A frequent traveller can sign up for a status challenge if they so choose. These challenges are an expedited way to earn a full array of travel perks without doing all the usual work. You just have to be careful for a few weeks or months to prove yourself.
If you successfully complete an elite status challenge with an airline or hotel, you can make up to a year of difference in how long you get to retain it. You can start in one week, then start again, then start again, then start again, then start again.
Is it a calendar year or a rolling year?
Most loyalty programs operate on a calendar year basis, with the same window to achieve status for everyone. Some loyalty programs use a rolling year, where your time frame to qualify for status is personal, and based on when you joined the program.
British Airways and Emirates are the only exceptions, so if you are challenging with either of them, assume things will work on a calendar year ending December 31st.
Don't let a challenge go to waste.
The most important thing is completing the challenge successfully, but we will get into the precise timing of when to do it. When you have a window of frequent travel, try to always take on a challenge.
Why? Most programs limit the number of times you can take up a status match or challenge to once every five years or for some, even just per lifetime. If you take it up at a time which will give you shorter validity, don't waste it. Something is better than nothing.
If you are looking for information on elite status challenges you can take up, Status Matcher.com is a great place to start. Statusmatch.com is quickly becoming an industry leader for creating matches.
The best time to start elite status challenges is after July 1st.
It is best to start an elite status challenge with a hotel or airline after July 1st. When you aim for the second half of the year, you can keep the status for the rest of the year, but also the entire year. If you complete a status challenge before then, you will only enjoy it for the rest of the year.
It is a lot nicer to enjoy a year and a half of elite travel benefits than it is to just start at the wrong time. It is the way to go if you can make a status challenge after July 1st.
There are a few current and recent status challenges you can take to get your year started off right. Wait until July to start one.
