That's helpful, thank you. So I can pretty much expect not to get upgrades on my flights to Africa. Even if there are empty seats in the better classes.

Is there a way to tell if United has a Star Alliance club in Accra? I know Delta has one there as I have been in it.

Finally, how long do the perks last once reached? End of that calendar year or full year from that date? And once you reach the next level does it start over again?