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

also contributed to this story
Nov. 14, 2025
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3 min read
HOTEL DE BOURGTHEROULDE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION_Twin King Privilege Room_Marriott.com
Marriott Bonvoy elite status 'soft landing' policy: How to requalify for status
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It’s official: Marriott is extending its “soft landing” policy into 2026.

Specifically, the brand will offer Marriott Bonvoy members who don’t requalify for their current elite status in 2025 the opportunity to hold the status one tier below from March 2026 until 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’s elite status soft landing policy

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Disneyland
Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance in California. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

The Marriott status you earned in 2024 will expire at the end of February unless you requalify for your current level or achieve a higher status level in 2025. 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 2025, you'll only drop down one status level in 2026.

According to Marriott's website, "Members can see their new status in March 2026 and enjoy that new status through February 2027."

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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 2025 will hold Titanium Elite status through February 2027.
  • Titanium Elite members who don’t requalify in 2025 will hold Platinum Elite status through February 2027.
  • Platinum Elite members who don’t requalify in 2025 will hold Gold Elite status through February 2027.
  • Gold Elite members who don’t requalify in 2025 will hold Silver Elite status through February 2027.

It’s worth mentioning that Marriott offered similar policies before the COVID-19 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 an incentive to stay loyal to Marriott and perhaps retry for status next year.

Related: Is Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status worth it?

Bottom line

Mid- and upper-tier Marriott Bonvoy elite members who don’t requalify in 2025 won’t be left empty-handed in 2026.

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 MileagePlus' Premier Silver status. 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.

Featured image by HOTEL DE BOURGTHEROULDE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION/MARRIOTT
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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.

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Why We Chose It

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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