Wyndham Free Status Essential Workers
Over the past couple of weeks we have seen a number of travel brands make the right decision by their customers with elite status extensions and more. Personally that means my AA Executive Platinum status gifted from Hyatt is good another year, my Hyatt Globalist status is extended and even my Hilton Diamond from Hilton Aspire is safe through 2022.
Now, another program where I hold high status (due to the Caesars partnership match) is getting in on the goodwill gestures. Wyndham has announced a number of customer friendly moves including one that I think sets them apart.
Wyndham Free Status Essential Workers – Gold Status!
I’ll get into the positive changes announced by Wyndham for existing elite members, however I want to start with some other good news that I hope is a sign of things to come. Wyndham is honoring essential workers by giving them Gold status through the end of next year!
Here is how it works:
Eligible workers—including, but not limited to, truck drivers, delivery drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers, sanitation workers, grocery associates and of course, healthcare workers—may claim their upgrades by visiting www.wyndhamrewards.com/heroes. The offer is available to both new and existing Wyndham Rewards members.
This is a great move! I suspect for many this will be a first “elite status” and will open the door to our great world of miles and points. Hopefully other travel providers find similar inspiration. In order to claim your status just click the link above and follow the instructions. The status will be good through the end of 2021.
Wyndham Extends Status & More
In addition to granting free Wyndham Rewards Gold status to essential workers, the company is doing right by their members in a number of other ways. Among the changes announced today are:
- All Gold, Platinum and Diamond members will have their member level extended through December 31, 2021
- Points expiration is being paused until September 30, 2020
- Cancellation and change penalties are being waived for stays through June 30, 2020 as long as the request to change/cancel is made 24+ hours in advance
- For stays after June 30, 2020 the cancellation & change fees will be waived for requests made 48+ hours in advance
Additionally Wyndham says, “We are committed to, and actively exploring, additional steps that we can take to help all Wyndham Rewards members globally, which will include relaxed Member Level earning requirements, among other options. Due to rapidly evolving circumstances, it’s too soon to share specifics, however, we will do so as soon as possible.”
You can find the full press release here.
Wyndham Does Right
Over the past couple of weeks we have seen many travel companies announce similar measures. Wyndham seems to not only be taking care of their customers, but they are using this opportunity to draw in new customers.
While Wyndham mostly has lower end properties and their status isn’t worth a whole lot to us in the miles/points space, it does have value and Wyndham has made a great move here! Making stays a little more comfortable for those doing the hard work now is something I can get behind! Let’s hope this inspires other companies to do the same.
Wyndham Free Status Essential Workers – Bottom Line
Wyndham is extending elite status, pausing points expirations and implementing a much more flexible cancellation policy for much of 2020. They are also taking things a step further and giving essential workers free Gold status through 2021. All great moves!
What do you think of the Wyndham Rewards changes? Should other companies offer elite status to essential workers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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It scared me for a moment when I read “They are also taking things a step further and giving essential workers free Gold status through 2021.” I had to go back and reread “All Gold, Platinum and Diamond members will have their member level extended through December 31, 2021.”
The Wyndham Diamond extension is great news. That will make the Caesar Total Rewards Diamond that much easier, ASSUMING that is still on for next year.
I am really glad that Wyndham did this. However, I am trying to think of any benefit that I have received at Wyndham properties as a Diamond member. I have received very significant benefits from Caesars Entertainment which is the only reason that I pursue the Wyndham Doamond status.