Positive Changes to the Hyatt Program!

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Early in 2017 Hyatt really made some massive changes to the program that were definitely not in the members favor. I think Hyatt has recognized the dissatisfaction of their members and has been trying to put some promotions together to entice members back into the program. Now, Hyatt is making some more changes to the program, but this time they are 100% in favor for the member! These changes will take place January 1, 2018 and should actually make folks pretty happy.

Change #1: Free night awards will count towards status.

All free night stays will not count towards status. This is a great addition to the program since Hyatt made it more difficult to earn status at the beginning of 2017. This means those that have accrued a ton of Hyatt points and primarily redeem their points will not be at a disadvantage for earning status!

To earn Hyatt status, you need the following number of nights in a calendar year:

Discoverist: 10 qualifying nights (or 25,000 base points)
Explorist: 30 qualifying nights (or 50,000 base points)
Globalist: 60 qualifying nights (or 100,000 base points)

Change #2: Longer expiration date on free night awards

Earlier this year Hyatt put in place a way to earn a free night after staying a certain number of times with Hyatt. While a great perk, the nights expired way too quickly. Now, the free night awards earned in 2018 will have a 180 day expiration date tied to it, giving you half a year to use them! You earn these free nights when you:

Stay 30 qualifying nights or earn 50,000 base points in a calendar year will earn you a free night at a category 1-4 Hyatt.
Stay 60 qualifying nights or earn 100,000 base points in a calendar year will earn you a free night at a category 107 Hyatt.

Overall, I am glad to see Hyatt put in place a few more positive benefits, especially after the negative changes we saw back in March 2017!

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