Choice Privileges has made some changes to its elite program, including reducing the number of nights required to qualify for the mid-tier Platinum level. Members only need to stay 20 nights instead of the 25 nights previously required to qualify for Platinum. Gold and Diamond elite level thresholds remain unchanged at 10 and 40 nights, respectively.

The booking window for making award reservations has also been changed and elite members can now book award nights further in advance. Gold members now have 50 days to book (from 40 days), Platinum members have 75 days (from 60 days) and Diamond members have 100 days (from 90 days). Diamond members also receive a 50 percent elite bonus, which is a 10 percent increase from the 40 percent offered in the past.

Bottom line: Every single change made to the Choice Privileges elite program in 2011 is positive for members. While the changes aren’t drastic, additional bonus points for Diamond and being able to make award reservations earlier are welcome changes.