Business Treaveler logo

Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

Marriott and Cathay Pacific Expand Loyalty Program Partnership

Cathay Membership and Marriot Bonvoy members can now earn reciprocal benefits such as points conversions and status matching

by Fergus Cole

March 11, 2024

Photo: Airbus A350-1000. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific

Global hotel chain Marriott International and Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific have expanded their strategic partnership, offering eligible members of each brand’s loyalty program a limited status match offer and accelerated points earning.

As of February 26, Marriot Bonvoy and Cathay members can access reciprocal benefits, including two-way points transfers, redemptions on hotel stays, and enhanced flight and travel experiences.

Photo: Courtesy of Cathay Pacific

The collaboration gives Marriott access to Cathay Pacific’s pool of around 11 million frequent flyers, who themselves can earn privileged access to Marriott’s almost 8,800 hotels and resorts worldwide.

Under the new partnership terms, Marriott Bonvoy Points can be exchanged for Asia Miles and vice versa, providing members with greater access to exclusive offers and privileges. The two-way points conversion scheme allows 3 Marriott Bonvoy Points to be exchanged for 1 Asia Miles and 2 Asia Miles to be converted to 1 Marriott Bonvoy Point.

Asia Miles can be redeemed on a range of Cathay Pacific products, including flight tickets, extra baggage allowance, priority seat selection, and exclusive travel experiences. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy Points can be redeemed on hotel stays, gift cards, exclusive events, and more.

Members can also upgrade their status for a limited time. Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members can accelerate to Cathay Silver or Gold status, depending on their membership tier. Cathay Silver, Gold, and Diamond members can accelerate to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status.

Photo: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Courtesy of Marriott International

Also, members can gain expanded access to reciprocal perks and benefits for a limited time by matching their status with each membership program. A limited quota of Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members will be matched to Cathay Silver status, while Cathay Silver, Gold, and Diamond members can enjoy the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

“As the travel industry continues to transform, we are committed to curating and delivering the best experiences to connect our members through the power of travel,” said Alison Yang, Vice President of Revenue Strategy, Loyalty & Partnerships, and Distribution for Greater China at Marriott International.

“Together with Cathay, the expansion of our global airline partnership program presents an opportunity to engage more members in the region as they go even further and explore new destinations around the world.

“By unlocking a new wealth of rewards and privileges with both loyalty programs, members are encouraged to partake in a broader variety of experiences and benefits, while forging genuine connections with people and places as they learn more and feel more deeply in their next adventures.”

Paul Smitton, Director of Customer Lifestyle at Cathay, said: “Strengthening our partnership with Marriott allows Cathay members to unlock benefits even when they’re not flying. Members can enjoy more ways to earn and redeem their points and miles, providing greater value add to the program. This enhancement reaffirms our commitment to building our Travel Lifestyle brand and exemplifies our approach to delivering a connected customer journey.”