Marriott Testing Airline-Style Upgrade List in Bonvoy App
by Daniel McCarthy
Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort deluxe king room. Photo: Marriott International
If you or your client have ever stood at a Marriott front desk wondering whether your Bonvoy status is going to score you that corner suite or just a slightly quieter view of the parking lot, some transparency might finally be on the way.
During Marriott International’s Q3 2026 earnings call, CEO Tony Capuano revealed that Marriott is testing a proprietary, in-app complimentary upgrade list built entirely in-house on its new technology platform.
According to Marriott, the feature, which is currently being tested in beta, gives eligible elite members a real-time window into their placement on the upgrade list ahead of arrival. Instead of flying blind until you hand over your ID at the desk, the app shows members their precise position in line alongside an estimate of available matching rooms, much like airlines do with their upgrades now.
Access to the upgrade list isn’t for everyone in the app. Upgrades remain strictly tied to Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, which guests earn by staying anywhere from 10 nights a year for Silver up to 100 nights plus $23,000 in qualifying spend for top-tier Ambassador Elite status.
However, space-available complimentary upgrades only kick in starting at the Gold Elite tier (25 nights), which offers room enhancements like preferred views or higher floors. The real suite upgrades don’t come into play until members hit Platinum Elite (50 nights), Titanium Elite (75 nights), or Ambassador Elite.
