Quick Note on UA:
United's policy on upgrading has always been if you get a COMP before July you get it until March of the following year. If it is July or After... you get it for that year, the next year and expires March of the following year.
AA did not comp me based on 1K.. they gave me a platinum challenge.. no problem.. one RT flight on CX.. got me platinum. they do it with qualify points.. 5000 for Gold Challenge, 10000 for Platinum challenge, ANYONE CAN GET THE CHALLENGE.. you basically have 90 days to do it....