Marriott points to airlines: the insider’s guide to flying high

Yes! Marriott points, the loyalty currency of Marriott Bonvoy, can be seamlessly converted into airline miles with various partner airlines. This flexibility allows you to maximize the value of your rewards, whether you’re seeking a luxurious hotel stay or an unforgettable flight experience.

Partner Airlines and Conversion Rates

Marriott Bonvoy has partnered with an extensive network of airlines, including:

• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• Alaska Airlines

The conversion rate for Marriott points to airline miles varies depending on the partner airline and the redemption option you choose. Generally, 3,000 Marriott points are equivalent to 1,000 airline miles.

Redemption Options

There are two primary ways to redeem Marriott points for airline miles:

1. Direct Conversion:

• Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account.
• Navigate to the “Use Points” section.
• Select “Convert Points to Miles.”
• Choose your desired airline and the number of points you want to convert.

2. Points + Cash Redemption:

• Book a flight using Marriott points and cash.
• During checkout, you will be given the option to redeem additional points for a discount on the cash portion of the flight.

Maximizing Value

To optimize your conversions, consider the following tips:

• Research partner airlines: Compare the conversion rates and redemption options offered by different airlines.
• Check for bonuses: Marriott Bonvoy occasionally offers promotions that provide bonus airline miles for conversions.
• Use points for premium flights: Redeem your points for business or first-class flights to experience enhanced comfort and amenities.
• Consider airline status: If you have elite status with a partner airline, you may receive additional benefits when redeeming Marriott points.

Transfer Fees

Marriott Bonvoy charges a transfer fee of 5,000 points per transaction, regardless of the number of miles redeemed. However, this fee is waived for redemptions of 60,000 points or more.

Points Expiration

Marriott points expire after 24 months of inactivity. However, if you convert your points to airline miles, they will adhere to the expiration policy of the respective airline.

Other Ways to Earn Marriott Points

In addition to hotel stays, you can earn Marriott points through:

• Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
• Dining at participating restaurants
• Shopping at select retailers
• Flying with partner airlines

The Verdict

Marriott points offer a versatile way to unlock a world of travel possibilities. By converting your points to airline miles, you can enhance your flight experiences, explore new destinations, and maximize the value of your loyalty rewards. With careful planning and strategic redemptions, you can soar to new heights with Marriott Bonvoy.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I convert Marriott points to any airline?
A: No, Marriott points can only be converted to airline miles with specific partner airlines.

Q: How long does it take for converted points to appear in my airline account?
A: Conversions typically take 24-48 hours to process.

Q: Can I convert airline miles back to Marriott points?
A: No, once airline miles are earned through conversion, they cannot be converted back to Marriott points.

Q: Are there any restrictions on how I can use converted airline miles?
A: The terms of use for converted miles vary depending on the airline, so it’s important to check with the specific airline for details.

Q: Can I use Marriott points to book flights directly on airline websites?
A: No, you cannot use Marriott points to book flights directly on airline websites. You must first convert your points to airline miles and then use those miles to book flights.