Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) launched Eastern Explorer Rewards with China Eastern Airlines in December 2016 (read more here) and the program was closed for new sign ups on July 15, 2018.
Now, Marriott Bonvoy has sent out an email for members of this programs and posted a note on the partnership page that Eastern Explorer Rewards will end effective May 26, 2019.
You can access Marriott Bonvoy’s page for this partnership here.
READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions
Here’s the announcement:
The Eastern Explorer Rewards Program initiated jointly by Marriott Bonvoy (which replaced StarwoodPreferred Guest) and Eastern Miles will expire at 24:00 on May 26th, 2019 Beijing Standard Time. Members of Eastern Explorer Rewards can continue to enjoy the rights and benefits under the program from now till the program expires.
Our partnership with China Eastern does not end here, Marriott Bonvoy members will continue to earn China Eastern Miles by completing qualified stays or through Marriott Bonvoy Rewarding Events at participating properties; Marriott Bonvoy members will also still be able to convert their Marriott Bonvoy points to China Eastern, in each case, subject to terms and conditions.
Please reach out to Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service at +86 400 890 3588 or China Eastern Customer Hotline at +86 95530 for any questions.
Marriott Bonvoy will continue to explore strategic partnerships to enhance benefits and travel experience for Marriott Bonvoy members.
Here are the partnership benefits:
Conclusion
SPG had partnerships with Delta Air Lines, Emirates and China Eastern. The link with Delta was promptly ended after Marriott take over due to latter’s partnership with competitor United.
The linking of accounts for both China Eastern and Emirates programs closed on July 15, 2018. The partnership with China Eastern ends effective Sunday this week.
There is a note on Marriott’s page for the Your Worlds Rewards with Emirates (access here) that members should check back when the sign up for the program returns. I would assume that this is also ending once Marriott’s contract with Emirates runs out.
Sad to see these disappear.
Marriott continues to tear apart the benefits of SPG… despite Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson saying that SPG members will get to keep the benefits they love with Marriott.