The Covid-19 pandemic has put a significant crimp on travel plans around the world. In response, there has been a flurry of updates and changes coming from the various hotel chains.
World of Hyatt has just announced a series of updates and changes.
World of Hyatt changes
Award Chart Changes delayed:
Hyatt has decided to postpone the introduction of Off-Peak and Peak point redemptions until 2021. These redemption options were scheduled to begin on 22 March. There is no specific date as to when they will now come into play. However, it may well be sometime mid-late March.
As a result of this delay, free-night redemptions will continue to be at the current standard rates for the rest of this year.
Tier Status Extension
World of Hyatt has processed tier extensions for members in the Asia Pacific region. They now recognise that something will need to be done elsewhere in the world. However, they have not yet decided what that something will be
Suspending Points Forfeiture
World of Hyatt has also decided to suspend forfeiture of points. Normally, World of Hyatt, are forfeited if a member’s account is inactive for 24 consecutive months.
Any points that would be forfeited between now and 31 May 31 will not be forfeited on schedule.
Booking Flexibility
Hyatt has also made updates to its cancellation policies. These policies are evolving over time, so you can always check out the current policies on this page.
There are some special exceptions in place for Advance Purchase (non-refundable) rates made on or before 13 March 2020 for arrivals before 30 June 2020.
All existing reservations made before March 13, 2020 that are for arrivals between March 14 and April 30, 2020 can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.
For bookings made between 14 March and 30 April 2020
Any reservation you make between March 13, 2020, and April 30, 2020 – for any future arrival date – can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. This includes Advance Purchase Rate reservations.
Members that had booked an Advance Purchase rate prior to 8 March have an additional option:
Special exceptions are in place for all Advance Purchase Rate non-refundable reservations made directly with Hyatt on or before March 8, 2020 for arrivals before June 30, 2020. Guests holding these fully prepaid reservations who have decided not to travel may still opt, at least 24 hours before their stay, to receive 10,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points compensation in lieu of both their stay and the offer above (if eligible).