I made Elite this past year (instant recog in March) after 2 trips YYZ-EZE and one MR to EZE. All this was personal Spend - Just over $2,000 because of AC Specials. Then I had some Business flights to Halifax and Sask. Then a Fall Vacation to Eurpoe put me over 45K - and I got 2 more System Wide Upgrades... Going to Europe I was able to upgrade myself and fellow traveller as well.

I travelled up front for all my summer trips - because of the Certificate special.
Not sure about this year. I might have to make a MR in the late Fall!!!