Hyatt Favorably Updates Suite Upgrade and Lounge Access Award Terms

My suite at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

World of Hyatt today announced a number of updates regarding suite upgrade awards for Globalists and Lifetime Globalists and lounge access awards for Explorists. I believe the elite tier members will be happy with these changes.

Extension of Validity Periods

World of Hyatt is extending the validity period for suite upgrade awards that members earn when they satisfy tier qualifying night or Base Point earning requirements within a calendar year, as well as for the 4 Club Lounge access awards that Explorists earn per year. For 2018 and beyond these awards will be valid through the member’s tier expiration date at the time they are earned, as opposed to 365 days. This means members’ awards earned in 2018 will expire February 29, 2020.

Lifetime Globalists can earn up to 8 suite upgrades per year

Upon achieving Lifetime Globalist status, members will receive four suite upgrade awards valid through the remainder of that year plus 14 months. Annually, Lifetime Globalists will receive four suite upgrade awards on or around March 1 valid for the remainder of that year plus 14 months. In addition, Lifetime Globalists who stay 60 qualifying nights or earn 100,000 Base Points in a calendar year will receive four additional suite upgrade awards that are valid for the remainder of the year they are earned plus 14 months.

Members will be able to see the extended expiration period on their 2018 awards reflected in their World of Hyatt account on June 1, 2018. These changes will also be reflected in the award program terms.

Grand Club at Grand Hyatt Bangkok

I think these are positive changes and an indication that World of Hyatt has been listening to suggestions (and complaints) from members. What do you think?