A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
IMO other things being equal one either wants to do a status challenge starting in July so that the status lasts as long as possible or you want to start in January so that the status challenge MQMs you fly also count for the year's earnings and help you to earn status for the following year.