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Rumor: Major Changes Coming to Hyatt’s Elite Status Program

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    Via Pen and Passport, there are major changes coming to Hyatt’s loyalty program.  And it isn’t great news for a lot of folks!

    Along with changing the name of their loyalty program, they’re adding another membership level and making it harder to earn Elite status.  That said, Hyatt’s award chart is NOT changing as of now.

    In March 2017 It Will Be Harder for Folks to Earn Top-Tier Status With Hyatt and to Get Perks Like Suite Upgrades!

    I’ll explain what this news means for you.

    Hyatt Program Changes

    According to Pen and Passport, in March 2017, Hyatt’s loyalty program, Hyatt Gold Passport, will become “World of Hyatt.”

    Along with the name change, you’ll see major changes to the program’s Elite status qualification rules and the perks that come with each membership level.

    The good news is, there does NOT seem to be any changes coming to Hyatt’s award chart.  So these changes mainly affect folks who are interested in Elite status with Hyatt.

    What’s Changing?

    There are currently 3 Elite tiers under the Hyatt Gold Passport program: Member, Platinum, and Diamond.  Hyatt is replacing these membership levels with 4 new tiers, Member, Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist.

    Under the new Elite qualification rules, you won’t be able to qualify for status based on stays.

    Instead, your status will be based on the number of qualifying nights or spending with Hyatt.  And to qualify for the highest status, Globalist, you’ll have to stay at least 60 nights per year.  That’s more than DOUBLE the current requirement for their current top-tier Diamond status of 25 Hyatt stays in a year.

    Here’s a look at the new membership levels and perks according to Pen and Passport:

    Tip: Head to the Hotel Gym and Snag Free Bottled Water There If You Don’t Have Hyatt Elite Status!

    As you can see, the major difference between the old rules and new rules is that you’ll have to spend more money or more nights with Hyatt to earn status.

    I’m also interested to learn which status will come with the Chase Hyatt card once these changes go into effect.  Because the card currently offers automatic Platinum status.

    I’ll keep you posted as we learn more!

    Bottom Line

    If the rumors are true, major changes to Hyatt’s loyalty program will be coming in March 2017.

    The good new is, these changes do NOT impact Hyatt’s award chart as of now.  But it will be harder to earn Elite status.  And the perks of each Elite membership level are changing.

    What do you think about these rumored changes?  Let me know in the comments!

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)