Hilton has announced a number of amendments to its Hilton Honors programme in the light of current global travel restrictions.

In a message sent to all members, the group said that “We consider it our privilege to have you as a Hilton Honors member and we want to show our appreciation by extending your benefits”.

Members who were due to have their status downgraded on March 31, 2020 will receive an extension through until March 31, 2021. This applies to all tier levels – Diamond, Gold or Silver.

In addition members with existing Diamond, Gold or Silver status will see their benefits extended through until March 31, 2022, regardless of travel levels over the next 12 months.

The scheme is also pausing the expiration of any points scheduled to expire between now and December 31, 2020, and is extending the expiration of all Weekend Night Rewards which were unexpired as of March 11, as well as any new ones issued until August 30, through until August 31, 2021.

There has been praise for the moves on our forum, which have gone further than most airline and hotel loyalty programmes so far.

Last week Accor announced plans to to credit loyalty members with 50 per cent of points required to achieve current status levels.

The amendments are in addition to the relaxing of booking policies at Hilton properties, which are as follows:

Existing Reservations

All reservations – even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are scheduled for arrival on or before June 30, 2020 can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival day.

New Reservations

Any reservations you make – even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”)—that are booked between today and June 30, 2020 for any future arrival date can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival day.

Hilton has also announced several initiatives to support local communities, including:

  • partnering with federal, state and local governments to provide housing for first responders and health care workers
  • financial assistance to organizations helping those impacted by COVID-19 through the Hilton Effect Foundation
  • the ability for Hilton Honors members to donate points to relief organisations including World Central Kitchen, Clean the World, Project Hope or Direct Relief

For a look at how hotels worldwide are ramping up their cleaning measures to reassure guests during the coronavirus pandemic, see:

Hotels ramp up cleaning measures amid coronavirus pandemic

hilton.com