I bought some 500 mile upgrades earlier this year, and have four in my account. United online says they expire in January of 2011. Calling into United tells me they don't expire.

I have a United flight in Asia this year but apparently they cannot be used for upgrading this flight.

I believe that when purchased these could be used on any route, and the policy changed afterward... I am not a frequent United passenger so I may be wrong on this, can someone set me straight?

Also, it looks like my only option for these is to try to get myself on a North American United flight (I am in Canada) before the end of January 2011. If there are any other options I have (refunds, gifting, upgrading someone else, converting to some other United product) that I'm not aware of, I'd be happy to be enlightened.

Thanks in advance!