Why Transferring Marriott Points to Airlines Is a Mistake
The 3-to-1 trap
Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to most airline partners at about 3 to 1, so 60,000 Bonvoy points become only 20,000 airline miles. Because Bonvoy points are worth well under a cent each, that 20,000 miles represents a poor return, and the old transfer bonus that once sweetened it does not rescue the math. See our Marriott Bonvoy guide.
Why hotel nights win
Bonvoy points shine as hotel nights, where a property capped at a reasonable points price can have a high cash rate, and a fifth-night-free benefit stretches them further. Converting them to a small pile of airline miles throws that away. Unless you are topping up a tiny airline shortfall for a specific award, the transfer is a value loser. See what points are worth.
What to do instead
Use Bonvoy points for hotel stays, especially where the cash rate is high relative to the points price, and earn airline miles directly through a transferable bank currency or a co-brand card rather than converting Bonvoy. Keep the two currencies in their lanes. See transferable points explained.
Stop guessing at point values. Look up the real award price and live availability for a specific trip before you transfer.
Search award flights on seats.aero → · Search award stays on rooms.aero →Frequently asked questions
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