Just had an outstanding conversation with “next available” MHC. I have 2 Cat 1-7 (expirations end of January and end of May) which I was planning to use in combination with 3 points award nights @35k each for a few days of skiing. The hotel in question only had multiple consecutive award nights available in January at less than optimal dates for me which would have put a damper on the entire trip. (Also would have meant skiing on a weekend and holiday week which in my book, for many ski resorts, is a sin .)

She confirmed that exp date cannot be extended by them or anyone else and that MHC cannot ask a hotel to make additional nights available for award redemption. I was all set to make the reservation for the less preferred dates … until:

She asked about the first week in February and when I said that would be after expiration of one of the Cat 1-7, she said “we do have empowerment”. Further discussion was that MHC could post the difference between 20k (for expired Cat 1-7) and a points award night, in this case 15k. She made the reservation for the end of February (using 1 Cat 1-7 exp May and 4 nights @ 35k each) and posted the 15k “Customer Service” points during the conversation. I’ll call a day or 2 after the other Cat 1-7 expires and be credited the 20k and essentially be made whole again.

Very happy camper , thank you WOH and MHC !!!

(Addendum: 20k points for expired Cat 1-7 posted immediately upon calling 1 day after expiration.)