Where did you get that OP is a UA elite?[/QUOTE]
I'm not any more, just a lowly member, I was 1K for many years but recently haven't been flying united as much. Post merger I seemed to lose out on most upgrades and didn't see the point in retaining loyalty.
Since most of my long hauls (and I only do 1 or 2 a year now) are SAN-LHR I've been using the BA direct flight rather than fly UA and have to make a connection. It reduces the travel time so much.
For any domestic flying I do I just find the cheapest and most convenient F class fare with any airline and fly that.