Mar 9, 2016, 12:19 pm
Last edit by: controller1
For those with questions regarding the best timing for applying for a Platinum or Gold status match, this is the policy to keep in mind for your individual determination:
Elite Expiration: The Elite Status Challenge entitles members to one full year of elite status, from one renewal period to the next (i.e. the end of February one year to the end of February the next year) and only carries over if they are upgraded on or after March 1st (whereas earning status naturally* gives members elite status for the remainder of the current year, carries over for the entirety of the following year, and expires at the end of February in the third year)
Elite Status Challenge Expiration Example: If a member is upgraded via the challenge on or before February 28th, 2017 they retain status until February 28th, 2018, the following year. If they are upgraded on or after March 1st, 2017 they retain status for the remainder of the year, all of 2018, up until February 28th, 2019.
Elite Expiration: The Elite Status Challenge entitles members to one full year of elite status, from one renewal period to the next (i.e. the end of February one year to the end of February the next year) and only carries over if they are upgraded on or after March 1st (whereas earning status naturally* gives members elite status for the remainder of the current year, carries over for the entirety of the following year, and expires at the end of February in the third year)
Elite Status Challenge Expiration Example: If a member is upgraded via the challenge on or before February 28th, 2017 they retain status until February 28th, 2018, the following year. If they are upgraded on or after March 1st, 2017 they retain status for the remainder of the year, all of 2018, up until February 28th, 2019.
SPG Status Match Request and Challenge Policy : Discussion Master Thread
Mar 31, 2011, 6:26 pm
#16
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
Got an automated reply saying they will get back to me in 48 hours.
Hope so, I am traveling on Sunday and checking into an Aloft property Sunday night.
Mar 31, 2011, 6:35 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: CLT
Programs: FT Member #8119 F & J Free Agent
Posts: 6,550
This does not affect me but I wouldn't word the policy change as advanced notice.
Mar 31, 2011, 8:04 pm
#18
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Plat, 1 MM; SPG LT Plat (RIP); Marriott LT Titanium; Fairmont Plat (RIP), DL Kryptonium Medallion
Posts: 1,791
Indeed. There is about as much advance notice on this as there is on seven day a week lounge access ... I don't think we have yet heard the final, official word on that and it's already April 1 in places.
Mar 31, 2011, 9:19 pm
#20
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,575
Tomorrow's policy is a challenge. Sounds like it'll be X EQN in Y total days. Sounds like the one-time restriction is gone. As with most airline/hotel challenges, your status in other programs becomes moot.
Although FT'ers love to debate whether these things are good or bad for the program, my hunch is that they alter the total ratio of Platinum paid nights to total available rooms by such a miniscule amount that it's barely measurable. There is no "status dilution" because of matches or challenges.
For every person who asks for a challenge, there are a thousand Plats out there who have no idea what the challenges are - they just keep staying at Starwoods using their corporate rate like they always have. Your odds of actually getting a worse room as a "real" Plat because "fake" Plats received upgrades are so close to zero it's hardly worth discussing.
Mar 31, 2011, 10:12 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,909
I wonder if SPG plans to charge for that, like AA with their challenges...
Mar 31, 2011, 10:47 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SFO
Posts: 886
It could be worse, people. On April 1, I'd expect a massive devaluation of starpoints at the least, or maybe a complete cancellation of the SPG program effective immediately. 
Or maybe no "Q2" promo.
Or maybe no "Q2" promo.
Mar 31, 2011, 11:11 pm
#23
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,575
After what Southwest just did to their loyalty program, I don't think the annual April 1st bump of that old "All FFP's are canceled" thread will come off quite so funny!
Mar 31, 2011, 11:15 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
Mar 31, 2011, 11:55 pm
#25
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SFO
Posts: 886
Any member wishing to apply for a Stay Challenge beginning April 1, 2011 can contact them at [email protected] in order to request consideration.
Apr 1, 2011, 12:00 am
#26
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: Starwood Gold, Amex Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat
Posts: 58
April fool joke....
Apr 1, 2011, 12:55 am
#27
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: UAL 1MM, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, AA 3MM
Posts: 831
I applied at 5:30 pm and my account showed Platinum status by 5:40 pm.
Thank you for the heads up.
Thank you for the heads up.
Apr 1, 2011, 4:26 am
#28
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,375
There is no evidence that the ranks had become bloated.
Good one ^.
Thanks William for this news on todays date!
Thanks William for this news on todays date!
Apr 1, 2011, 7:12 am
#29
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EP, UA Gold-MM, UA 1K (former), GS (former),SPG LT Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,299