This is a superb thread.

Patron & Kawoh, I'd like to suggest this is "stickied", as I for one will certainly be using it every time I book when choosing between different * carriers on the same route.

Kiwi Flyer:

bmi you might like to clarify that the "miles plus cash" award option does not earn any miles on the cash element of the fare...

UA operational upgrades: I have a lot of success with these on transatlantic routes. Pick a flight that you think will be full (first flight out UK-US, last flight out US-UK, weekend fligths etc). Op-ups are normally processed in order of status. As most 1Ks have already upgraded through other means (and quite a few 1Ps too), 1Ps and *Gs are top of the pile. I'm *G (not UA) and of my last 5 xatlantic flights, 2 have been upgraded with SWUs, 1 as bump compensation (but would have got an op-up if I'd not volunteered) and 2 have been op-up (ex LHR ready for me at check-in, at EWR paged in RCC).