Originally Posted by
swag
I may be confused, but does this imply that the initial qualification year counts double? That is, for HNS, qualifying in 2015 for the remainder of 2015 and for the 2016 program year. If HNS first joined in 2015, by 12/31/18 there can be at most 4 years with sufficient qualifying stays (2015-18), but 5 years of resulting membership benefits (2015-19).
And if so... I'm trying to count my elite years on the Marriott side, will the same approach be followed there?
The first year in which you attain the status is simply early recognition for the earned year+1 benefit year status.
If HNS earned Plat in the 2015 calendar year, s/he was simply awarded early recognition for the 2016/2017 benefit year instead of having to wait until March 1, 2016 to begin enjoying Plat benefits. So no, it's not double counted.