Ever dreamed of using your hard-earned hotel points to explore the world in the comfort of an airline seat? Well, you're in luck! Transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to United Airlines MileagePlus miles is a fantastic way to unlock incredible travel experiences. But how long does it really take? Let's dive in and demystify the process.
How Long Does It Take to Transfer Marriott Points to United Airlines?
The short answer, as stated by Marriott Bonvoy's terms and conditions, is that point transfers generally take about one week. However, this can vary, with some transfers being faster (potentially 1-2 days) and others taking a bit longer. While some sources might suggest an "immediate" transfer, it's safer to plan for at least a few days, and realistically, up to a full week or even slightly more, especially if there are weekends or holidays involved. The general consensus from frequent travelers is that it's not instantaneous, and patience is key.
This uncertainty can be a bit frustrating, especially when you're trying to snag a high-demand award flight. Therefore, it's crucial to initiate your transfer well in advance of when you plan to book your flight.
Step-by-Step Guide: Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points to United Airlines MileagePlus
Ready to turn your hotel stays into flights? Let's walk through the process.
Step 1: Do you have enough points for your dream flight?
Before you even think about transferring, the very first thing you need to do is check your Marriott Bonvoy balance and determine how many United miles you need for your desired flight. Have you already scouted out that amazing business class seat to Europe, or are you just looking for a quick domestic hop? Knowing your goal is paramount!
Sub-heading: Understanding the Transfer Ratio Marriott Bonvoy points generally transfer to most airline partners, including United MileagePlus, at a 3:1 ratio. This means for every 3 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you'll receive 1 United MileagePlus mile.
Sub-heading: The United Bonvoy Partnership Bonus Here's where it gets even better! As part of the preferred partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus (known as "RewardsPlus"), you get a fantastic bonus. For every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you'll receive an additional 10,000 United MileagePlus miles. This effectively sweetens the deal on larger transfers.
Let's do some quick math to illustrate:
If you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you'd normally get 20,000 United miles (60,000 / 3).
But with the bonus, you'll actually receive 30,000 United miles (20,000 + 10,000 bonus). This changes the effective transfer ratio to 2:1 for every 60,000 points transferred, making it significantly more valuable. Aim for increments of 60,000 Marriott points if possible!
Step 2: Log in to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account
This is where the magic begins.
Navigate to the official Marriott Bonvoy website.
Click on the "Sign In" or "Log In" button, typically found in the top right corner of the page.
Enter your Marriott Bonvoy member number or email address and your password.
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer Process
Once logged in, you'll need to find the section for transferring points to airline partners.
Look for a section related to "Redeem Points" or "Use Points."
Within that section, you'll usually find an option for "Flights" or "Transfer Points to Miles." Click on this.
Step 4: Select United MileagePlus as Your Transfer Partner
Marriott Bonvoy has a wide array of airline partners.
You'll see a list of various airline loyalty programs. Scroll through or use a search function to locate "United MileagePlus."
Carefully select United MileagePlus to ensure your points go to the correct program.
Step 5: Enter Your United MileagePlus Account Details
This is a critical step to ensure your miles are credited to the right place.
You'll be prompted to enter your United MileagePlus account number. Double-check this number for accuracy. A single digit error can cause significant delays or even loss of your points.
If your frequent flyer account number is already stored in your Marriott Bonvoy account (perhaps from previous activity), it might auto-populate. Always verify it.
Step 6: Specify the Number of Points to Transfer
Now, input the amount of Marriott Bonvoy points you wish to transfer.
Remember the 3:1 ratio and the 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points.
The system will usually show you the corresponding number of United miles you will receive, including any applicable bonus. This is a great way to confirm you're transferring the right amount.
There are typically minimum and maximum transfer amounts. For Marriott, you can generally transfer between 3,000 and 240,000 Marriott points per day.
Step 7: Review and Confirm Your Transfer
Before finalizing, take a moment to carefully review all the details on the confirmation page.
Verify the number of Marriott points being transferred.
Confirm the correct United MileagePlus account number.
Check the total number of United miles you expect to receive.
Read and accept the terms and conditions.
