When to activate HHonors Platinum (I'm currently HH Gold)?

[SBD]

Hello,

I've read a bit about this before, but I want to double check.

I've been VA Gold, and HHonors Gold as a result, for several years. Great perks; consistent room upgrates all over the United States back in January, for example.

I'm now VA Platinum, and I want to activate my higher HHonors Diamond level.

My current HH Gold card says it expires in March 2014.

Is there any advantage/disadvantage to upping the HHonors level to Diamond now, or any advantage/disadvantage to delaying it?

How long does it take to register a Gold-to-Diamond switch in the system, anyway?

I have a room booked at the Sydney Hilton in the first few days of May, and would really like a better chance of an upgraded room...

I'm grateful for your advice and opinions.

Thanks and regards,

SBD

 

[tuapekastar]

I would think now would be the time to do it. You may, based on other user reports, get Diamond until 3/2015. Seems activating the the VA match post-March 31 will get you the matched status until end March ~2 years hence.

 

[serfty]

Activating it any time in one year gives the status for the rest of that year, the next year and until end of March the following year (subject to meeting the 4 stays in 6 months criteria).

Generally one would look to only look delay activating this until after March 31st only when your status drops in April - thereby ensuring nearly two years of status.