Marriott Bonvoy Suite Night Upgrade Expiration Policy

Marriott Bonvoy's Suite Night Awards (SNAs), previously known as Suite Night Upgrades, are a valuable benefit for members seeking enhanced accommodations. Understanding their expiration policy is crucial to maximize their value. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how these awards work, their expiration timelines, and key usage considerations:

Earning Suite Night Awards

Suite Night Awards are primarily earned through the Marriott Bonvoy program as an Annual Choice Benefit. These awards are typically granted to members who achieve Platinum Elite status (50 qualifying nights) and choose them as their benefit. Members also have the opportunity to earn additional SNAs upon reaching Titanium Elite status (75 qualifying nights). These awards are a perk of loyalty and are designed to enhance the travel experience of frequent Marriott guests.

Expiration Timeline

The expiration of Suite Night Awards is a critical aspect to understand. The general rule is that SNAs expire on December 31st of the year following the year in which they were earned. For instance, if you earn Suite Night Awards in 2024, they will expire on December 31, 2025. This means you have a window of up to two years to utilize them, depending on when they are earned within a calendar year. It's important to note that the expiration is based on the calendar year, not a rolling 12-month period from the date of issuance.

Usage Requirements

To use Suite Night Awards, you must apply them to an eligible reservation at a participating Marriott Bonvoy property. The request for an upgrade must be made prior to your arrival date, and it's generally recommended to do so as early as possible. While the exact timeframe can vary, it's often suggested to request the upgrade at least five days before your scheduled check-in date. The success of your upgrade request is subject to the availability of suites at the hotel. If a suite is not available, your Suite Night Award will not be used, and it will remain in your account until its expiration date. However, if the upgrade is confirmed, the award will be deducted from your account. It is essential to note that the stay itself must be completed (checkout date) on or before the expiration date of the SNAs. This means that you cannot use an expiring SNA for a stay that extends beyond the expiration date, even if the check-in date is before the expiration.

Key Usage Considerations

Several key points should be considered when using Suite Night Awards:

Request Timing: While you can request an upgrade up to five days before arrival, it's advisable to do so as soon as you have a confirmed reservation. This increases the chances of securing a suite, as availability can fluctuate.
Upgrade Confirmation: You will typically be notified about the status of your upgrade request around five days before your arrival. If the upgrade is confirmed, the SNA will be deducted from your account. If the upgrade is not available, the SNA will remain in your account.
Unused SNAs: If your upgrade request is not cleared, the SNA will remain in your account until its expiration date. However, if the SNA expires without being used, it will be forfeited. Even if you requested the upgrade but it didn't clear, the SNA will still expire if not used by the expiration date.
Stay Completion: The stay for which you are using the SNA must be completed by the expiration date. This means that the checkout date must be on or before the expiration date.
Non-Transferable: Suite Night Awards are non-transferable. They can only be used by the member who earned them. You cannot gift or transfer them to another person.
No Extensions: Generally, there is no option to extend the expiration date of Suite Night Awards. Once they expire, they are forfeited and cannot be reinstated. It is crucial to plan your travel accordingly to utilize them before they expire.

Checking Your Balance and Expiration

Marriott Bonvoy encourages members to regularly check their Suite Night Award balance and expiration dates. This can be done through the Marriott Bonvoy app or the official website. Keeping track of your awards will help you plan your stays effectively and ensure that you do not lose any valuable benefits due to expiration. It is always a good practice to review the specific terms and conditions on the official Marriott Bonvoy website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information, as policies can change.

Summary of Key Points

To summarize, here are the key points regarding the expiration policy for Marriott Bonvoy Suite Night Awards:

SNAs expire on December 31st of the year following the year they were earned.
They are earned as an Annual Choice Benefit for Platinum and Titanium Elite members.
Requests for upgrades must be made prior to arrival, ideally at least five days before check-in.
The success of an upgrade request depends on suite availability.
The stay must be completed by the expiration date of the SNA.
SNAs are non-transferable and cannot be extended.
Unused SNAs expire and are forfeited.
It is crucial to monitor your SNA balance and expiration dates through the Marriott Bonvoy app or website.

By understanding these guidelines, Marriott Bonvoy members can effectively utilize their Suite Night Awards and enjoy enhanced travel experiences. Always refer to the official Marriott Bonvoy website for the most current and accurate information.