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
Apr 1, 2011, 10:44 am
#31
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: HH Diamond, SPG Plat; no plans for chasing any more airline status.
Posts: 880
How exactly does this compare to the "other guys?" Do they all do challenge-based matches as well, or do some of them offer straight matches with (say, SPG Plat) top-tiered status?
Apr 1, 2011, 11:35 am
#33
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: Starwood Gold, Amex Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat
Posts: 58
Apr 1, 2011, 3:52 pm
#34
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 186
I contacted them and received a very quick response which I appreciate. I just thought my first few posts on Flyertalk should be beneficial rather than asking for help since I have been lurking on these forums for a couple of years and just benefited from that. Thought it was finally time to contribute! =]
This is the response I received.
"Dear Mr. QSYH,
Thank you for your interest in our Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum membership level. We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to reach that level sooner through our Platinum level challenge.
If, within the next 90 days of accepting the status challenge, you have posted to your account 15 eligible nights, this would be in addition to any eligible nights that are currently posted to your account, we will be more than happy to upgrade your member status to Platinum once the nights have posted to your account. If this is agreeable to you, please let me know at your earliest convenience so that I may properly document your account."
Very easy! I thought I misread it when it said 15 eligible nights instead of stays but this should be completed within two months for me.
So no... I do not believe it is an April Fool's joke.
This is the response I received.
"Dear Mr. QSYH,
Thank you for your interest in our Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum membership level. We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to reach that level sooner through our Platinum level challenge.
If, within the next 90 days of accepting the status challenge, you have posted to your account 15 eligible nights, this would be in addition to any eligible nights that are currently posted to your account, we will be more than happy to upgrade your member status to Platinum once the nights have posted to your account. If this is agreeable to you, please let me know at your earliest convenience so that I may properly document your account."
Very easy! I thought I misread it when it said 15 eligible nights instead of stays but this should be completed within two months for me.
So no... I do not believe it is an April Fool's joke.
Apr 1, 2011, 3:58 pm
#35
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
If it was, SPG probably would have waited until today to post it. @:-)
Congratulations, by the way. ^
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Congratulations, by the way. ^
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Apr 1, 2011, 4:40 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,909
Apr 1, 2011, 4:44 pm
#37
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Hey, it was March 31st where I posted it from. 
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Apr 1, 2011, 5:20 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
I contacted them and received a very quick response which I appreciate. I just thought my first few posts on Flyertalk should be beneficial rather than asking for help since I have been lurking on these forums for a couple of years and just benefited from that. Thought it was finally time to contribute! =]
This is the response I received.
"Dear Mr. QSYH,
Thank you for your interest in our Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum membership level. We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to reach that level sooner through our Platinum level challenge.
If, within the next 90 days of accepting the status challenge, you have posted to your account 15 eligible nights, this would be in addition to any eligible nights that are currently posted to your account, we will be more than happy to upgrade your member status to Platinum once the nights have posted to your account. If this is agreeable to you, please let me know at your earliest convenience so that I may properly document your account."
Very easy! I thought I misread it when it said 15 eligible nights instead of stays but this should be completed within two months for me.
So no... I do not believe it is an April Fool's joke.
This is the response I received.
"Dear Mr. QSYH,
Thank you for your interest in our Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum membership level. We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to reach that level sooner through our Platinum level challenge.
If, within the next 90 days of accepting the status challenge, you have posted to your account 15 eligible nights, this would be in addition to any eligible nights that are currently posted to your account, we will be more than happy to upgrade your member status to Platinum once the nights have posted to your account. If this is agreeable to you, please let me know at your earliest convenience so that I may properly document your account."
Very easy! I thought I misread it when it said 15 eligible nights instead of stays but this should be completed within two months for me.
So no... I do not believe it is an April Fool's joke.
Apr 1, 2011, 5:31 pm
#39
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 99
I for one took advantage of a status match I'd been holding off on. Thanks for the head's up!
Apr 1, 2011, 5:38 pm
#40
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 186
It doesn't state. I copied and paste the whole email with the exception of the person who responded and the legal stuff about the email itself.
I assume one year. I did send a question regarding it though. Seeing how it's the weekend, it might take a bit for them to respond.
Regardless, you do have to contact them and respond to the offer they give me. It may vary from person to person?
Mine still shows the original status and I contacted them yesterday. Hopefully mrpickles was just playing a joke or rather I hope they just apply platinum while I meet the requirements though I doubt it since the offer I was provided states platinum would update once I meet the eligible nights.
I assume one year. I did send a question regarding it though. Seeing how it's the weekend, it might take a bit for them to respond.
Regardless, you do have to contact them and respond to the offer they give me. It may vary from person to person?
