Hello, fellow traveler! Have you ever found yourself with a hefty stash of Marriott Bonvoy points, but your next big adventure requires a different kind of currency: Alaska Airlines miles? You're not alone. This is a common and excellent strategy for maximizing the value of your points. The question, however, is how long you'll need to wait for those points to make their journey.
Transferring points is an art and a science, especially when you have a specific flight in mind. The last thing you want is for that perfect award seat to disappear while your points are in transit. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this process, including the expected timeline, the step-by-step instructions, and some crucial tips to ensure a smooth transfer. Let's get started!
The Grand Adventure of Points Transfer: From Marriott to Alaska
The short and sweet answer is that you can generally expect your Marriott Bonvoy points to transfer to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan in about 2 days. Some sources indicate a range from 2 to 4 days, while Marriott's official terms state it can take up to a week. The key takeaway here is to not expect an instant transfer. This isn't like moving money from one bank account to another; it's a multi-step process involving two separate loyalty programs.
Understanding the timeline is the first and most critical step. The transfer time can be influenced by a number of factors, including the day of the week you initiate the transfer, any potential system issues, and the current workload of both Marriott and Alaska Airlines.
 |
| How Long Does It Take For Marriott Points To Transfer To Alaska Airlines |
Step 1: The Pre-Transfer Checklist - Don't Skip This!
Before you even think about clicking "transfer," you need to prepare. This is where most people make mistakes that can delay their plans. So, let's make sure you're ready to go.
Sub-heading: Confirm Your Account Information
This is absolutely non-negotiable. The names on your Marriott Bonvoy and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan accounts must match exactly. We're talking first name, middle name (if applicable), and last name. If there's even a single letter out of place, the transfer will likely fail, and you'll have to start over, adding valuable days to your waiting period.
Sub-heading: Find Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Number
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
You can't send points to an account without an address! Make sure you have your correct Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number readily available. Log into your Alaska Airlines account and copy it directly to avoid any typos.
Sub-heading: Check Award Flight Availability
This is arguably the most important step. Never transfer points speculatively. Before you transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points, you must confirm that the award flight you want is actually available on Alaska Airlines. Find the flight, check the seat availability, and see if you can put the award on hold. While not all airlines allow this, it's worth checking. Holding the award ticket ensures that your seat is locked in while your points are in transit, eliminating the risk of losing the booking.
Step 2: Initiating the Transfer on the Marriott Bonvoy Website
Once your checklist is complete, you're ready to make the transfer. The process is straightforward, but you need to be precise.
Sub-heading: The 3:1 Transfer Ratio and the 5,000-Mile Bonus
Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to most airline partners, including Alaska Airlines, at a 3:1 ratio. This means that 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points will become 1,000 Alaska Airlines miles.
But here's a crucial tip to maximize your value: for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer in a single transaction, you'll receive a 5,000-mile bonus. This means that a transfer of 60,000 Bonvoy points will net you a total of 25,000 Alaska Airlines miles (20,000 from the base transfer + 5,000 bonus).
Sub-heading: The Step-by-Step Online Process
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Navigate to the "Redeem" section of your account dashboard.
Find the "Transfer Points to Miles" page. This might be under a sub-menu like "Use Points for Travel" or similar.
Select Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan from the list of airline partners.
Enter your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number and confirm that your name matches the details on your Marriott account.
Input the number of points you wish to transfer. Remember to aim for increments of 60,000 to get the bonus! The minimum transfer amount is 3,000 points.
Confirm the transfer. You may be asked to verify your identity with a code sent to your email or phone. Once you confirm, the process is officially underway.
Step 3: The Waiting Game - What to Do While Your Points Are in Transit
This is the phase that requires patience. While the transfer is a relatively quick process compared to some other programs, it's not instantaneous.
Sub-heading: How to Track Your Transfer (Or Lack Thereof)
 |
Unfortunately, there's no real-time tracker for this transfer. Your best bet is to check your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account periodically. You'll see the miles appear in your balance once the transfer is complete. You may also receive an email notification from Alaska Airlines.
Sub-heading: What to Do if It's Taking Longer Than Expected
If it's been more than a week and the miles haven't shown up, it's time to take action. First, double-check that all your account details are correct. If everything looks good, contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service. They can investigate the status of the transfer and see if there was an issue on their end.
Pro-tip: Have your transfer confirmation number ready when you call. This will make the process much smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Alaska Airlines?
You can transfer points online by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account, navigating to the "Redeem" section, and selecting "Transfer Points to Miles." From there, choose Alaska Airlines, enter your Mileage Plan number, and the number of points you want to transfer.
How to get the 5,000-mile bonus when transferring Marriott points?
To get the 5,000-mile bonus, you must transfer a minimum of 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in a single transaction. This bonus is offered for every 60,000 points transferred.
How to check if my names match on both accounts?
Simply log in to your Marriott Bonvoy and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan accounts and look at the personal information listed on your profiles. Ensure the first, middle, and last names are identical.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service about a delayed transfer?
You can find the customer service contact information on the Marriott Bonvoy website. It's best to have your account number and the transfer confirmation number on hand when you call.
How to know the transfer is complete?
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
You will know the transfer is complete when you see the miles reflected in your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account balance. You may also receive a confirmation email.
How to transfer points from my account to someone else's Alaska Airlines account?
You cannot transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to an airline account with a different name. The names on both accounts must match exactly.
How to get the best value from my Marriott point transfer?
The best way to get value is to take advantage of the 5,000-mile bonus by transferring in increments of 60,000 points and using the miles for high-value award flights, especially in business or first class.
How to find my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number?
You can find your Mileage Plan number by logging into your account on the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app. It's typically located on your profile page.
How long do I need to wait for my points to show up?
While the average transfer time is around 2 days, you should allow for up to a week. The official terms and conditions state that transfers can take up to seven business days.
How to avoid my award seat being taken while the points are transferring?
If possible, place the award ticket on hold with Alaska Airlines before you initiate the transfer. This will lock in your seat while you wait for your miles to arrive. Not all airlines offer this, so be sure to check their policy.
 |
