Who: President and part owner of manufacturing company with branches in Dubai and Russia, also own company in Ukraine.
When: Made 1K on 12/16 IAD-ORD have been 1K for 6 years. Don't plan on it this year and didn't care. Buy Y domestic, but business over 6 hours from my company. Have flown AA, but routes not great, flying more with best seats and route. EY, EK, QR, SQ have been my preference this year.
How: About 85% work all paid C internationally or Y domestic, 15% for family vacations domestic.
Where: Based in ORD. This year: DXB, ODS, KBP, FRA, DEL, BLR, COK, CMB, AUH, DOH, SIN, EWR, IAD, DCA, SFO, ICN, LHR, BGW, AMM, AQJ, SAN, LAX, IAH, SAT, EBL, NRT, GSP, AUS, and probably some others I forgot.
Why: I have to for work. I used to love it, and part of me does, but I miss my family, and long haul flights for one or two days then back take a toll I do not like. The big plus is only time is when I can have total piece of mind, no emails, phone, kids, wife, dog, etc. Status helps, but could care less and less with UA since 3/3.
What: Have one trip booked in 2013 on UA and 3 paid C international on other airlines. Doubt I will make it, but didn't think I would come close. As MM don't really care that much until I see things change. I gave away all my GPUs, so not sure purpose of 1K other than irregular ops. If wasn't ORD based would be non issue or if AA had routes or better partners to places I go, then would switch in a minute! Loved the times I flew with them this year.