Originally Posted by
dannybhoy
As of 1/1/2017, I'm in my 10th year as SPG Plat (or 1 year to LTP according to my Dashboard). Incidentally, I've also 25 nights to 500 LTP nights as of 1/1/2017 (according to my Dashboard).
I'm wondering if I should frontload on stays for 2017 to hit SPG Plat for the year (on Plat-light 25 stays) asap and hopefully also achieve 25 LTP nights in the bargain, thereby achieving LTP as early as possible in 2017.
Or should I just take my time and just aim to complete both LTP criteria before end of 2017 (given that the merger changes will most likely take place in 2018 anyway)?
If you already have Plat status for 2017, there is no real advantage to front-loading your stays this year. Other than the trinkets you might get once you reach LTP, all your benefits are the same. Now if you can reach higher Plat levels this year, then yes, doing as many stays as early as you can will get you those benefits for longer.
They have said the programs will remain separate until at least 2018. Some are speculating they will announce as early as 2Q 2017 what changes will be made. There is nothing solid yet, so roll the dice and be ready to change plans once they announce the new program and when it will become effective.