We’re all used to loyalty programs tightening the screws on the earnings potential of the programs. Going against the grain is Hilton Honors, which has just lifted some earnings restrictions in the program.
In addition, to lifting the earnings restrictions, Hilton are also adjusting the points expiration policy. These will now expire after 15 months of activity, rather than 12 months.
The Earnings Changes
The earnings changes were announced on Flyertalk. The terms and conditions have been updated to reflect the change.
- Members will now be able to earn Base Points on up to four rooms on eligible multi-room reservations, an increase from the current two rooms.
- There will no longer be a limit on the number of base points a member can earn per stay. Previously, Members were unable to accrue more than 100K Base Points per stay at certain brands.
- Members will now be able to earn points on eligible hotel incidental spend at all of Hilton Portfolio brands. Previously, Members staying at Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton properties earned points on room rate only.
The first change sees a change in the number of rooms that you can earn Base Points on. Lifting the restriction from 2 rooms up to 4 rooms is potentially good news if you travel with family or friends and book a number of rooms.
As for the second change, this probably only really affects a small number of members. However, the sky is now the limit as far as point earning is concerned.
And finally, the limit on earning incidentals at some brands is being removed. This is a good change as it removes some of the variations that occur across different brands across the Hilton Honors program.
Points Expiration
The adjustment to point expiration was not made in the original announcement. However, the terms and conditions have been updated to reflect the change to a 15 month inactivity period.
Now, sure these changes may not affect a lot of members. However, it is good to see a program removing some arbitrary restrictions in the program.
These changes are being made pretty much immediately.
