I've got no experience in redeeeming awards on TWA, but I can give you firsthand information on comping a elite level.

Last year I qualified for Elite and requested a comp to Platinum or Elite 1. With my request was a copy of my current CO Onepass statement (Platinum), Southwest statement showing ten or fifteeen flights from St. Louis and a letter explaining my travel habits.

I was denied despite repeated requests and updates on my travel to and from St. Louis that didn't include TWA. In their response letters, they repeatedly pointed out that I had achieved Elite, and that Aviators had a very generous upgrade policy.

From other posts it appears that liberal upgrade policy is changing. It also looks like yuo could be an Elite member by renting a car from Avis and taking a couple of flights. Oh well.