United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - Timing is everything - 2 Questions

I've read that mileage programs are for a calendar year, but I've also seen info stating that UA starts their "year" in February. I've searched this site as well as United's site, but can't find information I'm looking for. Can someone help clarify? I'd hate to get a running/flying start on miles a month too early.

Also, on red eye flights, when do miles get posted? On the departure day or on the arrival day? For example, if one were to fly out on Dec 31st and arrive on Jan 1, would the miles count for Dec or Jan?

...and yes, the two questions are related. :)
Thanks.

Earning is by calendar year, 1 Jan-31 Dec. Status expires on 31 Jan. If your flight departs on 31 Dec and arrives on 1 Jan, the miles are credited to the old year's balance.

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you sooo much! :D

Was looking at BWI-CLE-SEA-DEN-BWI for ~340 on 1/1.
I'm not good at figuring cpm, yet, but...

1/31 is in the 2013 qualification year.

1/31 is in the 2013 qualification year.

Not trying to hijack but didn't pmUA hold status over until the end of February?

Actually, for status earned by flying through December 31, 2011, the earned status expired on March 2nd, 2012, only two months and two days later.

Sorry guys. A 3 got in there accidentally. I was looking for a Jan. 1 run. I'm not sure I can do it - time constraints, but... I'll try posting possible run in appropriate forum.

Actually, for status earned by flying through December 31, 2011, the earned status expired on March 2nd, 2012, only two months and two days later.that is incorrect
For status fully earned in 2011, that will not expire until Jan 31, 2013, if not re-earned in 2012.
One exception, the special case of challenged earned status has different rules stated in the challenge.

Not trying to hijack but didn't pmUA hold status over until the end of February?

It used to, but changed back to Jan 31 a few years ago.

that is incorrect
For status fully earned in 2011, that will not expire until Jan 31, 2013, if not re-earned in 2012.
One exception, the special case of challenged earned status has different rules stated in the challenge.

Oops, I should have been more precise. The benefits expected by those that earned status in 2011 ceased to be offered after March 2nd 2012.

Oops, I should have been more precise. The benefits expected by those that earned status in 2011 ceased to be offered after March 2nd 2012.

Really? I earned status in 2011, and all of my benefits seem to have continued beyond March 2nd 2012...

Oops, I should have been more precise. The benefits expected by those that earned status in 2011 ceased to be offered after March 2nd 2012.that is still incorrect

Status earned in 2010, was good for all of 2011 and was extended until 3/3/2012.
Status earned in 2011, is still good to 1/31/2013.