Travel enthusiasts and loyalty program members often find themselves in a position where they need to maximize the value of their accumulated points. One of the most flexible rewards programs available is Marriott Bonvoy , which not only allows you to redeem points for hotel stays but also offers the ability to transfer points to airline partners. This feature can be incredibly valuable if used strategically, but it’s essential to understand how the process works, the associated costs, and when it makes sense to make the transfer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to airlines.
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy’s Airline Transfer Program
What Are Marriott Bonvoy Points?
Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott International’s loyalty program, allowing members to earn points through hotel stays, credit card spending, and other activities. These points can be redeemed for free nights at Marriott properties, experiences, or transferred to airline partners for frequent flyer miles.
Why Transfer Points to Airlines?
Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to airline partners can provide flexibility and unlock opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable. For example:
- You may need more frequent flyer miles to book an award flight.
- You might want to consolidate points across programs for a specific redemption.
- Certain airline partners may offer better value for your points than Marriott hotels.
However, transferring points isn’t always the best option, so understanding the mechanics and evaluating the value is crucial.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points to Airlines
1. Check Eligible Airline Partners
Marriott Bonvoy has partnerships with over 40 airlines worldwide, including major carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and many others. Before initiating a transfer, ensure your desired airline is part of the program.
You can view the full list of airline partners on Marriott’s official website under the “Use Points” section.
2. Understand the Transfer Ratio
Marriott Bonvoy uses a standard transfer ratio of 3:1.1 for most airline partners. This means:
- For every 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you receive 1,000 airline miles .
- Additionally, Marriott adds a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred (equivalent to 20,000 airline miles).
For example:
- Transferring 60,000 Marriott points = 20,000 airline miles + 5,000 bonus miles = 25,000 total miles .
This ratio is competitive compared to other hotel loyalty programs, making Marriott Bonvoy a strong choice for point transfers.
3. Initiate the Transfer Process
To transfer points:
- Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account .
- Navigate to the “Use Points” section and select “Transfer Points.”
- Choose the airline partner you wish to transfer to.
- Enter the number of points you’d like to transfer (in increments of 3,000).
- Provide your frequent flyer account details for the selected airline.
- Confirm the transfer.
Transfers typically take 1-2 weeks to process, so plan accordingly if you have an upcoming trip.
When Does It Make Sense to Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points?
1. When Hotel Redemptions Offer Poor Value
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.7–0.8 cents per point when redeemed for hotel stays. However, some properties—especially lower-category hotels—may offer poor value. If you’re unable to find high-value hotel redemptions, transferring points to an airline partner could be a better option.
2. To Take Advantage of Airline Promotions
Airlines frequently run promotions that boost the number of miles you receive during a transfer. For example:
- A 30% bonus promotion means transferring 60,000 Marriott points would yield 20,000 miles + 5,000 bonus miles + 6,500 promotional miles = 31,500 total miles .
These promotions can significantly increase the value of your points, making transfers more attractive.
3. To Book High-Value Award Flights
Certain airlines offer exceptional value for their miles, especially for premium cabin awards. For instance:
- Emirates : Use miles for business or first-class flights to destinations like the Maldives or Seychelles.
- ANA : Redeem miles for international business class flights on Star Alliance partners.
- British Airways : Use Avios for short-haul flights within Europe or North America.
If your goal is to book these types of flights, transferring Marriott Bonvoy points can be a smart move.
4. To Consolidate Points Across Programs
If you’re close to having enough miles for an award ticket but are short by a few thousand, transferring Marriott Bonvoy points can help bridge the gap. This is particularly useful if you already have a significant balance in a specific airline program.
When It Doesn’t Make Sense to Transfer Points
1. When Hotel Redemptions Offer Better Value
If you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for high-value hotel stays—such as Category 7 or 8 properties during peak season—it’s often better to use your points for lodging rather than transferring them. For example:
- Redeeming 85,000 points for a Category 8 property worth $1,000+ per night offers far better value than transferring those points to an airline.
2. When Airline Miles Are Undervalued
Not all airline miles are created equal. Some programs devalue their miles frequently or have high award chart prices, reducing the overall value of your transferred points. Research the airline’s redemption rates before committing to a transfer.
3. When You Don’t Have a Clear Redemption Plan
Transferring points is irreversible, so it’s essential to have a specific use in mind. If you’re unsure how you’ll use the miles, hold off on transferring until you have a concrete plan.
Maximizing the Value of Your Transferred Points
1. Leverage Transfer Bonuses
As mentioned earlier, Marriott Bonvoy adds a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred. This effectively increases the transfer ratio from 3:1 to approximately 2.4:1 , making transfers more lucrative.
