lonman, I think you're on to something.

From the bottom of the United benefits page ...


NOTES: Stop Overs: Not permitted
Connections: Two permitted each way
Journeys: Round-trip, one Open-Jaw is permitted. Only applies in flights serial number 0001 to 2999. All awards must be round-trip on United routes exclusively.
All benefits that the point of origin is in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe or Latin America require two benefits, the first benefit is From/To United States and the second benefit is to the point of destination.

[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 09-13-2000).]