<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Brian-AAFlyer:
The single biggest advantage here is the concept of a 50% bonus for First.. well AA has been doing this for years..</font>
I think you missed one very important part of the new UA deal.
class-of-service bonus miles and segments will count toward elite status. The 50% bonus miles members enjoy when flying in United FirstŪ and the 25% bonus miles in United BusinessŪ will be added to their 2004 Elite Qualifying Miles balance.