I'm looking for some help from more experienced members to maximize my points.

I have a trip from LA to DC at the end of the month.

A non-stop from LAX to IAD on United costs $400. I have 21k Continental miles, 0 United miles. I have 80K Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) points, and my wife has 11k Chase Ultimate Reward points.

I see several options:

1. Pay cash

2. Use wife's 11k points, book through UR and pay the difference, around $230

3. Use my points and book through UR, around 32k points

4. Transfer my CO points to United, transfer 4k UR points and get a domestic flight award.

5. Transfer 25k UR points to United and get a domestic flight award.

It seems as if options 4 and 5 are comparable and thats what I'm leaning towards. Am I maximizing my points/miles? I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you have.

ps. I'm hoping to save up points / miles to be able to use for international first class travel late this year/early next year.