Strongly disagree with wn recommendation. Unlike wn all majors will allow you standby or confirm same day flts free of charge so you can book tix on sale and then fly as needed depending on your schedule. Companion pass is of little value if you and spouse live in diffent cities. You ll have to line up in weird lines to board without any lounges if you get to airport early.

Between aa and ua there are pros and cons - aa has option of redeeming avios to keep costs down while ua has more flights.. aa program is better at least for now...

I did this for 2 years myself...