You can get free Platinum Status in Hyatt Gold Passport for 120 days when you sign up for the program for the first time or call to request it as a current member by Sept. 15, 2009. You can also take advantage of a fast track to further elite: five qualifying Hyatt nights within the promotional period will retain Platinum and 15 nights will get you Diamond status through February 2011. Platinum membership offers 15 percent point bonus, complimentary Internet access, best room available, guaranteed bed type and an exclusive check-in area. Platinum status is usually attained when staying 15 nights or five stays; Diamond, 50 nights or 25 stays.

If you are a current Gold Passport member, call Gold Passport customer service at (800) 228-3360 to get your trial Platinum status. If you are enrolling in the Hyatt Gold Passport for the first time, visit http://www.goldpassport.com/trialoffer

Bottom line: Over at boardingarea.com, Lucky from One Mile at a Time points out that it might pay to wait until near the end of the promotion to sign up so your free 120-day Platinum membership might coincide with Hyatt’s Faster Free Nights promotion where you can earn a free night for every two nights that you stay. Says Lucky, “…and if you decide to ‘mattress run’ for Faster Free Nights you might be able to get Diamond status and 7-8 free nights at top tier hotels for under $1,500.”

Don’t forget you can earn 2,500 bonus points per Hyatt stay when you pay with a MasterCard through Sept. 15, 2009. Register at http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?1682