Originally Posted by
Rearviewmirror1
Hi all,
I have recently hit PM, which will be good through Jan 31, 2019. I searched the forums, but apologies if this is answered elsewhere already. There's a reasonable chance my flying habits will dial back considerably in 2018 (all being well!) and so I want to make sure I time cashing in my Choice Benefits appropriately.
Am I right in thinking that the clock starts on Regional Upgrade Certificates when you request that as your choice benefit, not when your Platinum status is running? i.e. should I wait until December 2018 to cash them in, to up my chances of regional upgrades for 2019?
Thanks very much,
RVM
The one year expiration date starts from when they are issued which is usually the same day you request them. You can wait until you need to use one the first time to request so long as you request prior to January 31, 2019 and they will be good for a year from that date. Sometimes it takes a few hours for the RUC to be issued and appear in your account which could result in a lost opportunity if there is inventory available in advance. I have had that happen on a Transcon and lost the seat when waiting for the RUCs to be issued. But I still prefer to wait until I need the first RUC to push the expiration date out as long as possible.