Hilton HHonors - Expired HHonors Points?

I had 25,000 HHonors points expire. I caught it within a week or so of the expiration. Hilton told me I could request that they be reinstated. I did so and was eventually told that they would not reinstate just because I asked but, if I would stay at a Hilton, they would give me 5,000 bonus points per stay for the first 5 stays within a year.

I earned those points over years and did not know they were subject to expiration.

Any suggestions (other than stay 5 times)?

This issue has been discussed extensively, you might want to look into these two threads:

How To Keep Hilton HHonors Points From Expiring: The Definitive Thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=435471)

The Definitive “HELP! My Hilton HHonors Points Have ALREADY Expired!” Thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=404767)

Thank you!

I am truly amazed people with points and miles would not take the time to read the Terms and Conditions, at least annually, to keep up on these things. Seriously - these are frequent flyer and frequent guest programmes, and they seem to tighten up on longevity - many airlines have changed from "ever expire" to "three years" and now to "eighteen months."

HHonors has always been up front about stating what happens - no activity for six months, you get dropped from e-mail etc. lists; no activity for twelve months, you lose your points.

From HHonors Terms and Conditions (2007):

"12. Members who do not earn points in any 6 consecutive month period may be removed from the mailing list of active Members. A Member may reactivate his or her account by accumulating points or by other such means that Hilton HHonors Worldwide, LLC, may establish.

13. Members who do not earn points in any 12 month consecutive month period may be removed from the Program and, if so, are subject to forfeiture of all accumulated points. The account may be reactivated by the member taking one of the following actions:

a. stay at an HHonors hotel, thus reactivating membership
b. earn HHonors points through any third party source of HHonors point accumulation
c. purchase HHonors points

Failure to take action (a), (b), or (c) described above within the prescribed 90-day period will result in the closure of the Member's account and the forfeiture of all accumulated points. Members can redeem HHonors points for any HHonors reward for which they are eligible prior to the account being closed. After the points have been redeemed, the HHonors account will be closed and all remaining points in the account will be forfeited."

It's all there in black and white.

I'm pleased to have truly amazed you.

I am truly amazed people with points and miles would not take the time to read the Terms and Conditions, at least annually, to keep up on these things. Seriously - these are frequent flyer and frequent guest programmes, and they seem to tighten up on longevity - many airlines have changed from "ever expire" to "three years" and now to "eighteen months."

HHonors has always been up front about stating what happens - no activity for six months, you get dropped from e-mail etc. lists; no activity for twelve months, you lose your points.

From HHonors Terms and Conditions (2007):

"12. Members who do not earn points in any 6 consecutive month period may be removed from the mailing list of active Members. A Member may reactivate his or her account by accumulating points or by other such means that Hilton HHonors Worldwide, LLC, may establish.

13. Members who do not earn points in any 12 month consecutive month period may be removed from the Program and, if so, are subject to forfeiture of all accumulated points. The account may be reactivated by the member taking one of the following actions:

a. stay at an HHonors hotel, thus reactivating membership
b. earn HHonors points through any third party source of HHonors point accumulation
c. purchase HHonors points

Failure to take action (a), (b), or (c) described above within the prescribed 90-day period will result in the closure of the Member's account and the forfeiture of all accumulated points. Members can redeem HHonors points for any HHonors reward for which they are eligible prior to the account being closed. After the points have been redeemed, the HHonors account will be closed and all remaining points in the account will be forfeited."

It's all there in black and white.

Come on, we have so many programs with different terms. I have never read any. I rely on folks like you to set me straight when I fall off the path:D