(1) If your status remained the same from 2014 to 2015 or changed on Feb, 1. 2015 (the status changeover date). (What is your status?)

2014 - 1K
2015 - Gold


(2) What were the reasons your status changed, or remained the same on Feb. 1 ?... please expound in some detail FOR THE MOST RELEVANT TOP REASONS FOR YOU......

I did the AA challenge in fall 2013 (30k to get ExPlat) and transferred all of my travel to them. I found the value proposition was better for someone who travels primary with my own $, and has very tight business travel budget. I was 1K for 2013/14 and found the GPUs to be most valuable - Used them for travel to NRT, HKG, LHR, MUC and others. I thought the upcharge to a W was reasonable, as I specifically booked flights with R space to clear at booking. When I met the AA ExPlat challenge, I was able to upgrade any fare and saw the light - $750 fares to Asia were game for an SWU on AA, where a W on UA would be close to $1500. This paired with the change to a revenue system did it for me.


(3) Did you have any particular difficulties in maintaining or increasing your 2014 status for 2015?

Not really, I had around $3300 PQD and have Gold because of my Chase CC. I ended with 63k PQM and could have easily attained Plat if I wanted. I only have Gold because I booked a trip to DXB and many to various EU cities on the Widenroe deal.