The IHG Ambassador program has launched the Ambassador Membership Extension option, allowing a once-off membership extension. Depending on how long you have been a member of the program, you will be able to extend by either 2 or 6 months.
The Ambassador Membership Extension – Why?
Life has a way of interrupting the travel plans of even the most frequent traveller. You may be welcoming a new addition to your family. You could be starting a new job. Or you could even be helping someone else with a life challenge.
As an InterContinental® Ambassador, you now have the option to extend your membership for two months. Or, if you have been an Ambassador for at least two consecutive years, you have the option to extend your membership for six months.
In adding the option, they join a variety of programs have that have added some form of status hold. The best part, IHG hasn’t put any specific criteria on your reasons for needing an extension. At least, not beyond their being some life event. So, it looks like they will entertain a broad range of reasons.
Applying
As an InterContinental Ambassador member, you are able to apply for an extension of up to a six-months. Note that the six-month option is only available if you have been a member for two consecutive years. If you are in your first two years of membership, you can apply for a shorter two-month membership.
If you are planning to go down this path, remember that you can only do this once. In addition, once it is applied to your account, you cannot back out of the change. You are locked in for good.
Thoughts
It would seem that this might be worth doing in the lead up to your renewal. That is, you could defer your renewal for 6 (or 2) months. You will need to pull the trigger before your actual expiry date. If you let your membership expire, then you will not be eligible for the extension.
Given IHG Ambassador is a paid membership, the ability to pause membership is not as critical as other programs. The worst case is that you let your membership lapse, and sign up again at a later date. Even so, it’s a nice gesture for the program to add this option.
For further details and to apply for an Ambassador Membership Extension, head to the IHG website.
