Managing your airline and hotel points is crucial to maximizing your travel rewards. Unlike physical goods like milk with clearly printed expiration dates, the expiration details of points programs can be buried deep in terms and conditions. Here's a comprehensive guide to the expiration policies of major airline and hotel programs and ways to reset their clocks.

Airline Programs

Aeromexico – Club Premier

• Expiration Time: No expiration (since April 10, 2023).

Air Canada – Aeroplan

• Expiration Time: 18 months of inactivity.
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem, earn, or purchase miles.
  • Transfer miles from Amex, Chase, or Capital One.
  • Use the Aeroplan shopping portal or donate miles.

Air France – KLM Flying Blue

• Expiration Time: 24 months of inactivity.
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem, earn, or purchase miles.
  • Transfer points from Marriott, Hilton, or IHG.
  • Hold FlyingBlue Silver, Gold, or Platinum status.

American Airlines – AAdvantage

• Expiration Time: 24 months of inactivity (if over 18 years old).
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem or earn miles.
  • Hold an AAdvantage credit card or Bask Bank account.
  • Shop through AA’s shopping or dining portal.

Delta SkyMiles

• Expiration Time: No expiration.

Emirates – Skywards

• Expiration Time: 3 years from the month of earning, extended for a fee.

Southwest Rapid Rewards

• Expiration Time: No expiration.

United MileagePlus

• Expiration Time: No expiration.

Hotel Programs

Hilton Honors

• Expiration Time: 24 months of inactivity.
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem or earn points.
  • Use Hilton’s shopping or dining portals.

Hyatt – World of Hyatt

• Expiration Time: 24 months of inactivity.
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem or earn points.
  • Transfer points from Chase or Bilt.

IHG Rewards Club

• Expiration Time: 12 months of inactivity (points don't expire for elite members).
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem or earn points.
  • Hold a Chase IHG credit card.

Marriott Bonvoy

• Expiration Time: 24 months of inactivity.
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem points (only after completing a stay).
  • Transfer points or redeem for charity.
  • Purchase food or drink at Marriott restaurants.

Choice Privileges

• Expiration Time: 18 months of inactivity.
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem or earn points.
  • Use the Choice Privileges shopping portal.

Wyndham Rewards

• Expiration Time: 18 months of inactivity.
• Ways to Reset:
  • Redeem or earn points.
  • Transfer points from Capital One.

Pro Tips for Managing Points

1. Use credit cards aligned with your travel programs to earn points regularly.
2. Transfer points from partner programs to keep accounts active.
3. Utilize shopping portals associated with these programs for small purchases.

By keeping track of these policies and applying the tips above, you can ensure your hard-earned points remain active and ready to unlock amazing travel experiences.