Mine still shows the original status and I contacted them yesterday. Hopefully mrpickles was just playing a joke or rather I hope they just apply platinum while I meet the requirements though I doubt it since the offer I was provided states platinum would update once I meet the eligible nights.
Apr 1, 2011, 7:47 pm
#41
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 99
I have done a status match before and understand that is a once in a lifetime chance. But am I eligible for this challenge ?
Apr 1, 2011, 8:45 pm
#42
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
Got the same.
Will take me 83 days.
Will take me 83 days.
I contacted them and received a very quick response which I appreciate. I just thought my first few posts on Flyertalk should be beneficial rather than asking for help since I have been lurking on these forums for a couple of years and just benefited from that. Thought it was finally time to contribute! =]
This is the response I received.
"Dear Mr. QSYH,
Thank you for your interest in our Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum membership level. We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to reach that level sooner through our Platinum level challenge.
If, within the next 90 days of accepting the status challenge, you have posted to your account 15 eligible nights, this would be in addition to any eligible nights that are currently posted to your account, we will be more than happy to upgrade your member status to Platinum once the nights have posted to your account. If this is agreeable to you, please let me know at your earliest convenience so that I may properly document your account."
Very easy! I thought I misread it when it said 15 eligible nights instead of stays but this should be completed within two months for me.
So no... I do not believe it is an April Fool's joke.
This is the response I received.
"Dear Mr. QSYH,
Thank you for your interest in our Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Platinum membership level. We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to reach that level sooner through our Platinum level challenge.
If, within the next 90 days of accepting the status challenge, you have posted to your account 15 eligible nights, this would be in addition to any eligible nights that are currently posted to your account, we will be more than happy to upgrade your member status to Platinum once the nights have posted to your account. If this is agreeable to you, please let me know at your earliest convenience so that I may properly document your account."
Very easy! I thought I misread it when it said 15 eligible nights instead of stays but this should be completed within two months for me.
So no... I do not believe it is an April Fool's joke.
Last edited by Gamecock; Apr 1, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Apr 2, 2011, 12:10 am
#43
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: UAL 1MM, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, AA 3MM
Posts: 831
No joke here. Went from Gold to Platinum 10 minuted after applying be email and following the instructons.
Apr 2, 2011, 12:34 am
#44
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: UAL 1MM, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, AA 3MM
Posts: 831
To: mrpickles
Platinum Preferred Guest Number: *******7494
Dear mrpickles,
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to send in your Diamond level credentials with Hilton HHonors. We are excited to hear that you have considered making Starwood Hotels and Resorts the place for making your dreams come true.
As you are already an elite member with Hilton HHonors, we recognize your extensive travel needs. It is our pleasure to make a one time complimentary upgrade to our Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Preferred Level for the remainder of 2011. In addition to the great benefits of our Platinum Preferred Guest Level, we simply ask that you maintain 25 eligible stays or 50 eligible nights each year. This minimum requirement is based upon a calendar year, January 1 through December 31.
To get you started on the road to great travel experiences at our wonderful hotels and resorts, we have submitted the request to have your Platinum Preferred Guest card sent to you. You can anticipate receiving your card in approximately six to eight weeks. In the meantime, you may print a copy of your temporary card from the Starwood Preferred Guest Website.
If you need assistance with setting up that special occasion, business trip or weekend getaway, we have a Platinum Concierge Agents available to assist you in that effort. You can reach us several ways, in the United States and Canada you can reach us by telephone at 1-888-625-4991. For all other countries, you can visit our website for the phone number of the office nearest you, or you can contact us by email at [email protected].
When you have a free moment, please take a minute to visit either www.spgpromos.com, where you can learn what new promotions we are offering that will enhance your enjoyment of the Starwood Preferred Guest program, or www.spgflights.com, where you can learn about a unique benefit available only to Starwood Preferred Guests.
Thank you for allowing us to make your stay as memorable as possible. If there is anything else we can do to make your visit extra enjoyable, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Best Regards,
XXX YYYYY
Platinum Concierge Liaison
Starwood Preferred Guest
Last edited by AZ Travels the World; Apr 2, 2011 at 5:40 pm Reason: Remove SPG employee name, a violation of FT rules
Apr 2, 2011, 4:39 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: SPG*P, AA*1MM, UA*1P, Hilton*D, Hyatt*D, Sixt*P, Hertz*P, Avis*F, Delta*G
Posts: 242
As you are already an elite member with Hyatt Gold Passport, we recognize your extensive travel needs. It is our pleasure to make a one time complimentary upgrade to our Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Preferred Level for the remainder of 2011 and for the entire year of 2012.