2. Combine with Airline Promotions
Keep an eye out for airline-specific promotions that offer additional bonuses. These promotions can push the effective value of your transferred points even higher.
3. Use Points for Premium Cabin Awards
Premium cabin awards often provide the best value for airline miles. For example:
- A round-trip business class ticket to Europe might cost $5,000 in cash but only require 120,000–150,000 miles. Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to cover this cost can result in significant savings.
4. Avoid Overpaying for Domestic Economy Flights
Domestic economy flights typically offer poor value for miles. For example, a $200 domestic flight might require 25,000 miles, equating to just 0.8 cents per mile . In such cases, it’s better to pay cash and save your points for higher-value redemptions.
Potential Pitfalls to Watch Out For
1. Slow Transfer Times
Transfers from Marriott Bonvoy to airline partners can take up to two weeks , so don’t wait until the last minute to initiate a transfer if you need miles for an upcoming trip.
2. Limited Flexibility Once Transferred
Once points are transferred to an airline, they cannot be converted back to Marriott Bonvoy points. Ensure you’re confident in your decision before proceeding.
3. Risk of Devaluation
Airline programs frequently adjust their award charts or devalue their miles. If you’re considering a transfer, research recent changes to the airline’s program to avoid losing value.
Case Studies: Real-World Examples
Example 1: Booking a Business Class Flight to Asia
John wants to book a round-trip business class flight from New York to Tokyo using ANA Mileage Club miles. The flight requires 140,000 miles. John has 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and decides to transfer them:
- 120,000 Marriott points = 40,000 ANA miles + 5,000 bonus miles = 45,000 total miles .
- He supplements the remaining 95,000 miles with existing ANA balances.
The resulting flight would have cost $6,000 in cash, making the transfer highly valuable.
Example 2: Combining Points for a Dream Vacation
Sarah plans a trip to the Maldives and needs both hotel stays and flights. She redeems 85,000 Marriott points for a Category 8 property and transfers 60,000 points to Emirates for a business class flight:
- 60,000 Marriott points = 20,000 Emirates miles + 5,000 bonus miles = 25,000 total miles .
- The combined redemption saves her thousands of dollars.
Expert Tips for Successful Transfers
1. Monitor Airline Award Availability
Before transferring points, check the availability of award seats on your desired flight. Some airlines release award space closer to departure dates, while others open it months in advance.
2. Use Tools Like AwardHacker
Websites like AwardHacker can help you determine the best way to use your miles for specific routes, ensuring you get maximum value from your transfers.
3. Consider Alternative Programs
If Marriott Bonvoy points don’t align with your travel goals, consider alternative programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, which offer direct transfers to multiple airline partners.
Conclusion: Strategic Use of Marriott Bonvoy Points
Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to airline partners can be a powerful tool for maximizing the value of your rewards. By understanding the transfer process, evaluating the potential value, and timing your transfers strategically, you can unlock incredible travel opportunities. Whether you’re booking a luxury business class flight or consolidating points for a dream vacation, Marriott Bonvoy’s flexible transfer options make it a standout program in the loyalty landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airlines?
Transfers typically take 1-2 weeks , so plan ahead if you have an upcoming trip.
2. Can I transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to multiple airline accounts?
Yes, but each transfer must be initiated separately, and you’ll need to provide the frequent flyer account details for each airline.
3. Are there any fees for transferring points to airlines?
No, there are no fees for transferring points, but the transfer ratio (3:1.1) effectively reduces the number of miles you receive.
4. What happens if I accidentally transfer points to the wrong airline account?
Contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service immediately to resolve the issue, but corrections are not guaranteed.
5. Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?
Points do not expire as long as your account remains active (e.g., earning or redeeming points every 24 months).
6. Can I reverse a transfer once it’s initiated?
No, transfers are irreversible, so ensure you’re confident in your decision before proceeding.
7. Are there limits on how many points I can transfer at once?
There is no specific limit, but you must transfer in increments of 3,000 points.
8. Which airlines offer the best value for transferred points?
Airlines like Emirates, ANA, and British Airways often provide excellent value for premium cabin awards.
9. Can I combine Marriott Bonvoy points with a co-branded airline credit card?
Yes, you can transfer points to an airline and then use a co-branded card to cover taxes and fees.
10. How do I know if an airline is running a transfer promotion?
Check Marriott Bonvoy’s website or subscribe to email alerts from your preferred airline for updates on promotions.