Thanks. Yes, I meant Denver. I'm now based in Houston. I have no status and few (in my book = < 100k) miles on airlines other than AA, where I am lifetime Plat.

So while I can take AA for free for a long time, some trips don't make sense since I have to go through Dallas. The trip I want to make from Houston to Denver is pricing at around $160. I am spolied from AA, having about 90% of my domestic flights upgraded to First.

Not sure I see any downside to upgrading (comp'ing) to United with my AA Plat. I understand it will not help me with getting into First, though.