Originally Posted by
irishguy28
In short - if you're close to Platinum, you should consider if it's not worthwhile making a little extra effort in the current year, as it can extend your status for a longer period and therefore carry you through a fallow period. But if you're not flying in that period - it probably doesn't make much sense to have status; that said, if your long-term gold is to keep at least Gold, you're best not allowing yourself drop down to Silver or Ivory; getting back to Gold is harder now than before. As such, a few extra XPs to make Platinum could work out cheaper, overall.
I think it all depends on preferences and travel patterns of an individual. Can you get Platinum in 2018 and do you expect so little flights in 2019 that including rollover you will miss Gold? Then absolutely go for Platinum now and enjoy Platinum in 2019 and soft-landed Gold in 2020. Do you fly most years close to 180 XPs but do shave this occasional year where you fly less, say 100 XPs, which will set you back to Silver? Then having 100 XPs in the bank can be a good strategy. Add to this how you value the additional perks of being Platinum (for a year) like EC and Platinum line, and you have all ingredients for a decision.