marriott’s generous soft landing policy comes in. Regardless of whether you qualify for a level well below your current level or don’t qualify for a level at all in 2025, you can only move down one level in 2026.
According to Marriott’s website, “Members can see their new membership in March 2026 and enjoy it through February 2027.”
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With this announcement, members who do not regain their existing level will remain at a level slightly below their expiration level during the next level year:
- Ambassador Elite members who fail to requalify in 2025 will remain in Titanium Elite status until February 2027.
- Titanium Elite members who do not requalify in 2025 will remain Platinum Elite members until February 2027.
- Platinum Elite members who do not requalify in 2025 will remain Gold Elite members until February 2027.
- Gold Elite members who do not requalify in 2025 will remain Silver Elite members until February 2027.
It’s worth mentioning that Marriott offered a similar policy before the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan was put on hold as Marriott extended elite status earned in 2019 and 2020 until February 2023, only to be reinstated the following year. This soft-landing policy is a win-win: It benefits members who were unable to regain their membership, while incentivizing them to stay loyal to Marriott and potentially try again for membership next year.
Related: Is Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite Membership Worth It?
bottom line
Mid- to high-end Marriott Bonvoy elite members who fail to requalify in 2025 will not be left empty-handed in 2026.
With Titanium Elite status, expiring Ambassador Elite members will enjoy many of the same benefits as their current membership, including complimentary breakfast on most brands, suite upgrades upon check-in (including at Ritz-Carlton hotels), 75% points accrual bonus, select benefits and membership matching with United’s MileagePlus Silver Premier membership. Platinum Elite status also comes with many of the same benefits as Titanium Elite status.
You should see new Marriott memberships and updated expirations in early March.
Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the author, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
