Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program for Marriott Hotels, and Lufthansa’s Miles & More have launched an elite status partnership. While this may be of limited value given some of the restrictions, it’s still cool to see more partnerships come to fruition.
Lufthansa Elites can Match Status to Marriott Bonvoy
Lufthansa Miles & More HON Circle and Senator members (which are the program’s highest two tiers) are eligible for an instant Marriott Bonvoy Gold status match. This is the second lowest tier in the Bonvoy hierarchy; ahead of Silver but, behind Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador.
Earning this status organically requires 25 nights in a Marriott property over the course of a calendar year, though some properties limit their earnings which can impact this. Currently, those that choose to match to this status would receive Marriott Gold status through February 2027.
Given that someone who is flying enough to earn HON Circle or Senator status likely has elite hotel status, this could be valuable for the traveler that is aligned with another program that may need to spend a few nights at a Marriott property. However, the important perks, like free breakfast and club lounge access, don’t kick in until Platinum.
Earn Miles & More Status Points on Marriott Stays
Marriott Bonvoy members can also earn Lufthansa Miles & More status points on Marriott hotel stays. These are different than the standard redeemable miles and can help travelers get closer to elite status in the Miles & more program. However, don’t have high expectations as the number of status points you can earn is limited.
Guests can earn 40 Miles & More status points per qualifying hotel stays, up to 120 status points. So this is limited to three status stays per year. Currently, Lufthansa Miles & More members need the following status points to earn status (half of which must come from qualifying flight activity other than HON Circle which must be exclusively earned through flying):
- Frequent Traveler: 650 status points
- Senator: 2,000 status points
- HON Circle: 6,000 status points
120 non-qualifying status points obviously doesn’t move the needle much when it comes to qualifying for Miles & More status but, if you’re a member and staying at a Marriott anyway, you may as well take the opportunity to get them.
Summary
Lufthansa Miles & More and Marriott Bonvoy have announced a new partnership which will allow Lufthansa frequent flyers to status match to Marriott Bonvoy Gold status. In addition, Miles & More members can earn 120 status points for three stays at Marriott properties.
While these aren’t game changing earning opportunities for either program, there is some value here if you’re chasing status with Miles & More or have a few upcoming stays at Marriott properties.