World of Hyatt Actually Improves Elite Benefits. No Catch!

by John Harper
Earn 20% bonus Hyatt points at Las Vegas properties, like the MGM Grand

Elites now have longer to use their World of Hyatt suite upgrades at hotels like the MGM Grand Las Vegas, pictured. Image by Hyatt.

Point Me To The Plane Writer Sam Roecker contributed to this story.

World of Hyatt members will soon enjoy more time to use their elite benefits, including suite upgrades and lounge passes, according to the company’s elite policies. It appears these changes are an unmitigated positive improvement for frequent travelers in the program.

Upgrades were previously valid for a fixed 365 days after they were earned, but effective June 1 the upgrades will remain valid until a member’s tier status expires. Under previous rules, a suite upgrade award earned on July 1, 2018 would expire July 1, 2019. Under the expanded policy, the award will remain valid until February 29, 2020.

World of Hyatt also extended the validity of suite upgrades earned by Lifetime Globalists, the highest elite status-holders in the Hyatt system. Per a World of Hyatt news release:

“Upon achieving Lifetime Globalist status, members will receive four suite upgrade awards valid through the remainder of that year plus 14 months. Annually, Lifetime Globalists will receive four suite upgrade awards on or around March 1 valid for the remainder of that year plus 14 months.”

Lifetime Globalists will earn four extra suite upgrades when they stay 60 qualifying nights, or earn 100,000 Base Points. These awards will also remain valid through the end of the elite qualifying period.

Hyatt also announced several bonus offers

Starting June 1, World of Hyatt members will earn 2,500 Bonus Points after they stay five nights at Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency hotels. The promotion period lasts through August 2018. Members must register by July 15.

Positive Changes Based on Customer Feedback?

Hyatt claims the changes came as a direct result of feedback from elite members.

“World of Hyatt was built around continuously listening to our members,” the company writes. and “We heard a desire for more flexibility when it comes to award benefits.”

The changes appear to be a total improvement for World of Hyatt members. Hyatt did not announce any devaluations or reductions in the program, bucking a habit of programs using so-called enhancements to mask cost-cutting measures.

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1 comment

Romain December 30, 2018 - 1:02 am

Good article but there is incorrect information. What you refer to as “Lifetime Globalist” Is Globalist only. To reach the Globalist level you need 60 eligible nights or 100.000 points during the year.

To become a lifetime Globalist you need to accrue a total of 1 million base points. Once you reach that status, you get the benefits every year without needing to reach the number of eligible nights or points.

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