I just want to confirm - will an award flight count towards the activation flight needed to start the challenge? I don't see it mentioned in points 4-9 in the T&C section under "activation criteria" but do see it listed in point #10, just want to make sure before I book an ORD-BOS flight with miles to activate the challenge.

On a separate note, it seems by reading this thread that lounge access during the challenge is a crapshoot. I am flying ORD-EWR-JNB,WDH-FRA-ORD in Feb. Booked via a travel agent, on 016 stock. All on UA except WDH-FRA is on 4Y but booked as LH flight #. Is it my understanding correct that as a UA Plat:

UC @ ORD: yes
UC @ EWR: yes
Lounge in WDH: no(?)
Lounge in FRA: yes(?)

Thank you all for helping a UA newbie out