I see. Another questions please. If I have enough UA miles for 3 economy/saver award tickets can I buy the 4th one from UA for full economy price and still have all 4 travel together as one/same itinerary/reservation so we don't get split up? If yes, is this some thing I can handle with the UA/*A agent(s) using the HUACA method
(see I am learning some lingo too).
Also, an expert had mentioned being able to use the US miles for upgrades even though not flying US on a *A itinerary, or is it my misunderstanding?