Click the "Confirm" or "Submit" button to complete the transfer request.
Step 8: Monitor Your United MileagePlus Account
This is where the waiting game begins.
Keep an eye on your United MileagePlus account online.
While Marriott states "about a week," transfers can sometimes appear within 1-2 business days. However, it's not uncommon for them to take 3-5 business days, and in some cases, up to 7 business days or more.
Patience is a virtue here! Avoid contacting customer service too soon, as they likely won't have an update until the standard processing time has passed.
Step 9: What if the Miles Haven't Arrived?
If the stated transfer time has passed and your miles are still missing:
First, re-check your MileagePlus account. Sometimes, a simple refresh or re-login can reveal them.
Check your email for any confirmation or error messages from Marriott Bonvoy regarding the transfer.
Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service: If the miles still haven't appeared after the estimated time (e.g., 7-10 business days), reach out to Marriott Bonvoy's customer service. Have your transfer confirmation number (if provided) and your account details ready. They can investigate the status of the transfer from their end.
Contact United MileagePlus Customer Service: If Marriott confirms the transfer has been processed on their side, but the miles aren't in your United account, then contact United MileagePlus customer service.
Important Considerations and Tips:
Plan Ahead! Due to the varying transfer times, never transfer points for an immediate award booking unless you have a backup plan or the award space is not highly contested. It's best to have the miles in your account before you find your perfect flight.
Hold Award Space (If Possible): Some airlines allow you to "hold" an award ticket for a certain period (e.g., 24-72 hours) while you transfer points. Always check if United offers this for your desired flight before initiating a transfer. This can be a lifesaver.
Track Your Transfers: Keep a record of the date you initiated the transfer, the amount transferred, and the confirmation number. This will be invaluable if you need to follow up.
Consider United Credit Cards: If you frequently fly United and need miles quickly, consider co-branded United credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses and earning opportunities directly with United MileagePlus.
Alternative Earning: Remember that you can also earn United miles through other loyalty programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards, which transfer instantly to United) or by flying United and its Star Alliance partners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points balance?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy points balance by logging into your account on the Marriott Bonvoy website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app.
How to find my United MileagePlus account number?
Your United MileagePlus account number is typically found by logging into your United Airlines account on their website or mobile app. It's usually displayed prominently on your profile page.
How to get the 10,000 bonus miles when transferring to United?
The 10,000 bonus miles are automatically applied when you transfer Marriott Bonvoy points in increments of 60,000 points to United MileagePlus. You don't need to do anything extra to receive it.
How to track the status of my Marriott to United transfer?
Marriott Bonvoy's online system may not provide real-time updates on point transfers. The best way to track it is to regularly check your United MileagePlus account for the deposited miles. You might also receive an email confirmation from Marriott when the transfer is complete.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for transfer issues?
You can find Marriott Bonvoy customer service contact information on their official website, usually under a "Contact Us" or "Help" section. Phone numbers are typically available for various regions. For India, the customer care number for reservations is often 1800 258 2555.
How to contact United MileagePlus customer service for missing miles?
You can contact United MileagePlus customer service through their official website, often under "MileagePlus Service Center" or "Contact Us." Their main phone number is typically 1-800-421-4655 (toll-free in the US).
How to transfer less than 60,000 Marriott points to United?
You can transfer any amount of Marriott points above the minimum threshold (usually 3,000 points) to United. However, the 10,000 bonus miles only apply for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred, so transferring smaller amounts will result in a lower effective transfer ratio.
How to avoid losing award space while waiting for miles to transfer?
If United Airlines allows it, you can try to place the desired award ticket on hold while you wait for your points to transfer. Otherwise, it's a risk you take, and transferring points well in advance is the safest strategy.
How to know if a United Airlines flight is an award flight?
When searching for flights on the United Airlines website, look for options to "Book with miles" or "Award Travel." The prices displayed will be in miles instead of cash.
How to maximize the value of my Marriott Bonvoy points for flights?
To maximize value, always aim to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points in 60,000-point increments to get the 10,000 bonus miles for United. Also, research award charts (if applicable) and consider the cash cost of a flight versus the miles required to ensure you're getting a good redemption value.
