IHG Rewards has just announced the requirements to maintain or gain status in 2021. This comprises 2 parts. Firstly, the reduced requirements introduced in 2020 will be used in 2021. Secondly, any qualifying nights you stayed in 2020 will also count for 2021.
Lower Elite Status Requirements
First up, IHG Rewards has extended the reduced elite status requirements introduced in 2020. In 2021, you will have to meet these reduced requirements in order to determine your status in 2022.
Once again, these requirements reflect a reduction of 25% of the standard requirements.
The reductions of at least 25%, affect both the Elite Qualifying Points and Night requirements. In addition, each level sees a proportionate reduction.
Night Rollover from 2020
Any qualifying nights you gained in 2020 will be rolled over into 2021. Of course, that somewhat assumes that you managed to stay any. Many people had quite a lean year for hotel stays last year.
Anyway, if you managed to have some, you are off to a bit of a head start for 2021.
The rollover appears to only take into account nights stayed. IHG Rewards do not seem to be rolling any Qualifying Points from 2020 into 2021. It is just the nights.
Thoughts
It’s good to see IHG Rewards finally come through with its requirements for 2021. Unsurprisingly, it is a repeat of the requirements that were put into place for 2020.
On the surface, it is not quite as good as competitors that are basically halving their requirements. Still, with the 2,000 bonus points promotion on at the moment, there are opportunities to boost status.
For up to date information, refer to the IHG travel advisory.
