Marriott Bonvoy offers something called a "soft landing" if you don't quite earn enough nights to keep your current elite status. Basically, they'll drop you down to the *next* lowest tier instead of all the way to basic member. So, if you're a Platinum Elite but only managed enough nights for Gold, you'll still be Gold instead of losing all your perks! This is awesome because it softens the blow and keeps you enjoying some benefits even if travel was light this year. Why does this matter? Well, elite status comes with perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, and bonus points, all making your stays way more comfortable and rewarding. Knowing you have a soft landing gives you a little breathing room. The article also suggests some last-minute strategies to try and re-qualify for your *current* status before you have to rely on the soft landing. Things like booking an extra stay or maximizing bonus earning opportunities. So, check it out to see if you can squeeze in a few more nights and keep those top-tier perks coming!