Thanks to everyone who replied. ESpen36/SocietyFlyGirl -- thanks for explaining the upgrade game -- for some reason I was mistaken. I thought I would still be able to get first class upgrades for free (as US Airways offers). I don't know why, but I had believed I read AA did that as well. I will make sure to use my upgrades if I really want First Class then in the future and apply for them upon buying my tix.

Pedler -- I will PM you with some more questions if you don't mind as it sounds like you've been in my position before.

Any other advice out there from DC based folks? Thanks in advance!