This is my first year as a 1K. I've gotten all of the upgrades I've asked for, with one exception. A woman came and purchased the last 1st class seat on a flt from LAX to ORD, when I was the #1 person in line for that 1st class seat (returning from SYD...all other segments on this entire trip were upgraded). Otherwise, I've ridden up front just about everywhere I've gone. I have just over 72k miles so far this year, and will certainly maintain 1k again. I'm going to try my best to keep this status for as long as I possibly can. I'm doing a mileage run on the latest ORD-LGA triple EQMs offer, so that will add over 4k to my total (for only $204).

I also fly to BKK from ORD at least 3-4 times per year. I've gotten my upgrades from econ+ to biz with SWUs everytime! In January, I got the first of two BKK-NRT upgrades remaining, at the gate, where they asked me to wait before boarding the flt... glad I waited. Being a 1k puts me at or near the top of the upgrade list. Better than 1P.

I have about 420k ff miles, some of which I will for sure use in July for a last-minute booked ORD-BKK trip. If you have flexibility in your travels, you can get a one-way saver award 1st class ticket about a week to 10 days out!!! I did not think it was possible, but I've been watching. July is very busy ORD-BKK, and prices are outrageous, but maybe, just maybe, I'll get a saver seat in 1st class. Otherwise, I'll splurge and buy a standard one way ticket in first class, if I can't get the saver at the last minute, and hope that I can get the saver seat on my return. I have a window of about 3-4 days for departure and another 3-4 day window for my return in early August.