I just picked up a new consulting gig with a client in Chicago. I have no status on OAs. I am torn as to what I should do. DL service BOS-ORD is via CVG. AA and UA have frequent nonstops. My flight activity will likely be weekly to ORD through Feb or so.

Should I connect on DL? Price is same (outlandish ~$1500+ for full fare Y - at least DL is giving bonus these days!) as for OA nonstops. I would be giving up faster commute for first class upgrades, CRC, bonus miles, etc. Plus, my post New Year's segments will qualify for '03 status (I don't need more base miles during '01). However, the nonstops and frequent schedules on OAs are convenient. Plus, can't I use RCC on UA with a same day ticket with my CRC membership?

If I split my allegiances, I am not likely to gain PM on DL next year. I could probably snag mid-tier on two airlines. I have no activity YTD on AA and only ~4K miles on UA. Is mid-tier on two airlines better or worse than top tier on one?

What to do, what to do? Any suggestions? If I should split allegiances, which airline is suggested? Obviously, I would look for a status comp to kick things off. Would they give me top-tier, or mid? I guess with AA I'd need to undertake a challenge. What a nuisance.

Finally, and I know this has been discussed on occasion: What are int'l upgrade rules for mid-tiers on UA and AA? Are there certificates? Or just miles? Restricted fare classes?

By the way, I was perusing their websites, and it struck me that 4 500-mile upgrades per 10K miles flown is pretty cheap.